ISA104 demonstrates enhanced interoperability with EDDL.
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Press Release Summary:
During ISA EXPO, several major automation vendors demonstrated EDDL solutions in their automation systems and for their devices. Electronic Device Description Language standard (IEC 61804-3) was created to support rich user interfaces for advanced diagnostics and sophisticated setup for multiple protocols. By integrating EDDL technology into automation systems, vendors increase effectiveness of device diagnostics by also making it accessible from operator consoles.
Original Press Release:
ISA104 Demonstrates Enhanced Interoperability with EDDL at ISA EXPO 2008
Multiple vendors present global standard IEC 61804-3, Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), interoperability in automation systems
Houston, Texas (14 October 2008) - Several major automation vendors are demonstrating EDDL solutions in their automation systems and for their devices at the ISA104 standards committee's booth at ISA EXPO in Houston, Texas. EDDL functionality is being demonstrated on automation systems made by ABB, Emerson, Invensys, and Siemens interoperating with devices from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Foxboro Eckardt, Metso, MTL, Samson, and Siemens.
The information displayed on the systems is controlled by the device vendors, yet devices from different vendors will appear consistent on the same system, which is more than previous demonstrations could feature. Device types include simple transmitters, but the focus this year is on complex devices such as variable speed drives, control valve positioners, and bus diagnostics.
The EDDL standard (IEC 61804-3) was created to support rich user interfaces for advanced diagnostics and sophisticated setup for multiple protocols. Also new this year is a demonstration of the use of EDDL technology coupled with WirelessHART communications protocol, demonstrating its use in an easy to load and license key free format. This demonstration of EDDL represents a broad commitment of automation suppliers to the support of EDDL technology and significantly expanded user benefits in the use and diagnostics of field devices. All ISA EXPO attendees are encouraged to stop by booth 1122 to learn about this open, interoperable device integration standard.
EDDL functionality to date was typically demonstrated via handheld devices or in stand-alone instrument diagnostic software. By further integrating EDDL technology into automation systems, automation vendors are significantly increasing the effectiveness of the device diagnostics in operations and maintenance by also making it accessible from operator consoles. As a text-based standard, EDDL files are independent of operating systems and thus not made obsolete by operating system upgrades. EDDL enhancements have significant acceptance and commitment among automation suppliers to its use, further development, product innovation, and deployment as the technology of choice for integrating intelligent field devices.
The EDDL technology demonstrated on the automation systems is the enhanced EDDL technology, which includes the ability to:
o Display images to simplify setup and diagnostic
o Display waveforms like radar echo curve for setup and valve hysteresis curves for diagnostics
o Display and use Menu functionality for more intuitive operation
o Simplify calibration efforts with wizards
o Communicate via Foundation fieldbus, HART, or Profibus
o Tap into device manufacturer know-how through context sensitive help
Standardization ensures access to full functionality of a device for easier adoption regardless of automation system choice. EDDL supports the complete life-cycle from configuration and commissioning, to operations and maintenance. EDDL is also used for automatic configuration of OPC servers to make device data accessible to a variety of software applications.
The ISA104 standards committee, Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), continues its efforts to provide education and information on the international standard, IEC 61804-3. This standard has been adopted by ISA / ANSI for use with HART, Profibus, and FOUNDATION fieldbus. Learn more about ISA104 and EDDL at www.isa.org/isa104 and www.eddl.org.
Rigorous independent testing of the EDDL file as part of the device registration process ensures interoperability amongst automation system and devices from many different manufacturers. Integration of new devices or software versions can now be accomplished without new software installation, file overwriting or license management.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
