Source: FieldComm Group

February 13, 2020 16:18 ET

FieldComm Group Adds HTML5, JSON and Enhanced OPC UA Support in

Latest Release of FDI Device Package Integrated Development
Environment
Single Software Tool Now Enables Developers to Create Process Automation Integration Software for Multiple
Protocols

Austin, TX USA, Feb. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FieldComm Group, the leading standards development
organization in the process automation industry, today announced a significant milestone in its effort to accelerate
digitalization in the process industry with the updated release of its developer tool for the Field Device Integration
standard (FDI).

Announced in conjunction with the availability of version 1.2 of the FDI specifications (IEC 62769), this release of
the FDI Device Package Integrated Development Environment (FDI-IDE) provides significant enhancements for
field instrument software developers. According to Ted Masters, President and CEO of FieldComm Group, “The
latest FDI-IDE simplifies software development for our members and adds valuable IIoT features for end users.”

HTML5 Apps Enabled. The FDI-IDE, in addition to previously available Microsoft .NET support, now allows for the
creation of device-specific application programs using HTML5. This feature allows users to integrate device-
specific application tools with emerging web-based asset management systems. “The world is moving to web-
based technologies, and process automation is no exception”, claims Axel Lorenz, Vice President for Process
Automation at Siemens' Business Unit "Industrial Automation Systems" and FieldComm Group Board of
Directors member. "HTML5 based user interfaces through FDI will significantly improve usability for complex
device management and configuration.”

JSON Based Device Information. Originally envisioned as an integration technology for control system asset
management software, FDI is increasingly being considered for local and remote cloud monitoring and
optimization applications. By providing monitoring and device identification information in lightweight JSON format
for HART devices, the FDI-IDE enables standardized creation of simple monitoring and optimization applications.
“JSON based DeviceInfo for HART devices provides text-based information in a format recognized by all of the
major cloud solutions providers, thus simplifying the development of basic monitoring and optimization
applications for the massive FieldComm Group installed base”, states Peter Zornio, Chief Technology Officer at
Emerson and FieldComm Group Board of Directors member.

OPC UA Cloud Integration. For applications that rely on OPC UA information models, the FDI-IDE now includes a
device information model server with OPC UA local discovery server support to provide a software conduit from
FDI servers to local and cloud-based OPC UA applications. According to Thoralf Schulz, Industrial Automation
Research Manager at ABB and FieldComm Group Board of Directors Chairman, “OPC UA is an extremely
important enabling technology for process automation success in IIoT and Industrie 4.0. Inclusion of an
information model server within FDI is the first step in exposing device information to applications as originally
envisioned by the creators of FDI.”

Single Solution for Multiple Protocols. The release of this latest version of the FDI-IDE provides a single developer
tool that process automation suppliers can use to create FDI compliant software for many process automation
protocols. FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, WirelessHART, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, ISA100.11a and a generic
protocol extender are all supported.

Online Repository Assures Access to Latest Registered Device Files. FDI-IDE also enables developers to take
advantage of FieldComm Group’s online FDI Device Package and DD (Device Description) repository. Through
the FDI-IDE Reference Runtime Environment, developers can access the up-to-date registered files available for
process automation device integration.
About FieldComm Group
The FieldComm Group is a global standards-based organization consisting of leading process end users,
manufacturers, universities and research organizations that work together to direct the development,
incorporation and implementation of new and overlapping technologies and serves as the source for FDI
technology. FieldComm Group’s mission is to develop, manage, and promote global standards for integrating
digital devices to on-site, mobile, and cloud based systems; provide services for standards conformance and
implementation of process automation devices and systems that enable and improve reliability and multi-vendor
interoperability; lead the development of a unified information model of process automation field devices while
building upon industry investment in the HART®, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus and FDI™ standards. Membership
is open to anyone interested in the use of the technologies. For more information, please visit
www.fieldcommgroup.org