Efficient Configuration

with PACTware

PACTware – one configuration tool

for all instruments
 PACTware –
One configuration tool
for all instruments

PACTware Many functions for different applications User-friendly operation

PACTware is a freely usable program for PCs for
is a manufacturer parameterization and configuration of field devices,
and fieldbus remote I/O systems and communication modules
­independent soft- in fieldbus systems and networks from different
ware for setup, manufacturers. It can be used in many different
places in a system: from small engineering stations
adjustment and to measuring points directly in the field. It allows
diagnosis of field configuration and parameterization of all field de-
instruments. vices and fieldbuses in a system with a single tool.
PACTware stands for user-friendly and self-explan-
atory instrument control. The control menu provides
the user with intuitive access to the connected in-
struments. At the push of a button, the software
modules required for controlling the respective
connected units are loaded in the form of DTMs
(Device Type Manager). The DTM of an instrument
then allows highly specialized, efficient operation:
optimally adapted to user requirements and free
from the rigid constraints of the host software.

As an independent software, PACTware is particu-

larly suitable for supporting instrument sales and
marketing, quality assurance, configuration and
maintenance of heterogeneous, distributed fieldbus
systems.
Independent communication
PACTware distinguishes between software modules
for actual instrument control (Device DTM) and
modules for communication (Comm DTM). This
allows control of instruments through any type of
communication channel. PACTware already sup-
ports all established communication protocols.
These structures also permit the integration of
future standards.

PLC/ Centralised
DCS engineering

PROFIBUS DP, Ethernet, Modbus, ControlNet, ...

Segment coupler/ Remote Remote

Linking Device I/O I/O

Communication-capable Communication-capable
field instruments field instruments

Local control
in the field

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 PACTware –
Based on FDT and
DTM technologies

Device Type Manager (DTM) stipulated, irrespective of any (fieldbus) communi-

cation. In the meantime, the second generation FDT
PACTware
Like a printer with its own driver in the office envi-
ronment, the field instrument brings its own driver
interface (FDT2) allows a standardized, defined is based on FDT/
exchange of data without having to forego de- DTM technology.
and user interface into the FDT/DTM environment.
vice-specific technological features and adjustment
This driver is called the Device Type Manager (DTM).
functions.
This specifies the
All data and functions are consolidated in it in the data exchange
form of a field instrument description. A DTM can
cover a single instrument type or a whole family of between the sys-
Plug & Play in automation tem level and the
instruments.
The FDT concept transfers this concept to the au- field instruments.
tomation environment: every communicating instru-
Field Device Tool (FDT) ment has a device description that can be electron-
ically integrated into the system structure – into the
FDT is the name for the interface definition allowing
configuration and adjustment tools of both the
the exchange of data between field device, DTM and
system environment and the stand-alone tool
PACTware. The core statement of this definition is
PACTware.
that only the interface between the operating pro-
gram PACTware, the DTM and the device is firmly

Remote Segment coupler/

I/O Linking Device

Communication-capable
field instruments
Field instrument
with device DTM

Communication DTM with

respective hardware

Loading of DTMs
in PACTware

Optimum control
of all field instruments in
any system environment

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 PACTware –
Easy and efficient
configuration

PACTware Unlimited possibilities

Whereas a normal device description (DD) can be
allows quick just an inflexible description of instrument function-
and easy ality, a DTM following the DTM Style Guide has al-
­configuration, most no limitations with regard to presentation and
commissioning user guidance. This enables adjustment of all
available instrument functions, perfectly adapted to
and, if ­necessary, the user’s requirements and ensuring uniformly
­diagnosis of all high usability and recognition for the user. And DTM
instruments in a technology allows the same instrument control
procedures to be used in all FDT systems.
system –
­independent of
manufacturer and Quick and easy
fieldbus. Using PACTware is extremely easy. To begin with,
all the devices in a system, including the commu-
nication drivers, are combined into one project. The
corresponding DTMs are simply fetched from a
device catalogue via drag-and-drop and added to
the project. When finished, the structure of the
system is transparent and clearly defined. Each Tools for creating DTMs, whether by means of au-
individual instrument and all communication com- tomatic conversion of device descriptions, iDTMs
ponents can be accessed directly from here: for converting FDI packages or modular systems
▪▪ to adjust the configuration (toolkits), are available from a number of different
manufacturers; this guarantees wide availability.
▪▪ to modify individual parameters
▪▪ to simulate individual functions
PACTware
▪▪ to obtain a detailed, meaningful diagnosis
▪▪ runs on any PC with a Windows version
▪▪ to prepare documentation as of Windows 2000
All of this is manufacturer and communication in- ▪▪ is free of charge and can be downloaded
dependent. If necessary, modifications and exten- from different instrument manufacturers
sions to the structure can always be carried out at
a later time. ▪▪ supports the complete functionality
of field devices
▪▪ simplifies the setup and commissioning of
Service-proven technology instruments in an automation environment
PACTware as a stand-alone tool and the associated ▪▪ is fieldbus independent and can thus be
DTMs have already been successfully used for over used in conjunction with new standards
10 years. More than one million applications using (for example PROFInet, wireless)
devices from many different manufacturers are
evidence of the benefits and advantages of this ▪▪ is always promptly adapted to new technologies
technology, which has meanwhile established itself (e.g. NET, FDI)
worldwide.

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 PACTware –
Easy and efficient
configuration

Configuration
With PACTware it’s possible to configure an entire system. An online connection
is not absolutely necessary. This means, for example, that topology planning with
gateways and links and the structuring and configuration of the system compo-
nents can be realized offline.

Parameter adjustment
Instruments and systems are configured with PACTware by means of point-to-
point communication or via a bus system. Easy handling is the primary objective
in this respect. No difficult installation or complex topology planning is necessary.
Fast readout of device information and reliable writing of modified settings into
the instrument are assured. Typical applications are in the workshop or in the
field.

Simulation
During the setup phase, the signal flow within an application can be checked by
simulating a particular process value. Signals can thus be traced en route through
different measuring points and faults corrected at an early stage.

Diagnosis
PACTware also provides a diagnostic scan for analysis of errors in the system or in
individual devices. The statuses of all connected devices in the project can be viewed
at a glance and updated cyclically. Measured values can also be recorded over an
unlimited period of time to allow long-term observation of data.

Documentation
An overview of the project as well as the parameter settings of individual devic-
es can be conveniently printed out with PACTware. Furthermore, all necessary
information, such as device description, manufacturer identification, order
number, serial number and firmware version, are available in the DTMs. Time
consuming searches for up-to-date documentation are thus a thing of the past.

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Simply download
PACTware PACTware Consortium e. V.
PACTware Consortium e. V. unites the common
the free adjust- interests of many companies and advances both the
ment software concept and the product continuously. For example,
PACTware can be through active participation in the FDT specification,
downloaded integration of further communication systems and
internationalization of the software through multi-
­anytime from the lingualism. The association acts as the custodian
Internet and, with of PACTware and also holds proprietary rights. New
the appended developments as well as enhancements are coor-
dinated by the association and undergo a profes-
DTMs, used
sional development process. New versions are only
­immediately approved after undergoing a series of documented
to operate any tests. The result is a state-of-the-art, manufactur-
HART instru- er-independent software for instrument operation
in an automation environment.
ment.
Distribution of PACTware
The association takes care of development and
maintenance of the software, while the individual
member companies distribute PACTware together
with their own DTMs on the market. This is ideal for
users, because it means they always have the same
contact for questions regarding: the field instrument
itself, its device driver (DTM) and the superordinate
PACTware adjustment software. And, service and
support for any of these components also comes
from the one provider.
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PACTware –
and start
Operation of HART instruments included
The basic PACTware package already allows oper-
ation of any HART instrument. It contains a com-
munication driver for standard HART FSK modems
and a generic HART device DTM that allows easy
adjustment of the basic parameters of HART instru-
ments.
Equipped for the future
Thanks to its clear and open-ended structures,
integration of all current and future fieldbuses is
possible at any time. But PACTware offers more:
additional functions can be integrated in PACTware
via additional interfaces; such functions are then
available to all DTMs These so-called add-ins en-
able, for example, audit trail or trending across
multiple instruments. PACTware ensures that the
data from all communication components and field
instruments are centrally available. This is the
prerequisite for system-wide asset management.
Free download
The easiest way to get PACTware is to download it
from the Internet sites of the member companies.
A clear and up-to-date list of members who offer
the download can be viewed on the homepage of the
PACTware Consortium at www.pactware.com. Many
instrument manufacturers also offer downloads of
DTMs on their websites for operation of their devic-
es. It couldn’t get any easier: download and experi-
ence for yourself the benefits of FDT/DTM technol-
ogy and PACTware. 
 PACTware –
Simply download
and start

One for all The advantages at a glance

A DTM written for PACTware can be implemented PACTware is a manufacturer and fieldbus independ-
one-to-one in any other FDT environment. Instru- ent software for the operation of field instruments.
ment manufacturers therefore only have to maintain It enables the configuration of widely different de-
one software component for instrument control and vices in any automation environment with only one
can focus on their key business: instrument devel- software tool.
opment. For the user, this not only ensures consist-
ent instrument control and functionality, regardless
of system architecture or framework application – it PACTware
also guarantees high software quality and, as a
▪▪ is the perfect adjustment tool
consequence, high availability of the entire system.
▪▪ is suitable for any automation environment
▪▪ is the platform for all DTMs conforming
High software quality
to the FDT standard
Linux leads the way in the office environment –
▪▪ allows control of all field instruments
PACTware in the world of automation: the software
via any communication structure
is available to the full members of PACTware Con-
sortium e.V. as source code. This transparency ▪▪ is free of charge, is continually being
guarantees high software quality. Any bugs that developed and adapted to new technologies
appear can be easily and quickly localized and, more
importantly, eliminated. Fewer dependencies on
individual companies arise. That´s because all
member companies of the PACTware Consortium
guarantee the same uncompromising support and
further development of PACTware. What is more,
PACTware uses the standardized, FDT Group-initi-
ated software modules (Common Components) for
the FDT interface. That assures real interoperabil-
ity and finest state-of-the-art technology.

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 PACTware members

Your Global Automation Partner

An overview of current members and their websites can be accessed at: www.pactware.com 09/2016

PACTware Consortium e. V.
Panoramastraße 16 · 76327 Pfinztal / Germany
Phone +49 7240 94309-61 · Fax +49 7240 94309-63
info@pactware.com · www.pactware.com