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Integrating Different EDD Versions into SIMATIC PDM in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0

Integrating Different EDD Versions into SIMATIC PDM in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0

To integrate Electronic Device Descriptions (EDDs) of a different or newer firmware version into SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0, use the 'Device Integration Manager' (DIM) utility. Launch DIM from the Windows Start Menu or PDM, browse to the device manufacturer's EDD source folder or SIOS device catalog media, and select the device profile matching the exact hardware revision and firmware version. DIM imports the EDD into the central PDM device catalog, allowing engineers to assign the updated device description in the STEP 7 HW Config or PDM Process Device Plant View.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

In modern process control plants running SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0, smart field instruments communicating via HART, PROFIBUS PA, or FOUNDATION Fieldbus require Electronic Device Descriptions (EDD) for parameterization, diagnostic calibration, and maintenance using SIMATIC PDM. When instrument technicians replace a field transmitter with a newer firmware revision or add a third-party sensor whose EDD version is not included in the default PDM Device Catalog, PDM generates device mismatch errors. This article details the device integration mechanics of SIMATIC PDM and step-by-step procedures to import and update EDDs.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

SIMATIC PDM Architecture and EDD Device Integration Mechanics:

  • Role of SIMATIC PDM and EDDs:
  • SIMATIC PDM is the universal field instrument configuration and diagnostic tool in PCS 7.
  • An Electronic Device Description (EDD) is an open, standardized file (conforming to IEC 61804 / EDDL) defining menus, parameters, diagnostic limits, and calibration wizards for a specific device.
  • The Device Integration Manager (DIM):
  • Standalone utility responsible for managing, importing, and updating the local PDM Device Catalog database.
  • Compares newly imported EDDs against installed versions, verifying semantic syntax and compatibility with the installed PDM engine (e.g., PDM V9.1).
  • Version Compatibility Matching:
  • PDM matches connected physical field devices using three criteria: Device Type, Hardware Revision, and Software/Firmware Revision.
  • If an older EDD is assigned to a transmitter with newer firmware, PDM restricts online parameter editing to prevent corrupted memory writes.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Step-by-Step Procedure to Integrate a New EDD via Device Integration Manager:

  1. Download and Extract the Manufacturer EDD:
    - Obtain the latest EDD package from the instrument manufacturer's website or Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS).
    - Extract the compressed archive to a local folder (e.g., D:\EDD_Updates\VendorX).
  2. Launch Device Integration Manager (DIM):
    - In Windows, click Start -> Siemens Automation -> SIMATIC -> PDM -> Device Integration Manager.
    - In the DIM menu, select File -> Read device descriptions....
    - Browse to the folder containing the extracted EDD files.
  3. Scan and Select Device Descriptions:
    - DIM parses the files and displays a tree of detected instruments with Vendor, Model, and Firmware versions.
    - Check the box corresponding to your specific hardware revision and firmware version.
  4. Execute Integration into Catalog:
    - Click the Integration button on the toolbar.
    - Monitor the progress log; verify that the integration status reports 'Completed successfully'.
  5. Update Device Assignment in SIMATIC Manager / PDM:
    - Open SIMATIC Manager -> open the Process Device Plant View (or HW Config).
    - Right-click the field instrument -> select Device -> Select Device Type....
    - Navigate to the newly integrated EDD in the catalog tree; select it and click OK.
    - Open PDM online to verify parameter synchronization.

Verification

To verify EDD integration:
1. In SIMATIC Manager Process Device Plant View, double-click the field instrument to open SIMATIC PDM.
2. Verify that PDM opens the device overview without 'Unknown Device' or 'Firmware Mismatch' warning dialogs.
3. Select Device -> Upload to PG/PC; verify that all parameters upload smoothly from the physical transmitter into PDM.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational precautions:
- Never assign an EDD designed for a different hardware revision; parameter memory offsets can differ, risking instrument calibration corruption.
- Ensure that the installed SIMATIC PDM software version supports the EDDL specification level utilized by the new EDD.
- Always back up existing instrument parameter sets to an offline PDM archive prior to performing device type upgrades.

Engineer FAQ

What tool imports new instrument descriptions into SIMATIC PDM?

The Device Integration Manager (DIM) utility.

What is an EDD?

An Electronic Device Description (EDD) conforming to IEC 61804 that defines the parameters and diagnostics of smart field devices.

Can I use an older EDD with a newer transmitter firmware?

It may provide partial read access, but PDM will warn of firmware mismatch and may block calibration functions. Installing the matching EDD is strongly recommended.

Where do I find EDD files for third-party transmitters?

From the third-party instrument manufacturer's website or from the Siemens PDM Device Library media.

Does importing an EDD require a software license?

No, importing EDD files into the catalog does not consume licenses; PDM runtime usage is governed by SIMATIC PDM TAG licenses.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • SIMATIC PDM
  • EDD
  • Device Integration Manager
  • HART Instruments
  • Fieldbus Diagnostics
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