The DD Services Toolkit is a comprehensive source code library that makes it easy for host suppliers to decode DD binaries and access DD information via the host system. Its source code library provides several convenience functions to make it easier for a system supplier to develop DD-based applications. The DD Services Toolkit also supports the enhanced EDDL language elements. It removes the burden of decoding the DD binary file by an application.
What is the DD Services Kit?
Device descriptions (DDs) are written using the Device Description Language (DDL). The source language DDs are translated into a machine readable binary format by the Tokenizer. Host applications access information about the device from this binary format using Device Description Services. DD Services kit is a library of source code used to decode the DD binaries and access the DD information. The source code library provides several convenient functions to make it easier for a system supplier to develop DD-based applications.
What is included with the DD Services Kit?
The kit contains a single installation disk with DD Services and documentation.
• Device Description Services Source Code
• Documentation
Will the DD Services Kit be compatible with today’s DD binaries?
Today’s DD binaries conform to the DD Binary 4.x file format. The DD Services Kit 5.2 is compatible with DD binaries generated by the DD Tokenizer 4.x and 5.x. Compatibility with DD Tokenizer 4.x assures continued support for the existing installed base of Device Descriptions while enabling support of the new language extensions in future devices.
Is DD Services system- or platform-dependent?
DD Services can be used with multiple host operating system platforms. The DD Services software design identifies any system-dependent services involved in the process of delivering device description information to an application, and makes them external to DD Services. By placing these services outside of DD Services, instead of dictating a solution within DD Services that all applications must use, DD Services provides you with greater flexibility over how you choose to implement each service, and which host operating system platform you use.
What is the EDDL?
EDDL is an acronym for Electronic Device Description Language. EDDL is specified in both the ISA 104 Standard and the IEC 61804-2 International Standard. The Device Description Technology held by FieldComm Group is a fully defined subset of the ISA 104 and IEC 61804-2 “EDDL” standards.
What is the EDDL cooperative effort?
The EDDL cooperative effort is a working group composed of members of FieldComm Group, OPC Foundation, and Profibus Organization to provide common extensions to the IEC 61804-2 EDDL International Standard. The extensions build upon the existing EDDL standard.
What did the EDDL cooperative deliver?
Built on IEC 61804-2 standards, the EDDL extensions provide powerful, advanced visualization capabilities for diagnostics, complex calibration procedures, persistent data storage and algorithmic relationships. The new extensions are ideal for advanced device applications such as valve signatures and radar level sensor configuration.
Why use EDDL?
You have unrestricted access to the most widely used interoperable descriptive language in the automation industry. EDDL is forward and backward compatible, preserving your investment and expanding device capability at the same time. EDDL provides uniform configuration/setup, operation and diagnostics/maintenance features in an interoperable, multi-vendor environment. EDDL requires no proprietary driver development. EDDL has built-in revision control. EDDL defines a single EDD for all hosts and OS platforms.