Field Instrumentation Configuration and Support Files

​Field instrument software support files typically include device description files (DD), enhanced device description language (EDDL) files and device type manager (DTM).

DD and EDDL files:
DD and EDDL files are provided by every device supplier and contain the information required by the host systems and handhelds to utilize the device capabilities and functions. DD files are the original standard while EDDL augments the DD technology with added features to better support the needs of more complex devices such as valves.

Device Type Manager:
DTMs are used with host systems and provide functions for accessing device parameters, configuring and operating the device, and diagnosing problems. DTMs can range from a simple graphical user interface (GUI) for setting device parameters to a highly sophisticated application capable of performing real-time diagnosis and maintenance calculations.

​Software support files help integrate the instruments with host systems for better interoperability.

DD and EDDL files are used in the host system’s engineering environment to create device-specific templates that integrate the associated device with the control system and allow the device blocks to be used in the control scheme.

The DTM is loaded and launched in a Field Device Tool (FDT) container or "frame" application. It provides the FDT container that defines the interface between frame application and the DTMs. Frame applications can be device configuration tools, control system-engineering tools, operator consoles or asset management tools, such as Honeywell’s Field Device Manager.

​By accessing the required software files, users can seamlessly integrate field devices into their host systems to fully leverage the functionality of the device features and provide access to all needed data to improving the operator efficiency.