Field Device Description Scripting for Offline Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for servicing field devices in automation technology are limited, as they require integration into industrial Ethernet for offline servicing, and existing device descriptions lack the functionality for offline parametering and configuration, necessitating extensive developmental efforts to adapt and expand these descriptions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves expanding original device descriptions with scripts or supplemental device description fragments to enable additional functions, allowing offline servicing of field devices through a servicing device, which can include upload/download capabilities and predictive maintenance, using a software module that can be created by the user for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If original device descriptions are used for servicing field devices, then basic field device functions are supported, but offline parametering and configuration capabilities are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The device description is segmented into a base description (containing core field device functions) and separate script modules (containing additional functions like offline parametering). This allows the base description to remain simple while versatility is extended through modular script additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device description is enhanced to support multiple servicing modes (online and offline) and multiple fieldbus protocols through a universal script execution mechanism. The same base description can be extended with different scripts for different functionalities and protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device descriptions are expanded to include offline servicing functions, then servicing versatility is improved, but developmental effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Additional functions are prepared as pre-written script modules that can be automatically integrated into device descriptions. These scripts are developed independently and can be reused across multiple device types, reducing the need to rewrite code for each new functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Script modules implementing additional functions are created as reusable templates that can be copied and adapted for different device types and protocols. This eliminates redundant development work and accelerates the creation of offline servicing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device descriptions are created for different fieldbus systems, then compatibility with various protocols is achieved, but the number of device descriptions becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
A single base device description is enhanced with protocol-specific script modules that enable the same description to work across multiple fieldbus systems (HART, Fieldbus Foundation, Profibus, industrial Ethernet). This reduces the number of separate device descriptions needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device description structure is organized with a core base description that contains universal field device functions, nested within which are protocol-specific script modules. This hierarchical structure allows one device description to contain multiple protocol adaptations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing at least one additional function of a field device in automation technology, wherein the field device is parametered and/or configured via a servicing device using a device description, wherein the method has the following method steps: the original device description, which comprehensively describes the field device, is made available; the original device description is expanded by a script or a supplemental device description fragment; wherein the script or the device description fragment comprehensively describes the additional function; and the field device is serviced from the servicing device by means of the expanded device description and is able to execute the additional function.