FDI Technology

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
THROUGH FIELD DEVICE INTEGRATION
ONE device — ONE package — ALL tools

INTEROPERABILITY: THE KEY TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Value Creation Through Integrating
Intelligent Field Devices inAutomation Solutionsof suppliers of devices, systems or tools. Without it, theField Device Integration Technology (FDI) – Evolution Rather Than Revolution

true potential of decentralization, transparency, integration

The roots of FDI technology date back to the 1980s, when Device Descriptions firstand a central view of all data and functions cannot be fully

became popular. As both device and system technology became increasingly complex,

realized.

Devices Descriptions and the tools used to create them evolved to incorporate more andmore sophisticated features. Windows-based FDT/DTM architecture diverged from text
based EDDL designs. System suppliers generally support one architecture or the other.

Many of today’s field devices function more like embedded
computers than transmitters of physical process values.
They are intelligent, microprocessor based devices thatoffer a wealth of data not previously available. They areconnected via sophisticated communication networks tocomplex control systems and beyond. And they generate

Digital Transformation:
The act of leveraging digitalconnectivity, scalability, analytics,
and re-imagined business processes

much more data about both the process being managed

to dramatically improve operational

and their own status than ever before. But taking advan-eﬃciency, safety, and value creation.

tage of this data is a challenge. First, the data must be
made accessible to multiple plant floor and enterprise IT
systems. Then, data must be processed and converted
to actionable and visible information. And as software

FDI Cooperation

Devices vendors are forced to support both.
End users began demanding a single solution as procurement, configuration andmaintenance costs escalated. So in 2007 the FDI standardization project was launchedto carefully shape convergence of FDT/DTM and EDDL architectures.
In 2011 a non-profit organization, the FDI Cooperation LLC, was created to manage
the standardization process for a converged device integration technology. In 2015,
after being standardized as IEC 62769-1, the FDI Cooperation transferred ownership,
management and enhancement of the standard to FieldComm Group and PROFIBUS &PROFINET International.

and systems upgrade, configuration and maintenancebecomes an ongoing process to manage. In thisenvironment, the need for a universal, standardized and interoperable model to compre-

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tion components becomes a necessity.
It is vital for everyday purposes like

FDT

2000s

device configuration, device replacement, maintenance, diagnostics
and audit trails – all essentialbuilding blocks in a modern
field device management
system. This description
must be usable for all
systems, independent

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3

STRESS-FREE INTEGRATION
The primary objective of FDI is to dramatically simplify software installation, configuration, maintenance, and management of field instruments and host systems. Today’s field devices often include a device information file such as an EDD
or a DTM that provides software access to the features and functions of the device, one or more user interface plug-ins

FDI Device Packages + Hosts + Registration = Stress Free Integrationthat integrate with host system software to enhance us-01

ability of the field device with the host, numerous user

Before FDI

manuals, installation instructions and data sheets.

FDI
DEVICE
PACKAGE

FDI brings standardization to the packaging
and distribution of all the software and tools

200+

necessary to integrate a device with a host

EDD

UIP

ATTACHMENTS

000100100011
000100100011
000100100111

The FDI Device Package
is a single software modulethat contains all tools, device
information, and user interfaceplug-ins needed for the device.

system. All registered FDI devices will havedownloadable
files available for acommon flowmeter

FDI Device Package

an associated FDI Device Package.

SpecialDocumentation

8

OperatingInstructions

02

10

Applications
Notes

FDI HOST

13

SafetyInstructions

16

Installation
Instructions

18

Manufacturer
Readme24

1

FDI Device Package
per protocol

DeviceDrivers53

FDI

Products
bearing
the FDI
Registered
mark undergo
a series of rigorous
tests administeredby FieldComm Group,
ensuring a consistent level offunctionality and interoperability
regardless of the host system.

STRESS-FREE
INTEGRATION

An FDI host is a
software component that operates withFDI Device Packages. Host
examples include dedicatedproducts such as handheld communicators, device management
software, plant asset management systems, historians, and analytics packages

03 REGISTRATION

FDI is a system-wide solution. Host systems, like asset management systems, configurators, and device managers
must support the FDI client-server architecture. Field device suppliers must encapsulate device specific software andCountry
Registration
Certificates62

documentation into an FDI Device Package. Finally, product registration service providers, like FieldComm Group, must

ONE Device – ONE Package – ALL Tools

deliver high quality conformance testing, registration and FDI Device Package distribution services. When host systems,
FDI Device Packages and high-quality registration are combined, end users can take advantage of a truly stress freedevice integration solution.

4

5

FDI DEVICE PACKAGE + FDI HOST = A PERFECT TEAMFDI DEVICE PACKAGES - THE CORE OF FDI

FDI HOSTS

The FDI Device Package is the core component of an FDI enabled system. An FDI Device Package is a single file that

FDI Device Packages are imported by FDI hosts, allowing users to operate the device. An FDI host can be a stand alone

includes drivers, interfaces, certificates and documentation.

software component, an integrated software component in a distributed control system or a software component with

Electronic Device Description(EDD)
Device specific EDD encoded in FDI
format, based on the harmonized
EDD Language (EDDL, IEC 61804).
Consists of device data, functions
and user interface.

a client server architecture. FDI host examples include dedicated products such as handheld field communicators, stan-User Interface Plug-in(UIP)

Attachments

UIP is a plug-in which allows fora flexible, graphically enhanceduser interface. This feature is
optional.

Attachments include protocol specific files (GSD, CFF, ...), registration
certificates, data sheets and user
manuals.

dard software components of a distributed control system like the device management software or optional softwaresystems such as plant asset management systems, historians, and analytics packages.
An FDI host typically consists of an FDI client, an FDI server and one or more FDI communication servers.

The UI Engine ensures that user interface elements of
the FDI Device Package, the UID and UIP, are executed in
the same way in various host systems.

FDI Client
UI Engine

EDD

UIP

FDI Server

ATTACHMENTS

000100100011
000100100011
000100100111

Information Model

FDI Device Package

EDD Engine
IMP

ORT

FDI Host
Communication Server

6

An Information Model interacts with Device Model
Services (included in FDI Common Host Components)
which retrieves EDD information from the EDD Engine.

The EDD Engine supports the entire scope of EDDL in a
multiprotocol manner, in accordance with IEC 61804.
It is backward compatible with existing EDD formats.

The Communication Server natively supports standard
protocols like HART, PROFIBUS, PROFINET and FOUNDATION Fieldbus. Additional communication paths can be
integrated by communication servers, for example, an
OPC UA communication server.

7

Millions of devices worldwide are currently installed,

FDI hosts support existing EDDs

configured, operated, managed, and maintained by control

Existing EDDs may be processed by FDI hosts.

INTEROPERABILITYFORWARD FOCUSEDBACKWARD COMPATIBLE
systems and tools that support either the EDDL or FDT
standards.
EDD

Any convergence standard must acknowledge theinstalled base, be designed for flawless interoperability

FDI Host

EASE OF USE
FOR SYSTEMADMINSROBUSTNESSFDI Device Packages do not impact
system’s robustness • FDI Device
Packages are not programs which haveto be installed • An FDI Device Package
for one device type does not impact
devices already integrated

MIGRATION ANDINVESTMENT PROTECTION

EASY OF USE FOR USERS
FDI provides the same look and feel for
all devices • FDI hosts can support FDI
Device Packages for HART, FOUNDATION
Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET andother protocols

ROBUSTNESSINVESTMENT PROTECTION
New version of FDI hosts must becompatible with older versions of FDI
Device Packages • FDI host may
support existing EDD and FDT based
hosts

FDI Clientand provide a seamless, scalable and standardized

EDD

UIP

ATTACHMENTSUI Engine

000100100011
000100100011
000100100111

approach to accessing data. FDI technology meets thechallenge. It is designed to support FDI Device Packages
as well as DTMs and EDDs in parallel.

FDI Device Package

FDI Server

IMP

ORT

EASE OF USE
FOR USERSInformation Model
EDD Engine

FDT tool supporting FDI
One way to enable an FDT host to support FDI Device
Packages is to through an FDI-DTM. In this system an

Communication Server

ability to process an FDI Device Package is added while
components like user interface and communicationinterfaces remain unchanged.
Migration of new standards
EDD

EDDL has been standardized and harmonized, but new

Interpreter DTM

innovations and market requirements will continue toDevice DTM

EDD

UIP

DTM UIATTACHMENTS

000100100011
000100100011
000100100111

UI Engine

FDI Device PackageIMP

DTM Business Logic

ORT

Information Model
EDD Engine

FDT Frame Application

drive changes to the EDDL standard. FDI manages such
FDI DTM

BENEFITS

innovations very easily and is designed to accommodate
such changes. For example, the FDI Common Host
Components may be updated to incorporate thesechanges and provide access to new functionality while
guaranteeing backward compatibility. After integration ofthese new components in an FDI host by the host supplier,the new standard is supported and the user can enjoy thebenefit of the innovation.

FDI Device Package

EASE OF USE FOR SYSTEM ADMINSAn optional OPC UA communication
server can be used for connecting to
ERP and MES systems • No software installation is required when an FDI Device
Package is imported by the FDI host
INTEROPERABILITY
FieldComm Group performs
conformance tests for FDI Device
Packages and hosts to ensureinteroperability • Software components
for the FDI host are standardized • An
FDI Device Package uses harmonized
EDDL compatible with the FDI standard
host components

Communication DTMs

8

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INDUSTRY LEADERS SUPPORT FDI
Standardized, intelligent interfaces are the key success factor in achieving the benefits of Industrie 4.0 in process industry. They are the basis for making our core processes, supply chain and asset life cycle as well as “vertical” integration more transparent and eﬃcient. FDI is a big step in the process of integrating field devices into automation systems
with standardized, vendor independent tools and procedures. FDI simplifies the tasks of automation engineers, avoiding
manual integration and therefore aids in saving money and fostering safety and availability. NAMUR as a user association of automation technology has driven activities to merge existing standards and tools and will promote and implement FDI.
- Dr. Wilhelm Otten, President
For ABB, FDI is the key technology to overcome
the ever repeating efforts for integrating fielddevices into control systems and asset optimization tools. It will help end users to take advantage of devices’
functionality more effectively and eﬃciently than ever before.
In addition, FDI is the migration path for traditional field instruments into the Internet of Things, Services and People. Thus,
ABB started product implementation early and released the first
FDI-based product, Field Information Manager, in mid 2015. In
three minutes time users can start managing their devices using
this product. The second version of the product is now available,
providing additional functions for easy device management andsupporting the use on handhelds.
- Thoralf Schulz, Global Technology Manager
Moving to a single technology for the configuration, maintenance, alert visualization, anddata access of smart field equipment is animperative for the automation industry. This
will provide a reduction of tools, cost savings,
consistent interfaces, and ease of use for both manufacturers
and end users. FDI has incorporated all the best capabilities of
the approaches that have been used before in this area, moved
them to the latest technologies, added new features, and is readyto fulfill this role. Emerson is fully committed to implementing
FDI technology across our portfolio.
- Peter Zornio, Chief Strategic Officer
Our customers are demanding an
integration technology, which can fulfill
their need for reduced life-cycle cost of field devices, from installation to replacement. Seamless interoperability and data transparency on all levels are key factors in customer acceptance of
upcoming technologies. As an FDI pioneer, Endress+Hauser has
supported customers from the first specification, leading up to
the first implementation of the technology for field instruments.
Endress+Hauser is committed to serve customers with the latest
integration technology and bring them the best possible value.
- Dr. Rolf Birkhofer, Managing Director

10

Honeywell Process Solutions is a charter
member of the effort to reconcile differing
device integration methods into a unified approach - FDI. The
value of FDI is especially realized by end-users, in that devices
across the spectrum of industrial standards such as HART,
FOUNDATION Fieldbus, and PROFIBUS can be engineered and maintained with a common, system and device independent, set oftools. Equally important, FDI marries the simplicity and platform
independence of EDDL with the powerful functionality of FDT, in asecure manner, providing the end user with an open, future-proof
standard for integration and superior user experience. Honeywell actively plans uniform adoption of FDI in its SmartLine
instruments, Experion® DCS and its Field Device Manager asset
management suite.
- Paul McLaughlin, Chief Engineer
As a complete supplier of host systems andfield devices, Siemens has always played apioneer role in the development of FDI. The Process Device Manager Simatic PDM was our first prototype utilizing FDI functionality. This tool already worked with FDI Device Packages in 2013.
Siemens will release the first FDI host system and corresponding
FDI Device Packages in 2017. We consider FDI as a decisive step
towards less complexity and optimized customer service and willcontinue to strengthen the joint activities accordingly.
- Axel Lorenz, Vice President, Process Automation
Yokogawa has played a key role in thedevelopment of FDI technology, from
specification to design, including development of its Integrated
Development Environment (IDE). Our contributions include thecreation of the first sample FDI Device Package in 2014. We also
led the development of the Reference Run Time Environment(RRTE) for FDI hosts. Based on market demand, Yokogawa is
co-innovating with its customers to develop and release FDIcompatible versions of host systems such as the FieldMate
device management tool and Plant Resource Manager (PRM), as
well as FDI Device Packages.
- Shinji Oda, Chief Standards Officer & General Manager for Technology Marketing

Glossary

About FieldComm Group

Field Device Integration (FDI)
Device integration and device management technology,
combining base concepts and technology aspects of Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), Field Device
Tool (FDT®2), and OPC UA.
FDI Device Package
A collection of software components that provide all theinformation necessary to integrate a type of design into asystem.

FieldComm Group is a global standards-based organization consisting of leading process end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations that

FDI Server
A host system software component that implements theInformation Model, executes Business Logic, and communicates with devices.

work together to direct the development, incorporation

Business Logic
Descriptive element of an FDI Device Package that specifies device behavior and mapping logic for communication.

FieldComm Group’s mission is to develop, manage

FDI Client
A host software component that uses the Information
Model, interprets User Interface Descriptions and hosts
User Interface Plug-ins

protecting process-automation investments in HART

Information Model
Set of objects, variables and methods rendered by an FDI
Serverand implementation of new and overlapping technologies and serves as the source for FDI technology.

and promote global standards for integrating digital
devices into automation system architectures while
and FOUNDATION Fieldbus communication technologies.
Membership is open to anyone interested in the useof the technologies. For more information, visit our
website fieldcommgroup.org.

User Interface Description (UID)
Descriptive element of and FDI Device Package that is usedby an FDI Client to render user interfaces.
User Interface Plug-In (UIP)
Executable element of an FDI Device Package executed by
an FDI Client
FDI Communications Server
An OPC-UA server used by and FDI Server to access
non-native networks.

11

Attend an Event!

Get Trained!

FieldComm Group participates in many global seminars,

For organizations desiring to

exhibitions and user group events covering all our technologies

position themselves as leaders

and applications.

in their competitive field, theirpersonnel must be trained toWhether you are located in North or South America, Europe, Mid-take advantage of the latest

dle East, Africa or Asia, you can always find an event near you.

technology capabilities. Certified end user training is offeredat prestigious training facilities around the world to ensure

Visit fieldcommgroup.org/events to see where we will be next!

your staff are trained on the leading edge of the technologies.
Through this program, training facilities, curriculum, and instruc-

Become a Member!
Membership with FieldComm: Gain the Competitive Edge

tors are audited to ensure they meet stringent program requirements for vendor neutrality and up-to-date competency. Learn
more by visiting the Education section of fieldcommgroup.org.
FDI unifies device drivers, configuration
tools, diagnostics and documentation
regardless of operating system with anindependent and downloadable soft-

FieldComm Group offers a significant number of benefits
through membership. Whether you are a manufacturer,
systems integrator, educational institution, end user orother professional in the business, FieldComm Group helps
you gain the competitive edge through open interoperable
standards supporting the digital transformation of industry.
Learn more by visiting go.fieldcommgroup.org/membershipware package compatible with any FDI
registered host system.

FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus provides anall-digital infrastructure, with powerfulmultivariable measurement capabilities, robust device diagnostics, andthe ability to integrate wireless devices
across multiple networks.

With over 40 million supported field
FieldComm Group

instruments installed worldwide, HART

9430 Research Blvd., Ste 1-120

technology offers a reliable, long-

Austin, TX 78759 USA

term solution for leveraging benefits

info@fieldcommgroup.org • +1 512.792.2300

of intelligent devices through digitalfieldcommgroup.org

communication.

© 2016 FieldComm Group© 2017 FieldComm Group, Document Number: PS10036, Rev. 1.2

Global Communication Standards

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