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Profibus Software Based on
Open FDT/DTM Technology
FEBRUARY 22, 2005 (ASIA PACIFIC) -
Omron’s Profibus configuration tool, CX-Profibus software, can now be
used for both Profibus masters from Omron for the current CJ1
and CS1 PLC ranges, as well for the Profibus masters in install
base PLCs in the C200H family.
Omron recognises that many advanced machines require the use of
specialised and often complex devices from diverse manufacturers
to achieve the desired machine functionality. Previously
solutions required the use of specific third party stand-alone
software to configure, operate and maintain these devices. These
might typically have been very different tools, even when they
were installed and working on the same Profibus network!
However, CX-Profibus allows all of this advanced functionality
to be included inside a single configuration package, by using
open FDT/DTM (Field Device Tool/Device Type Manager) technology.
Backwards Compatible
The CX-Profibus software initially supported Omron’s
Profibus masters for its compact and modular CJ1 series PLCs and
its rack-based CS1 series PLCs. But Omron also has a massive
installed base of C200H series PLCs, and, utilising the
opportunities the new technology offers, set out to develop a
specific DTM to support the Profibus masters for these
controllers. This DTM is now available from Omron’s website, and
will be delivered with all coming shipments of Omron’s
CX-Profibus.
Unique: support of both GSD files and DTMs
Most of the current Profibus-DP slave devices are supplied with
a GSD (Generic Slave Device) file. Omron’s CX-Profibus
software uses DTMs
for configuration and diagnostics, so to be able to support
devices that do not come with a DTM yet Omron has developed a
special Generic Slave DTM. The Generic Slave DTM reads the
existing GSD file and converts it into a DTM that is supported
in CX-Profibus. This DTM then provides the user interface to
display the device’s information as defined in the GSD.
Additionally, this DTM provides a diagnostics interface to the
user.
Developed and produced in Europe
“We were confronted with the challenge to both protect
investments made by our existing customers, and to provide them
with a platform to utilise the latest technologies in system
configuration,” says Rob van Ouwerkerk, project leader for this
development at Omron’s development centre in ‘s-Hertogenbosch,
the Netherlands. “But we proved that this is the right concept
for the future.
“FDT/DTM offers a truly open interface,” he continues, “that
will allow our customers to integrate any vendor’s device to
their control system, and fully exploit all the features and
functions of those devices and systems with ease, whilst still
protecting previous Profibus investments at the same time!”
More about FDT/DTM
FDT/DTM provides a standard for interfaces between an
engineering tool such as Omron’s CX-Profibus and software
components that support the field device. The core of the
concept is the DTM – a software component that can be used in
all software tools supporting the FDT human interface. The DTM
is the configuration and management component for a field
device. It contains all configuration information, diagnostics,
maintenance information and even graphical user dialogs of the
specific device, and is very easy to load into Omron’s
CX-Profibus.
For more information about
this Profibus software, please refer to:
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