FOUNDATION Fieldbus Development Tools

Development Specifications

The FOUNDATION Fieldbus Technical Specifications and FOUNDATION for SIF Technical Specifications are a collection of specifications utilized by developers to understand how to implement FOUNDATION Fieldbus in their products. The specifications cover all aspects of the technologies and depending on the product developed, some or all specifications within the package may be used.

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Conformance Test Tools

The H1 and HSE Conformance Test Kits (CTK) are complete packages that allow the user to ensure a manufacturer's stack conforms to FieldComm Group's official H1 and HSE registration testing. This product will verify the correct communication behavior of an H1/HSE device as defined in the H1/HSE specifications. It is an excellent tool for troubleshooting and debugging.

Need to update your tool? Updates are available from our Sharefile (existing PSP participants only) or join our Product Service Program to maintain your tools.

Device Description Development Tools

The Device Description Integrated Development Environment (DD-IDE) converts the source Device Description Language (DDL) file into the device description binary format for distribution with a field device. The DD-IDE contains a built in Tokenizer.

The DD-IDE provides many important features to speed device development:

• converts DD source files into the DD binary file format, checks for syntax or logical errors in DD source files, and issues error messages that help trace and correct errors.
• includes a method-debugger, project tree, and customizable tag files for quick code completion as you type.
• restricts redefinitions of information imported from standard DDs to ensure interoperability. For example, it prevents redefinition of a floating-point-type variable as an integer-type variable, or deleting a parameter from a standard function block.
• fully supports the enhanced EDDL language elements.
• supports rendering the new extensions, including enhanced dialogs, images, graphs and charts.

• provides a test DD application to test your tokenized DD files with a simulation file or with a live device.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* - The DD-IDE does NOT include the DD Library that is used to write DD's. This must be purchased separately.

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.

The DD Library contains DD source code that device developers can import and use to build the device description. The source code for all standard FOUNDATION Fieldbus parameters and blocks is included, in addition to the archives of all registered CFFs and DD files. Manufacturers only need to implement custom block and other manufacturer-specific additional parameters. Developers may need to purchase the DD Library for use with items such as the DD-IDE, DD Services and the Host Test Kit.

Need to update your tool? Updates are available from our Sharefile (existing PSP participants only) or join our Product Service Program to maintain your tools.

Interoperability Test Tools

The H1 and HSE Interoperability Test Kits (ITK) verify the functionality of a device with the FOUNDATION Fieldbus's Function Block Specifications. These test kits include all hardware and software required to ensure a manufacturer's complete device interoperability; they are identical to the official registration testing completed by the FieldComm Group. The kits are excellent tools for troubleshooting and debugging H1 and HSE devices. Source code for the test cases is included.The H1 and HSE test kits tests some of the most cutting edge features of FOUNDATION Fieldbus, including FOUNDATION for Remote Operations Management (ROM) and FOUNDATION for Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF). 

The Host Test Kit tests the functionality of a host and its conformity with the Host Registration Test Specification and the DD Host Application Test Procedures.

Need to update your tool? Updates are available from our Sharefile (existing PSP participants only) or join our Product Service Program to maintain your tools.