Field Device Integration (FDI)
FDI is a new technology standardised in IEC 62769, which was developed jointly by manufacturers and foundations in process and automation technology for the simple and uniform integration of field devices into different host systems.
In the past, device integration was a challenge: end users and device manufacturers faced the same annoying problem: host systems from different manufacturers require different device drivers, e.g. DDs or DTMs; this results in additional effort for the end user to find the right driver for a specific device, additional effort for the device manufacturer to develop, test and maintain device drivers for different host systems and - finally - additional effort for the host manufacturer to test the host-specific DDs or DTMs in its systems. This situation means that end users very often do not integrate intelligent devices and therefore do not benefit from the additional information that these devices provide.
Field Device Integration - FDI - provides a remedy: FDI describes a device with a file called FDI Device Package that simplifies the use of the device from engineering and commissioning through to operation and maintenance.
FDI has been developed for use in various industrial communication technologies. A range of products and services that support that support device manufacturers can be obtained from the standardization organization PI, among others:
- FDI IDE (integrated development and test environment for FDI Device Packages),
- FDI Common Host Components (for the development of interoperable FDI hosts) and
- Certification of FDI Device Packages and FDI Hosts
PROFINET is one of the central communication standards for industrial automation systems in which FDI can be used. By integrating FDI into PROFINET-based systems, field devices can be seamlessly integrated, configured and monitored.
The combination of FDI and PROFINET offers the following advantages:
- Seamless device integration: FDI standardizes the way devices are integrated into PROFINET networks, which improves compatibility and interoperability between different devices and manufacturers.
- Standardized device management: In a PROFINET system, field devices can be managed efficiently with FDI, regardless of the manufacturer or the specific function of the device. All necessary device information is contained in an FDI Device Package.
- Simplified diagnostics and maintenance: With FDI, device information can be displayed and managed centrally, which greatly simplifies the diagnostics and maintenance of PROFINET devices and networks.
In summary, FDI offers a standardized, scalable solution for the integration and management of field devices in automation systems. It facilitates the configuration, commissioning and maintenance of field devices and at the same time ensures greater interoperability and efficiency in PROFINET systems.
A coordinated portfolio of tools and components is available to support the development and integration of FDI. These tools support device manufacturers and host providers throughout the entire lifecycle, from creation and testing to seamless integration into automation systems.
Development with the FDI Package IDE
The FDI Package IDE is the central environment for developing FDI Device Packages for various communication technologies, including PROFIBUS, PROFINET, HART, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus. The IDE provides a consistent, unified workflow for creating device descriptions (EDDs), user interfaces (UIs), and documentation.
Additionally, the IDE supports converting existing EDD files and offers comprehensive testing and debugging functions. Integrated verification mechanisms ensure the conformance of Device Packages and validate quality early on.
Test, Runtime, and Host Components
An integrated reference runtime environment allows you to test and validate device packages during development. Supplementary test tools automatically verify compliance with the FDI specification.
Standardized FDI host components, including the EDD engine, UI engine, and PA-DIM server, ensure consistent execution and presentation of device packages across different host systems. This provides a consistent user experience and significantly reduces integration effort.
Seamless Integration
FDI tools and components form a consistent, standardized toolchain. Device packages can be used with various FDI hosts without modification, ensuring interoperability and reducing development and integration costs.
Availability and further information
The FDI tools are available through the PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO). For orders and inquiries, please email info(at)profibus(dot)com.
Further information on FDI and the available development tools can be found on the FieldComm Group website:
https://www.fieldcommgroup.org/technologies/field-device-integration/
https://www.fieldcommgroup.org/technologies/field-device-integration/fdi-development-tools
FDI-Package Signing
The PNO has set up a certification body to enable all device manufacturers to sign and certify verified FDI packages.
Click the button for more information.