| FDT/DTM Is A Historic Opportunity |
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The standardisation of the 4-20mA interface in the eighties was the first steps towards the standardisation of instrumentation and control signals. |
The nineties were characterised by digital communication, and in the early nineties HART established itself for digital communication on the 4-20mA current loop, whilst the first approaches were worked out towards the interoperability of exclusively digital field devices. From this, FF and Profibus-PA were developed.
However, all developed solutions are operated by means of specific software tools. The present decade now faces the task of defining a higher-level software interface that enables a wide range of devices to be accessed from one tool via any communication mechanism.
Many of the software tools used today are island solutions without any claim to standardisation. Maintenance and repair personnel are constantly required to become familiar with different programs. Added to this is the incompatibility between programs and the consideration of the necessary operating systems. Despite all this, the PC/laptop has established itself for use as a configuration and diagnostics tool in many areas of automation.
The JIG
Already at the end of the nineties, the ZVEI had developed the idea of defining an open and manufacturerindependent software interface. This resulted in the FDT specification which was worked out by the Profibus User Organisation (PNO). However, in order to meet all the requirements of current communication structures, the working group moved from the PNO to form the Joint Interest Group (JIG).
The objectives of this group is to maintain and further the specification. The FDT/DTM technology and JIG are Thirty-four manufacturers from process and factory automation have come together to form the FDT Joint lnterest Group...
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