Scan-Capable DTM for Automatic Device Discovery in Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Field Device Tool (FDT) framework requires separate Device Type Manager (DTM) instances for each physical device, necessitating explicit configuration with device addresses, which is time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large process control systems with multiple similar devices sharing configuration parameters.
Innovation Solution
A scan-capable device DTM that automatically discovers and manages multiple physical devices by interacting with communication DTMs, eliminating the need for explicit address configuration and allowing a single instance to handle multiple devices and protocols, thereby simplifying device management and configuration within the FDT framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate DTM instances are used for each physical device, then device management follows the traditional FDT framework structure, but configuration time increases and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DTM instances into a single DTM that can manage multiple physical devices. The single DTM instance maintains internal data structures to track multiple devices, their addresses, and communication parameters, eliminating the need for separate configuration processes for each device instance while maintaining individual device management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The DTM is designed with multi-functionality to handle various device types and communication protocols through a unified interface. It implements universal device discovery mechanisms that can scan different communication buses and protocols, and provides standardized configuration methods that work across diverse device types, reducing both time and error rates.
2Measurement precision
If explicit address configuration is required for each device, then device identification is precise, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic device discovery and address assignment mechanisms. The single DTM instance automatically scans the communication network, detects available devices, retrieves their identification information, and assigns addresses without requiring manual configuration. This maintains precise device identification while eliminating manual configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DTM performs preliminary device discovery and address assignment actions before the user needs to configure devices. By pre-scanning the network and preparing device information, the system eliminates the need for complex manual configuration steps while ensuring accurate device identification from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol-specific tools are used, then communication with different device protocols is supported, but operator training time increases and tool management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DTM implements a universal interface that supports multiple communication protocols through a single unified tool. It incorporates protocol detection capabilities that automatically identify the communication protocol being used by connected devices and switches to the appropriate protocol handler, providing protocol compatibility without requiring operators to learn or switch between multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The DTM acts as an intermediary layer between the operator and various communication protocols. It provides a standardized interface to operators while handling protocol-specific complexities internally, translating between the universal interface and protocol-specific requirements. This eliminates the need for operators to directly manage multiple protocol tools while maintaining full protocol compatibility.
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AI summary
A method of communicating with a device using a Field Device Tool (FDT) framework, such that the device operates in a process control environment and is communicatively coupled to a communication link, includes generating an instance of a scan capable device type manager (DTM) of type device that represents the device in the FDT framework, communicatively connecting the instance of the scan capable DTM to a communication channel which corresponds to the communication link, scanning the communication link to discover the device using the instance of the scan capable DTM, and obtaining an address of the discovered device at the scan capable DTM.