AUSTIN, Texas, June 1, 2005 ‹ The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the release of its AT-400 Device Description Tokenizer Toolkit Version 5.0 and the AT-401 Device Description Services Toolkit Version 5.0.
These advanced development toolkits enable instrumentation manufacturers to read and generate the Device Description (DD) files necessary for distribution with a FOUNDATION fieldbus device, and take advantage of new Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) technology extensions in their fieldbus product development projects.EDDL is the superset specification of the descriptive technology language currently shared by the Fieldbus Foundation, Hart Communication Foundation and PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. The Fieldbus Foundation's DD technology is a fully defined subset of the IEC 61804-2 "EDDL" standard.EDDL provides uniform configuration, setup, operation, diagnostics and maintenance features in an interoperable, multi-vendor environment.
EDDL requires no proprietary driver development and has built in revision control. The technology defines a single Electronic Device Description(EDD) for all hosts and Operating System (OS) platforms.The new EDDL extensions provide powerful, advanced visualization capabilities for diagnostics, complex calibration procedures, persistent data storage and algorithmic relationships. The new extensions are ideal for advanced device applications such as valve signatures and radar level gauge configuration.The DD Tokenizer converts DD source files into the DD binary file format, checks for syntax or logical errors in DD source files, and issues error messages that help trace and correct errors.
The Tokenizer also restricts redefinitions of information imported from standard DDs to ensure interoperability. For example, it prevents redefinition of a floating-point-type variable as an integer-type variable, or deleting a parameter from a standard function block.The DD Tokenizer Kit 5.0 fully supports the enhanced EDDL language elements and includes a new DD Super Viewer that simplifies the device development process by providing access to the generated DD binary for testing and verification.
The DD Super Viewer supports rendering the new extensions including enhanced dialogs, images, graphs, and charts.The Fieldbus Foundation¹s AT-401 Device Description Services Toolkit Version 5.0 is a comprehensive source code library that makes it easy for controls suppliers to decode DD binaries and access DD information.
Its source code library provides several convenience functions to make it easier for a system supplier to develop DD based applications.The AT-401 toolkit is compatible with DD binaries generated by the DD Tokenizer 4.x and 5.x.
Compatibility with DD Tokenizer 4.x assures continued support for the existing installed base of DDs while enabling support of the new language extensions in future devices.The Fieldbus Foundation¹s device development toolkits provide continuous support for the existing installed base of DDs while enabling implementation of the EDDL language extensions in future devices.
Forward and backward compatibility is assured with EDDL¹s well-earned leadership role and commitment to the existing DD technology¹s binaries generated by the DD Tokenizer 4.x and 5.x products.The AT-400 Device Description Tokenizer Toolkit Version 5.0 and the AT-401 Device Description Services Toolkit Version 5.0 are available to both Fieldbus Foundation members and non-members.For more information, including pricing and specifications, please contact the Fieldbus Foundation at (512) 794-8890, visit our website at www.fieldbus.org , or e-mail [email protected] .
About the Fieldbus Foundation
The Fieldbus Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of over 350 leading process and manufacturing automation companies worldwide whose major purpose is to provide an open and neutral environment for the development of a single, international, interoperable fieldbus. In this environment, end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations are working together to develop the technology, provide development tools, support and training, coordinate field trials and demonstrations, and enable product interoperability. Visit their web site at www.fieldbus.org .