Brussels, Belgium— Advantages of open, interoperable field device technology (FDT) were the focus of a recent FDT Group presentation in Paris last month. “Open access to device intelligence,” demonstrated the use of FDT technology in process automation, factory automation, and hybrid applications to some 75 attendees, including 30 end-user companies. The event was the first in a series of “roadshows” planned by FDT Group to help explain field device technology.
The day-long gathering included reports on actual automation projects that discussed savings potential and ease of design, planning, commissioning, repair, and maintenance. Products based on FDT/DTM (device type manager) technology were also exhibited in a table top display. Hands-on demonstrations gave attendees the opportunity to discuss applications.
The next roadshow will be held on Sept. 21 in Antwerp, Belgium. FDT Group is an open, independent not-for-profit collaboration of international companies dedicated to establishing an international standard for the automation industry based on field device tool technology. FDT technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems and allows any device to be accessed from any host through any protocol. More than 50 companies make up the organization, among them ABB, Invensys, Endress+Hauser, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, and Rockwell Automation. Membership is open to any company who wishes to participate.
—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel , senior editor