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
FDI and PROFINET
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.