Versatile Device Management Wizard

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Netherlands) will release the FieldMate R2.06 Versatile Device Management Wizard in mid-May. FieldMate is a versatile software program for configuring, adjusting, and managing a wide variety of field devices used in factories and other production sites. This latest version of the FieldMate software is being exhibited at the HANNOVER MESSE 2013 trade show (8-12 April 2013). With this new version, Yokogawa will increase its share of the maintenance market.

This upgraded version of the FieldMate software supports FDT2.0, the latest version of the FDT interface. Field Device Tool (FDT) is a standard communications interface that links control systems with field devices such as pressure transmitters and flowmeters. It was developed and is promoted by the FDT Group, a non-profit organisation. The software also features a new alarm setting function with a user-friendly graphic interface that conforms to the NE107 standard: a device diagnostics specification that was defined by NAMUR, a German-based process automation user group.

Digital communications standards are playing an increasingly important role in communications between plant central control systems and field sensors. Unlike conventional field communications, where only measured values are sent from sensors to central control systems, digital communication technologies are also capable of transferring sensor settings and maintenance information to central control systems. They also allow a central control room or other control facility to be sited at a different location, from which operators can remotely monitor and adjust sensors.

As plants often have sensors from multiple vendors that rely on more than one communications standard, versatile software tools are required for device configuration, adjustment, and management. FieldMate, a PC-based software package that supports all major industry-standard communications protocols, is ideal for such requirements. FieldMate supports the FDT/DTM open software execution framework and can be used to configure and adjust any vendors network-capable field devices, regardless of which communications protocol is used. Device Type Manager (DTM) is an FDT-based device driver that is provided by device and control system vendors.

The FieldMate R2.06 upgrade adds support of FDT2.0, the latest version of FDT. This new FieldMate version also has an alarm setting function that conforms to the NE107 standard, simplifying the task of setting complex alarms.

Major target markets for this development include facility maintenance operations in process industries such as oil, petrochemicals, chemicals, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages, and iron and steel.

Applications include configuration, adjustment, inspection, and information management for sensors in plants and other production facilities.

FieldMate is a PC-based device configuration tool with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that is used to perform initial setup, routine maintenance, and device replacement. It supports all major industry-standard communication protocols such as FOUNDATION fieldbus, BRAIN, HART(R), and PROFIBUS(R) as well as the FDT/DTM open software execution framework. In addition, support for the ISA100.11a field wireless communications standard enables the configuration and adjustment of any vendors network-capable field devices, regardless of which communications protocol is used.