New Website: ISA launches EDDL resource

By Control Engineering Staff May 17, 2007

One resource that is available but often not fully understood is EDDL (electronic device description language) , which can be a major help integrating individual pieces of instrumentation with larger control systems. The system creates a common language for a vast variety of items, from individual instruments to large drive systems, that assists in device diagnostics, asset management, HMI display, and configuration functions. ISA’s new site gives information about EDDL in the context of a standards committee, ISA-SP104, along with resources for learning more about the technology.

“EDDL is an important subject in industry today, and we’re proud of the work that we’re doing to further the understanding of how this standard is used to make plants more competitive,” says committee chair Terry Blevins of Emerson. “This Website will offer viewers the chance to see the benefits and history, how it is used, common questions and answers, and who the supporting organizations are.”

The language provides a digital format to describe a device that is accessible from the device itself. Descriptors are available for more than 15 million units that are installed in process industries. Control systems, maintenance software tools, and handheld readers use the information for cataloging, diagnostic, and calibration functions.

In addition to various instrumentation vendors that support EDDL, Fieldbus Foundation, Profibus International, HART Foundation, and OPC Foundation are all part of a cooperation team to continue technology developments.

—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Control Engineering Weekly News (Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free.)