Introduction
Device Integration technologies not only simplify field device configuration, calibration, diagnosis, and maintenance but also facilitates the communication between other systems up the value chain. The two top device integration standards in the industrial automation space are FDI (Field Device Integration) and FDT/DTM™ (Field Device Tool/Device Type Manager). Also, EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) or it’s precursor DD (Device Description) deserve a special mention.
FDI
FDI is recognized internationally for device and systems integration. With the help of FDI, devices that come with thousands of files for addressing system configurations can be replaced by a single file for providing data/ process values to the systems up the value chain.
FDT/DTM
FDT/DTM standardises the communication interfaces between systems and field devices. Installing and operating an intelligent field device as well as communicating with the device becomes easy with the DTMs. It is supported by more than 60 field device and control systems suppliers, and over 1300 certified DTMs available now are compatible with existing automation equipment.
EDDL
EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) significantly adds to the DD (Device Description) language through improved file storage and access, better graphics support, Math library support and extended support for windows, parameter groups, tabs and more.
Why Device Integration is required for Industries?
In the pre-device integration era, industries operating large factories had to tackle the challenge of managing the thousands of devices in their plants. Factory personnel had to often travel several kilometres to manage temperature, pressure, level controls and other components of the devices while braving adverse weather conditions. The fact that each device significantly differed in terms of their operation created extra hurdles. The biggest setback was the fact that qualified personnel had to be on location to configure, parameterize, understand errors, or derive information from each of the devices.
At the start of the new millennium, end users began to demand for a universal and interoperable device integration model that can comprehensively describe and manage automation components. To address this need, top process industry foundations namely FieldComm Group, PROFIBUS International, and the OPC Foundation jointly developed the device integration solutions. The project was supported by major supplier companies including Siemens, Schneider, ABB, Endress+Hauser, Emerson Process Management, Honeywell, and Yokogawa.
Thanks to device integration solutions and technologies, industries no longer have to worry about managing devices or how the different device interfaces will connect and communicate. With device integration technologies, plants can now take control of their devices from the comfort of a control room and conveniently receive centralized access to all device data. These technologies help protect your investment and help reduce costs through effective operation and management of simple to complex devices.
Device Integration Solutions Provided by Utthunga
Utthunga is one of India’s leading device integration solutions providers with decades of experience in the field. We have provided 500+ device integration solutions to device and control systems suppliers, across industries and verticals.
EDDL Offerings
- EDD Development (HART, FF, ISA100, PROFINET and PROFIBUS)
- Legacy DD conversion & Maintenance
- DD to FDI Migration
- EDDL Certification, Workshop & Consultation
FDT/DTM Offerings
- FDT/DTM Host Consultation & Development
- FDT Test & Certification Support
- Device DTM, Communication DTM & Gateway DTM
- Migration of DTM to FDI UIP
- FITS (FDT 3.0) Consultation Support
- OPC support for FDT Host
- Automation Test Framework for FDT components
- Mobile Based Development and Support
FDI Offerings
- FDI Android/Linux CHC SDK
- FDI Host/Asset Management
- FDI Communication Server Development
- FDI Package Development & Maintenance
- FDI UIP Development
- FDI Certification, Workshop & Consultation
Automation Host Systems
- Industrial Control System – Controller, IO Modules, HMI Development.
- Protocol support for Control systems – HART, FF, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, PROFINET, etc.
- DD/FDT/FDI Host Support for HART, FF, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, proprietary protocols.
- Handheld host, configurator, calibrator support.
Why Choose Utthunga for Device Integration Solutions?
At Utthunga we understand the challenges that end users, control system manufacturers, and device manufacturers face and we offer innovative device integration services that cover all the aspects of device integration, configuration, and engineering.
We offer comprehensive consulting and provide you with state-of-the-art tools and services required to develop your device integration solutions that addresses your unique needs to bring products to market faster, with higher quality and stronger security.
Device integration technologies like EDDL, DTM and FDI allow consistent parametrization, configuration, commissioning, calibration, diagnosis, and maintenance of field devices. Although, most of the functionalities offered by these standards overlap, still the vendors are recommended to invest in all of these technologies to support various FDT/DD/FDI Hosts. Utthunga address this problem for device vendors by offering a comprehensive, robust and cost-effective conversion tools called uFDI-DTM and uDD-DTM.
The tools take DD/FDI Device Package as input and convert into FDT 1.2/2.0 Device DTM.
FAQs
1. Which Device integration tool are you using?
We offer uFDI-DTM and uDD-DTM conversion tools that are comprehensive, robust and cost-effective. These tools take DD/FDI Device Package as input and convert into FDT 1.2/2.0 Device DTM.
2. Is there any technical support you provide for device integration?
Our technologies team actively monitor and respond to all your questions. You can view the dedicated support contact information assigned to you by logging in to your account and navigating to the support portal.
3. How does FDI work?
The primary feature of the FDI architecture is the Device Package which can be compared to a filing cabinet for the device. The cabinets will have folders and files that are used by the system to talk to the device. The FDI Device Package will have a device description that will not only provide parameter definitions, and structure for the parameters to perform context-specific views but also automated work processes for device procedures.
The FDI device packages may also contain:
- User interface plug-ins,
- Software components that support advanced device setup,
- Diagnostic functions,
- Product manuals,
- Documentation,
- Images,
- Electronic certifications.
4. How can my company benefit from device integration?
Fieldbus Foundation, HART and Profibus protocols are an integral part of the device integration and can efficiently integrate today’s intelligent field devices used in the process industries. In today’s day and age when a storm of data is created, effective Device Integration is crucial for proper information management.