FDT standardizes the communication and configuration interface between all field devices and host systems. FDT provides a common environment for accessing the devices’ most sophisticated features. Any device can be configured, operated, and maintained through the standardized user interface – regardless of supplier, type or communication protocol.

3 key elements to understand FDT

The FDT interface – Integration standard

The FDT interface is the specification describing the standardized data exchange between devices and control system or engineering or asset management tools.

DTM – Device driver

DTMs are classified into two categories :

• Device DTMs which connect to the field device configuration components
• CommDTMs which connect to the software communication components.

The DTM provides a unified structure for accessing device parameters, configuring and operating the devices, and diagnosing problems. DTMs can range from a simple Graphical User Interface for setting device parameters to a highly sophisticated application capable of performing complex real-time calculations for diagnosis and maintenance purposes.

DeviceDTM:

• Provided by the device manufacturer
• Represents the whole logic and parameters of a device
• Standardized interface to the FDT Frame Application
• Can be used in any FDT Frame Application
• DTM Style Guide

CommDTM:

• Represents communication components like PC communication cards, couplers, gateways, remote I/Os, and linking devices.

FDT Frame Application – Host system

The Frame Application is a software program that implements Device DTMs and CommDTMs. The Frame Application provides:

• Common environment
• User Management
• DTM Management
• Data Management
• Network Configuration
• Navigation