When planning a system change you should contact your system supplier and device vendors and ask whether the required software is released for the operating system you intend to use. If so, no change of the installed software may be necessary. Otherwise an update of the software may be needed.

The FDT standard supports both EDDL and DTM configuration methods.

The EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) allows a device to be described using a text like language. This is then compiled into an EDD file that is unique for each HART, FF, and Profibus network. The host system interprets the compiled EDD file and determines how a device appears in the applications..
While the EDDL method is a simple way to describe the device, it is at the same time limited in the features it offers.

The DTM method of representing a device is consistent in any FDT Frame application. The device supplier is in control of the visualization, functionality and advanced features. This can be compared to a company’s website: It creates a website and wants it to look and feel the same regardless of which internet browser is used and independent of how the information gets to the website – Cable, DSL, dial-up, etc.

The FDT Specification is freely available on the FDT Group’s website and includes several requirements on DTM development. Based on the specification and other technical documents one can start to develop the DTM. In principle there are three options: One can either start from scratch, or use the existing DD or also generic DTMs as a basis.

As the development requires a certain level of know-how and understanding of the FDT specification and some technology experience, there are also companies offering tools, consulting services, expertise and other resources to support DTM development. They are all members of the FDT Group and you can contact them directly or use our contact form.

A list of the latest certified DTM revision for any FDT device is available on the FDT Group website at www.fdtgroup.org.  You can always visit this website to make sure you have the latest certified DTM version for your devices. Most manufacturers offer also regular updates of their DTMs which you can usually download on their websites. Always check with your suppliers before updating DTMs.

In general, all device manufacturers deliver their DTM free-of-charge together with the device. There are companies that charge for device DTMs with full functionality. Example: DTM without printing and device data storage is free of charge, with these functions at a fee. DTMs offered by service providers are often charged with a fee.

The device manufacturer usually provides the DTM for each device and supply it with the instrument. Therefore the first step is to ask your device manufacturer whether a DTM is available. Normally, the DTMs are available as download from the internet or on CD/DVD. If there should be no DTM available for a certain device, it may be accessed by generic DTMs or DTMs offered by service providers.

End users interested in integrating FDT Technology should contact their supplier and ask about FDT Technology, devices and Frame applications that are available. Also check the FDT website for a listing of certified DTMs and other FDT related equipment.

There is no deadline for the cessation of 1.2.x DTMs. Vendors will gradually switch to FDT2.0 DTMs with new devices.