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Liability
Siemens explicitly declines any liability for damages resulting from the use of the following
device description files and use in conjunction with the associated devices:
● For device-specific device description files for non-Siemens devices, the Siemens warranty
only applies up to the interface.
● For device description files integrated through catalogs
NOTICE
Important note on the device description files included with the SIMATIC PDM
The device description files of non-Siemens field devices have not been developed by
Siemens and are included with the shipped products free of charge. The licensee is entitled
to use the device description files of these devices in the same manner as a trial license
in accordance with the general terms and conditions for the supply of software for
automation and drive technology. This right of use may be exercised by the licensee as
long as the right of use for the PDM software is in effect.
Standardized device descriptions
Standardized device descriptions enable intelligent field devices from different manufacturers
to be integrated in different control systems. The IEC 61804-3 standard governs the structure
of device descriptions (DD). This standard was developed in cooperation with the following
organizations:
● PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO)
● Hart Communication Foundation (HCF)
● Fieldbus FOUNDATION
● OPC Foundation
The device descriptions are based on the EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language).
Information in device descriptions
Device descriptions contain all information required for correct interpretation of device data.
● Pre-defined device descriptions (standard DDs) describe the key parameters. These
standard DDs are available from the user organizations, for example, through the Fieldbus
FOUNDATION.
FF devices can interpret and display the data and functions of this standard DD. The basic
functions of the user interface are stored in the standard DD.
● Device-specific functions and parameters can be stored in an extended device description.
● The device description specifies the rules for the instantiation of blocks:
– Number and type of the initially automatically created, deletable blocks (default blocks)
– Maximum of all instantiable blocks
– Maximum of the instantiable blocks of a certain type
– Hardware-dependent, type-specific limitations of the maximum number of blocks
Basics of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus
3.1 Device integration with EDD
FOUNDATION Fieldbus
Commissioning Manual, 02/2015, A5E32711026-AC
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