More FDT - Field Device Tool
The FDT concept makes it possible to configure, parameterize, diagnose and manage intelligent field devices with a single engineering tool regardless of the fieldbus or manufacturer.
Through defined interfaces and user environments, devices are uniformly integrated and parameterized independently of their type, manufacturer or underlying fieldbus protocol. The central component of the FDT concept is the Device Type Manager (DTM), which is provided by a vendor together with the device.
The DTM knows all device characteristics and contains all user dialogs necessary to configure and manage the device. User do not have to bother with device-specific information. Configuration and diagnosis of different types of devices can be performed in a uniform way.
Serving as so-called FDT frame applications, the engineering tools contain the DTMs of all devices in a plant. The engineering tool accesses the information and functionality of DTMs through defined FDT interfaces. Access to parameters and data on the field devices is through communication DTMs (CommDTMs).
A CommDTM is the configuration and management tool of a communication module. It provides any type of device DTMs with a communication channel for exchanging data with the devices. The specific properties of a fieldbus (e.g. PROFIBUS, HART or FOUNDATION Fieldbus) or of the communication module are encapsulated in the CommDTM's FDT interface.
- FDT is an international de facto standard
- It is established around the world with thousands of installations
- It enables the uniform parameterization and operation of devices from various manufacturers
- Centralized engineering with just one tool
- Uniform operation independent of device type, vendor or communications connection
- It is organized through the FDT Group