Method for validating or verifying field device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for ascertaining or verifying a field device which determines or monitors a physical, chemical or biological process variable of a process medium in automation technology, the field device (FG) being composed of a plurality of hardware modules and software modules; the field device is provided with a first encrypted signature (S1) on the manufacturer side (HS); the first encrypted signature (S1) uniquely identifies a device manufacturer and / or an original delivery state of the field device (FG), which is defined by real hardware and software / firmware and real configuration settings; the source and integrity of the field device (FG) are confirmed / verified on the client side (KS) by means of a first cryptographic signature (S1); once the field device (FG) is adapted to the defined machine, the field device (FG) is provided with a second encrypted signature (S2) on the client side (KS); the second encrypted signature (S2) explicitly identifies the adaptation of the field device (FG) on the client side (KS) as a machine-specific intended state of the field device (FG); and during a period of time during which the field device (FG) is installed in the defined machine, at least one confirmation or verification of the field device (FG) is carried out on the client side (KS) by means of the second encrypted signature (S2).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method for validating or validating a field device which determines or monitors a physical, chemical or biological process variable of a process medium in automation technology. Background technique [0002] In automation systems, especially in process automation systems, field devices are frequently used for detecting and / or influencing process variables of a medium. The medium itself can be a liquid, a gas, or even a solid. Sensors are used to detect process variables. The sensors used are for example integrated into level meters, flow meters, pressure gauges and thermometers, pH redox potentiometers, conductivity meters, etc. These sensors detect liquid level, flow, pressure, temperature , pH or the corresponding process variable for conductivity. Actuators such as eg valves or pumps are used to influence process variables, via which actuators the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe section or the level of a medium in a conta...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Solutions for general operational protection of field devices are not yet known

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