ODVA, FDT adding software tools with FDT to networks built on CIP

Ann Arbor, MI; Foxboro, MA—ODVA and the FDT Joint Interest Group (FDT JIG) have agreed to jointly incorporate FDT’s technologies into software tools that support networks built on ODVA’s Common Industrial Protocol (CIP).

By Control Engineering Staff May 3, 2005

Ann Arbor, MI; Foxboro, MA— ODVA and the FDT Joint Interest Group (FDT JIG) have agreed to jointly incorporate FDT’s technologies into software tools that support networks built on ODVA’s Common Industrial Protocol (CIP).

ODVA’s CIP Software Tools Joint Special Interest Group (jSIG) will develop specification enhancements to incorporate FDT technology into the configuration of devices on CIP networks. Present network technologies built on CIP include EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet, their EtherNet/IP Safety and DeviceNet Safety extensions, and ControlNet. CIP and EtherNet/IP are owned and managed by ODVA in conjunction with ControlNet International under a technology cooperation agreement.

FDT technology defines interfaces between device-specific software components provided by device manufacturers, called Device Type Managers (DTM), and the engineering systems provided by system manufacturers. Under the joint activities, ODVA will also extend its conformance testing process to include the testing of DTMs intended for use with products for CIP Networks, providing “one-stop’ conformance testing and certification for product developers.

In addition, FDT JIG has formed a project group for CIP Networks (PG CIP) to develop extensions to FDT technology specifications to support CIP Networks.

‘ODVA is committed to providing industry with open, interoperable networks, which is a huge benefit for network users and network product developers,” says Katherine Voss, ODVA’s executive director. “It has freed users to choose best of breed products, confident that they will be able to communicate seamlessly across multiple network layers and multiple network segments. This agreement with FDT represents an important piece of the puzzle, because it means that users will now benefit from more freedom to choose the best of breed products with the added confidence that configuration will also be simplified through the use of expert software tools.

‘It will also give developers a network-independent framework that will reduce the number of configuration software tools that they are required to support,’ she continues. ‘This will shorten development times so that products can be brought to market more quickly.’

Scott Bump, of FDT Joint Interest Group, adds that, ‘FDT technology was developed to help deliver the full capabilities of all fieldbus devices and networks to their users. FDT breaks down the proprietary barriers in control systems, opening those systems to smart applications that can utilize all of the advanced features of fieldbus devices. The FDT JIG is very excited about our joint activities with ODVA, which extend the scope of the FDT technology to all CIP networks and to all products based on CIP.’

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com