The Field Device Integration (FDI) project to develop a universal solution for device integration which is fully compatible with both EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) and FDT/DTM (Field Device Tool/Device Type Manager) has completed the use cases and defined the requirements, according to PNO, the Profibus User Organization. Validation of the use cases was made in close consultation with the process industry automation technology interest group NAMUR, the WIB instrument users association and the German motor manufacturers automation group AIDA. The project has now moved on to the development of the architecture and technical specifications, with a first draft of the specifications due for completion by December 2008, and the final technical specifications scheduled for release by the end of 2009.
Wireless cooperation
Meanwhile PNO is also cooperating with the Fieldbus Foundation and the HART Communication Foundation in the Wireless Cooperation Team (WCT), which is aiming to establish a common open standard for wireless technologies. It has already agreed to use WirelessHART for process automation and, as a first stage, is developing the specifications for gateways between WirelessHART networks and individual fieldbus systems, including Foundation fieldbus, Profibus and ProfiNet. The three organizations are also to develop joint guidelines for inclusion into their respective product registration procedures.
