Standard extends interoperability of CIP networks

Annex provides the schemas required to implement the device type managers configuration option for the currently available adaptations of networks built on the Common Industrial Protocol.

ODVA and the FDT Group announce the publication of the "Field device tool for CIP networks: Annex to FDT specification".

This annex provides the schemas required to implement the device type managers (DTM) configuration option for the currently available adaptations of networks built on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which include DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP and ControlNet.

In addition to previous configuration options, the latest publication of the CIP Networks Library of specifications now also allows for DTM configuration for all CIP networks.

With the increasing ability to multitask network diagnostics, prognostics and configuration along with conventional control tasks, DTMs will provide user with new opportunities for further productivity improvements in their plant networks.

The addition of the DTM configuration option to CIP is part of the next generation of standards development activities to include plug-and-play configuration, providing users with homogenous environment regardless of the networks in use.

FDT Group's Managing Director Flavio Tolfo comments: "The publication of the DTM configuration option for CIP is yet another step in the adoption of the FDT technology in the world of discrete automation".

"With this addition, equipment suppliers can now make full use of the DTM features for the devices connected to the familiar CIP networks".

"FDT software architecture has one target, to give users freedom of choice".

"Freedom for users to choose devices and networks that are best suited to their machine, application or process - without being restricted by network technology".

"Users can now use the same software engineering tools (actually FDT container programs) to configure all of the common fieldbus networks".

Richard Harwell, ODVA's CTO and Chair of the CIP Software Tools JSIG, states: "The addition of FDT support of CIP Networks will bring important benefits to the CIP user and vendor community".

"It will enable the development of more powerful and flexible configuration and monitoring tools".

"It also extends the interoperability of CIP networks with other network technologies by enabling the development of network independent common software tools".

The next editions of the DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP specifications that include the DTM configuration option are now available from ODVA.

The next step in this joint effort includes the inclusion of schemas in the annex for the CompoNet adaptation of CIP.

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