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Integrating Third-Party HART Temperature Transmitters into SIMATIC PDM via Device Integration Manager

Integrating Third-Party HART Temperature Transmitters into SIMATIC PDM via Device Integration Manager

Integrating third-party HART field devices into SIMATIC PDM requires importing their Electronic Device Description (EDD) packages using the Device Integration Manager (DIM) utility. When a specific temperature transmitter—such as the PR electronics 5331—does not appear in the default PDM catalog, engineers must obtain the vendor's device-specific EDD file, import it through DIM, and assign it to the hardware configuration. If a proprietary EDD is unavailable, the transmitter can be parameterized and monitored using SIMATIC PDM's generic HART Universal and Common Practice command profiles.

Table of Contents

Device Description Architecture in SIMATIC PDM

SIMATIC Process Device Manager (PDM) is a manufacturer-independent tool for configuring, parameterizing, commissioning, and diagnosing intelligent field devices connected via HART, PROFIBUS DP/PA, and PROFINET. PDM does not use traditional PLC block libraries or GSD files for internal parameter access; instead, it relies entirely on Electronic Device Descriptions (EDD):

  • EDD Definition: An EDD is a standardized text-based file (conforming to IEC 61804) that defines device parameters, menu structures, diagnostic variables, graphical views, and communication protocols.
  • Device Catalog: SIMATIC PDM compiles individual EDD files into an internal binary device catalog (Device Library).
  • Device Integration Manager (DIM): The dedicated utility within SIMATIC PDM used to parse, validate, and integrate new or updated EDDs from manufacturers into the system catalog.

When a device such as the PR electronics 5331 HART temperature sensor is missing from the PDM catalog list, the field instrument cannot be interrogated online until its specific EDD is compiled into the PDM catalog or a generic profile is selected.

Obtaining and Preparing Manufacturer EDD Packages

Before initiating the integration procedure in PDM, prepare the device description files:

  1. Vendor Support Portals: Download the dedicated EDD package directly from the device manufacturer (e.g., PR electronics, Endress+Hauser, Emerson, or Yokogawa). Ensure the download specifically indicates compatibility with SIMATIC PDM or FDT/EDD IEC 61804.
  2. Siemens Device Integration CDs: Siemens periodically releases updated PDM Device Library media (e.g., Device Library 1#2023), which contain thousands of pre-tested third-party device descriptions.
  3. Extraction: Extract the vendor .zip archive to a dedicated folder on the local engineering station (e.g., C:\EDD_Staging\PR_Electronics_5331\). The folder typically contains .edd, .cfx, and related image files.

Step-by-Step EDD Integration via Device Integration Manager

Follow this standardized procedure to incorporate the new device description into the active PDM environment:

Step 1: Open Device Integration Manager

  1. Close SIMATIC Manager, HW Config, and any active PDM windows.
  2. Open the Windows Start menu and navigate to Siemens Automation -> SIMATIC PDM -> Device Integration Manager.
  3. Run the application as administrator.

Step 2: Browse and Scan Source Path

  1. In the DIM menu, select Source -> Browse...
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the extracted vendor EDD files (C:\EDD_Staging\...).
  3. Click OK. DIM recursively scans the directory structure, reading header metadata, device revisions, and manufacturer IDs.

Step 3: Select Device and Execute Integration

  1. In the scanned tree view, locate the manufacturer folder (e.g., PR electronics -> Temperature -> PR 5331).
  2. Verify that the Device Revision and Firmware Revision match the physical transmitter installed in the field.
  3. Check the selection box next to the target device.
  4. Click Integration in the toolbar, or select Actions -> Integrate.
  5. DIM validates syntax, compiles the description into PDM's catalog format, and registers the device.
  6. Review the integration log to confirm that no fatal syntax errors occurred, then close DIM.

Assigning Devices in HW Config and PDM Plant View

Once integrated, assign the device description to the physical I/O channel within STEP 7:

Method A: HW Config (HART AI Module Channel Assignment)

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, open HW Config for the automation station hosting the HART module (e.g., ET 200M 6ES7331-7TF01-0AB0 or ET 200SP HA 6DL1134-6TH00-0PH1).
  2. Double-click the HART analog input module to open its Properties dialog.
  3. Select the HART or HART Variables tab.
  4. Select the specific channel connected to the temperature transmitter.
  5. Click Insert / Assign Device.
  6. In the catalog browser, navigate to HART -> PR electronics -> Temperature -> PR 5331.
  7. Assign the device and click OK, then save and compile HW Config.

Method B: PDM Process Device Plant View

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, select View -> Process Device Plant View.
  2. Navigate the hierarchy to the target HART module and channel.
  3. Right-click the channel object and select Insert New Object -> Object.
  4. Assign the integrated PR electronics 5331 device description.

Configuring the Generic HART Transmitter Fallback

If a manufacturer does not provide a specific EDD for a legacy or proprietary sensor, configure the generic HART profile to access core process data:

  1. In the PDM Device Catalog selection window, navigate to:
    * HART -> WirelessHART / HART -> Sensors -> Temperature
    * Or select HART -> Universal / Common Practice -> Universal Transmitter
  2. Assign this generic EDD to the channel.
  3. The generic profile provides access to:
    * Universal Commands: Read Primary Variable (PV), Secondary Variable (SV), Tertiary Variable (TV), Quaternary Variable (QV).
    * Standard Diagnostics: Loop current (4-20 mA), sensor out-of-limits, cold-junction compensation errors, and device malfunction bits.
    * Basic Parameterization: Tag name, descriptor, message, range limits (Lower Range Value / Upper Range Value), and damping time.

Verification

Verify that the transmitter communicates properly through SIMATIC PDM:

  1. Establish Online Connection:
    * In HW Config or Process Device View, right-click the assigned device and select Start SIMATIC PDM.
    * PDM opens the device-specific graphical interface.
  2. Execute Device Upload:
    * In PDM, select Device -> Upload to PG/PC...
    * Confirm that PDM reads all parameter blocks from the physical transmitter across the HART frequency shift keying (FSK) channel.
  3. Verify Process Variables:
    * Navigate to the Process Variables or Online Values view.
    * Confirm live temperature readings, sensor resistance/millivolt raw inputs, and 4-20 mA output current.
  4. Diagnostic Status: Verify that the device status indicator shows healthy operation (green checkmark) with no communication timeouts.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

  • Firmware Revision Mismatches: Always verify that the device revision in the EDD matches the hardware revision printed on the physical transmitter label. Assigning an incompatible revision can result in parameter read errors or corrupt calibration data.
  • HART Communication Latency: HART FSK communication operates at 1200 baud over standard 4-20 mA analog wiring. Uploading a complete device configuration can take between 30 seconds and several minutes depending on the parameter set.
  • Safety-Related (PROFIsafe / SIL) Constraints: Generic HART profiles cannot be used to certify or modify safety-instrumented parameters on SIL-rated safety transmitters. SIL-rated devices require validated, vendor-certified EDD packages with write-protection handling.
  • EDD Catalog Backups: Export or maintain backup copies of integrated third-party EDD packages. Performing a full PCS 7 or PDM version upgrade resets the default library, requiring re-integration of custom third-party EDDs.

Engineer FAQ

  • Why is the PR electronics 5331 transmitter missing from the standard PDM catalog?
    Siemens bundles standard Siemens devices and common third-party instruments in the default PDM installation. Less common third-party transmitters require manual import of vendor-supplied EDDs.
  • What is the difference between an EDD and a GSD file in PCS 7?
    A GSD file configures cyclic process communication and bus addressing for controllers in HW Config, whereas an EDD defines acyclic parameter menus, diagnostics, and calibration wizards within SIMATIC PDM.
  • Can I parameterize a HART transmitter using SIMATIC PDM without a dedicated vendor EDD?
    Yes, by selecting the generic 'HART Universal' or 'Standard Temperature Transmitter' EDD in PDM, which supports standard HART commands for ranges, units, damping, and 4-20 mA calibration.
  • Why does Device Integration Manager show an error during EDD compilation?
    Errors typically occur if the EDD requires a newer PDM version, contains unsupported syntax extensions, or references missing parent library definitions.
  • Do I need to compile and download HW Config after integrating an EDD into PDM?
    If the device is assigned to a module channel in HW Config, you must compile and download HW Config to update the hardware database.
  • How do I update the PDM catalog when Siemens releases a new Device Library CD?
    Insert or mount the Device Library media, launch Device Integration Manager, browse to the root of the media, select the desired manufacturer catalogs, and click Integrate.
  • Can SIMATIC PDM communicate with HART transmitters across ET 200SP HA interface modules?
    Yes, provided the ET 200SP HA interface module and the analog input module support HART routing and are configured in PCS 7 V9.0 SP3 or higher.
  • Why does PDM display 'Device communication failed' when attempting to connect online?
    Common causes include incorrect HART polling addresses (must be 0 for standard 4-20 mA loop), open loop wiring, missing 250-ohm loop resistor, or disabled HART mode in module properties.
  • What is the function of the PDM 'Device Integration Manager' vs 'Catalog Management'?
    Device Integration Manager imports and compiles raw EDD files into the local database, while Catalog Management allows engineers to organize, hide, or filter integrated devices in the tree.
  • Does integrating a new EDD consume additional SIMATIC PDM license TAGs?
    No, importing EDD files into the catalog does not consume licenses. PDM licensing is based on the number of active configured process devices (TAGs) in the engineering project.

Technical References

  • Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) Portal: SIMATIC Process Device Manager (PDM) V9.2 Operating Manual, Siemens AG.
  • IEC 61804: Function blocks (FB) for process control and Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL).
  • PR electronics Technical Documentation: PR 5331 2-wire Programmable Transmitter HART Manual.

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Related Tags

SIMATIC PDM, HART, EDD, Device Integration Manager, Temperature Transmitter, ET 200, Instrumentation, Field Devices