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3.4
Capability levels (device variants)
Some manufacturers offer FF devices in device variants with a scaled scope of functions.
These device variants are designated as "capability levels" in FOUNDATION Fieldbus.
Common features and differences based on capability level
Common features
● The devices use the same device description.
● The general device properties defined in the device description are identical.
Differences
● Within the capability level, the following types of function and transducer blocks are defined:
– Permanent blocks
– Initially created, deletable default blocks
– Instantiable blocks (for devices with capability level)
● The type and number of blocks can be different.
● Instantiable blocks can only be selected if at least one capability level is defined for a device.
Selecting the capability level in the device catalogs
In the device catalogs of HW Config and SIMATIC PDM, you will find capability levels at the
following place:
In the tree view as a hierarchy level below the device revision of the FF devices.
Examples
Device without capability level
Device with capability level
Device with instantiable blocks
Device
● Device revision
● Device revision
Device
● Device revision
● Device revision
– Capability level 1
– Capability level 2
Device
● Device revision
● Device revision
– Capability level 1
– Capability level 2
- Instantiable block FB TYPE <...>
- Instantiable block FB TYPE <...>
Configuring the capability level
1. In the hardware configuration, select the capability level supported by your device.
2. Configure the blocks for the device (add/delete).
Observe the following sections:
– You can find information about the properties of the blocks in the section "Block model
of device parameters (Page 15)".
– You can find information about the device description in the section "Device integration
Basics of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus
3.4 Capability levels (device variants)
FOUNDATION Fieldbus
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Commissioning Manual, 02/2015, A5E32711026-AC