Importing Standard Device Descriptions (DD) Without DDL Files in SIMATIC PDM Device Integration Manager

In SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager), importing third-party field device descriptions that lack pre-compiled .ddl or .edd files (such as raw HART Communication Foundation .dd and .sym files) is performed using the SIMATIC PDM Device Integration Manager (DIM). Standard HART and Foundation Fieldbus device descriptions follow standardized directory structures (Manufacturer ID / Device Revision). To import them: open Device Integration Manager, select 'File -> Read device descriptions...', browse to the root folder containing the vendor's .dd and .sym files, and let DIM compile the raw descriptions into PDM's internal catalog. Additionally, verify if the device is already included in the official 'SIMATIC PDM Device Library', which contains thousands of pre-tested device descriptions.

Executive Summary

Process instrumentation engineers frequently integrate specialized third-party field devices—such as ValControl digital valve positioners, Masoneilan controllers, or niche analytical transmitters—into SIMATIC PCS 7 via SIMATIC PDM. A recurring roadblock occurs when device manufacturers provide standard HART Communication Foundation (HCF) or FieldComm Group device description packages containing only raw .dd, .sym, or .bin files, without Siemens-specific .ddl or .edd extensions. Engineers often assume these files are incompatible with SIMATIC PDM. This article explains the underlying Device Integration Manager (DIM) compilation mechanics, details the import procedure, and highlights the official SIMATIC PDM Device Library.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

SIMATIC PDM operates in compliance with international Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) standards (IEC 61804). The software presents a uniform parameterization and diagnostic interface for smart field devices communicating over HART, PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

Device Description Architecture:
1. Compiled EDD Files (.edd / .ddl): Proprietary pre-compiled binaries formatted specifically for Siemens PDM or Emerson AMS environments.
2. Standard HCF / FieldComm Group DD Files: Standardized device descriptions generated by the device manufacturer using standard EDDL compilers. These packages typically consist of:
- *.dd: The binary or tokenized device description file defining parameters, menus, and methods.
- *.sym: The symbol and string resource file containing parameter names and multilingual text.
- Directory Hierarchy: The FieldComm standard mandates a strict folder structure: <Manufacturer_Hex_ID>\<Device_Type_Hex_ID>\<Device_Revision_Hex_ID>\ (e.g., 000032\0001\0101.dd).

Device Integration Manager (DIM) Mechanics:
SIMATIC PDM includes the Device Integration Manager (DIM), a standalone administrative utility. When DIM executes 'Read device descriptions', it scans the selected folder structure. It parses standard .dd and .sym files, validates EDDL syntax against the installed PDM parser level, compiles the parameters into PDM's internal database format, and registers the device in the PDM Device Tree under the appropriate technological category (Actuators, Transmitters, Positioners).

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Verify Device Presence in Official SIMATIC PDM Device Library:
a. Consult the official 'SIMATIC PDM Device Library' documentation on Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS entry 109748102 or current release).
b. Check the device manufacturer list: major vendors (including ValControl, Fisher, Metso, Samson, ABB) frequently have pre-certified EDD packages included in the official Siemens library DVD.
c. If listed, install the official Device Library to obtain fully warranted integration.
Prepare Third-Party Standard DD Files:
a. Obtain the device description zip archive from the instrument manufacturer.
b. Extract the files, ensuring the internal folder structure is preserved (e.g., folder path containing .dd and .sym files).
c. Do not rename the .dd or .sym files, as internal checksums link the files together.
Launch Device Integration Manager (DIM):
a. On the Engineering Station, navigate to Start -> Siemens Automation -> SIMATIC -> PDM -> Device Integration Manager.
b. Launch DIM with administrative privileges.
Execute Device Description Import:
a. In DIM, select File -> Read device descriptions... (or click the folder search icon).
b. In the directory browser, browse to the root folder where the extracted DD files reside.
c. Click 'OK'. DIM recursively scans the directory, interprets the raw .dd and .sym files, and displays a list of identified field devices.
d. Review the list of discovered devices: check the boxes corresponding to the desired instrument models.
e. Click 'Integration' (or 'Transfer') to compile and import the device definitions into the PDM catalog database.
Assign Device in SIMATIC Manager / Process Device Network View:
a. Open SIMATIC Manager and open the Process Device Network View or Process Device Plant View.
b. Navigate to the HART or fieldbus channel connected to the physical device.
c. Right-click and select Insert New Object -> Object.
d. In the PDM catalog browser, expand the manufacturer directory and select the newly integrated device description.
e. Double-click the object to launch SIMATIC PDM and establish online communication.

Verification

In SIMATIC PDM, open the field device: verify that online communication connects via the HART multiplexer or ET 200 HART transparent channel.
Confirm that live measurement values (PV, SV, TV, QV) and device status registers update dynamically.
Execute a parameter upload from the device into the offline PDM project: verify that all parameters upload without syntax parsing errors.
Modify an engineering parameter (such as damping or tag name), download to the device, and confirm the instrument accepts the change.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Device descriptions imported from third-party manufacturers without Siemens certification are used at the operator's own discretion and risk; custom manufacturer methods or calibration scripts written for non-standard EDDL compilers may produce visual quirks in PDM. Always backup the PDM catalog database before importing extensive third-party libraries. PDM device count licenses (10, 100, 1000 TAGs) must be verified through an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Can SIMATIC PDM use standard HART .dd and .sym files?

Yes. The Device Integration Manager (DIM) natively reads, compiles, and registers standard HART Communication Foundation .dd and .sym files into PDM.

Why did PDM fail to find device descriptions when browsing a folder?

The folder hierarchy was likely flattened; FieldComm standard DDs require preserving the original manufacturer and device revision directory structure.

What is the difference between an EDD file and a DDL file?

EDD (Electronic Device Description) and DDL (Device Description Language) represent source or compiled formats of the same IEC 61804 standard; DIM compiles both into PDM's internal database.

What is the SIMATIC PDM Device Library?

A comprehensive, Siemens-certified collection of pre-tested device descriptions for thousands of process field instruments delivered on DVD or SIOS download.

Does importing third-party DD files consume PDM licenses?

Importing device descriptions into the catalog does not consume licenses; PDM licenses are consumed based on the number of configured field devices (TAGs) in the project.