August 20, 2008 - B&R now provides the XDD (XML Device Description) editor, a special configuration tool for Windows and Linux operating systems which greatly facilitates the generation of XML description files for CANopen and POWERLINK.
In addition to the device description file, the XDD editor generates a consistent HTML documentation. Import options for communication and device profiles render repetetive, error-prone activities obsolete. The required objects can be added and parameterized through a few clicks. Easy-to-use masks facilitate the configuration of further settings, such as device description entries or diagnostic entries. A consistency check prior to generation ensures the validity of the entered data. Existing CANopen EDS or XML files can be easily imported.
XDD (XML Device Description) Editor
Electronic devices in automation networks require standardized device description files to make their status, their configuration and their characteristics transparent to the network. CANopen and POWERLINK (which complies with the CANopen standard and uses the same device descriptions) have until now used the INI format for EDS files.
But now, the new XML standard, which provides users, system integrators and device manufacturers with improved device description features and a wide range of new possibilities, is gaining ground. The new features include multi-language support, textual description options and the characterization of parameters and measured values through physical units and scaling factors. Offsets can be indicated as well.
Templates can be created for similar parameters, and the parameters can be combined in groups that can be hierarchically arranged. To allow for several views of the parameters and complex menu structures, all parameters can be present in several groups. The groups, on the other hand, can be assigned names and descriptions in several languages.
A non-proprietary, XML-based description language for CANopen and POWERLINK gives manufacturers the considerable advantage of being able to use a unified, standardized description for different field buses or real-time Ethernet systems for their devices. If there is a description of the device applications, the device parameters can be linked to the communication mechanisms of the communication interface. Thus, manufacturers of CANopen and POWERLINK devices experience a synergy effect.
A few months ago, B&R introduced a control system which can fully import XML device description files, thus allowing for the simple and efficient integration of third party components into a B&R environment. Since standard XML editors are only suitable for the manual generation of these files, B&R now provides the XDD (XML Device Description) editor.
POWERLINK – Background Info
The Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group (EPSG) is an independent organization founded in 2003 by leading companies from the drive and automation industry. Its aims are the standardization and further development of POWERLINK, which was first introduced by B&R in 2001. The high-performance real-time communication system is a protocol extension of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, designed to ensure real-time data transfer on the microsecond level. EPSG cooperates with leading standardization organizations, such as CAN in automation (CiA) and the IEC. Anton Meindl, Business Manager Controls at B&R, is the EPSG’s CEO.
