Resolving Device Description Import Prerequisites and Missing Device Errors in SIMATIC PDM

In SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager), when attempting to import third-party field instrument Device Descriptions (EDD / DD files) such as the Emerson Rosemount 3051 Foundation Fieldbus transmitter and receiving the error 'There is not any device to import', the failure occurs because the imported folder structure lacks the mandatory devices.reg or *.devices manifest file, or the device was packaged for generic field configurators rather than SIMATIC PDM. To resolve this, install the official 'Device Library for SIMATIC PDM' provided by Siemens which pre-integrates Rosemount 3051FF transmitters, or restructure the vendor DD package to include certified PDM device class definitions.

How SIMATIC PDM Parses and Registers Field Device Descriptions

SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) is the universal, manufacturer-independent engineering software tool used in SIMATIC PCS 7 to configure, parameterize, commission, and maintain intelligent field instrumentation (HART, PROFIBUS PA, Foundation Fieldbus, and PROFINET devices).

To communicate with an intelligent field instrument, PDM requires an Electronic Device Description (EDD).

When an engineer downloads a generic DD file from an instrument manufacturer's website (such as Emerson Process Management for the Rosemount 3051FF Foundation Fieldbus pressure transmitter) and launches the Device Integration Manager (DIM) utility in SIMATIC PDM:
* The user points the browser to the extracted folder.
* The import utility scans the files.
* PDM halts with the blocking alert:
There is not any device to import.
* The PDM device catalog remains unchanged, preventing device parameterization.

This occurs because SIMATIC PDM enforces strict catalog schema structures that generic, unbundled manufacturer download files do not provide.

Root Causes of 'There is Not Any Device to Import' Errors

The Device Integration Manager requires specific directory structures and metadata headers before it will register an EDD into its internal database:

1. Missing `*.devices` Catalog Manifest

A raw DD download from an instrument vendor typically contains only compiled binary descriptor files:
* *.ffo / *.sym (Foundation Fieldbus)
* *.fm8 / *.fms (HART)
While handheld field communicators (such as Emerson 475 / AMS Trex) read these raw binaries directly, SIMATIC PDM requires a metadata manifest file (usually named devices.reg or [Manufacturer].devices). This file defines the exact PDM device classification tree (e.g., Sensors -> Pressure -> Differential Pressure). Without this manifest, PDM does not know where to place the device in its catalog and reports that zero devices were found.

2. Device Class Incompatibility with PTO Rules

Starting with SIMATIC PDM V6.0, PDM only permits the importation of devices whose internal device class matches the standard classifications approved by the PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PI) or FieldComm Group. If the manufacturer declared a non-standard device class string, PDM rejects the package.

3. PDM Device Library Version Incompatibility

Attempting to import a Foundation Fieldbus DD designed for PDM V8.x or V9.x into older PDM V6.x or V7.x environments triggers parser failures.

Comparison Table - PDM Device Integration Sources

The following table compares different sources for obtaining field device descriptions for SIMATIC PDM.

Device SourceInstallation MethodContains Valid PDM Manifest?Certified CompatibilityRecommended StatusSiemens PDM Device Library (DVD / SIOS)Device Integration ManagerYes (100% pre-configured)Fully certified by SiemensPrimary Best PracticeSiemens SIOS Tested Add-onsIndividual SIOS downloadYesCertified for specific modelsRecommended for new releasesVendor Raw DD (Emerson / Rosemount)Raw ZIP extractionOften No (Missing .devices)Requires manual structuringRequires re-packagingFieldComm Group Generic DDStandard FF libraryNoGeneric interoperability onlyOften rejected by PDM

Step-by-Step Procedure to Integrate Field Instruments in PDM

Follow this verified engineering workflow to install Rosemount 3051 Foundation Fieldbus devices into SIMATIC PDM:

Obtain the Official SIMATIC PDM Device Library:
* Rather than downloading loose DD files from third-party sites, obtain the official Device Library for SIMATIC PDM (e.g., Device Library 2-2015 or version-current release via SIOS Entry ID 109480121).
* The official library contains thousands of pre-certified, pre-structured device descriptors, including all major Rosemount 3051 FF and HART revisions.
Run Device Integration Manager (DIM):
* Close SIMATIC Manager.
* Open Device Integration Manager from the Windows Start menu (Siemens SIMATIC -> SIMATIC PDM -> Manage Device Catalog).
* In the top menu, select File -> Read device descriptions.
* Browse to the directory containing the official Device Library or certified vendor installation package.
* Click OK.
Select and Filter the Target Instrument:
* The Device Integration Manager displays a tree of identified devices.
* Navigate to:
FF -> Sensors -> Pressure -> Emerson Process Management -> Rosemount 3051.
* Check the box corresponding to your specific hardware and software revision (e.g., Device Revision 9, DD Revision 1).
* Click Copy (or Transfer).
Verify Catalog Compilation:
* Click File -> Save / Compile catalog.
* PDM compiles the newly imported device descriptors into the central catalog database.
* Close Device Integration Manager.
Assign Device in HW Config / Process Device Network View:
* Open SIMATIC Manager.
* In HW Config or the Process Device Plant View, right-click the Foundation Fieldbus / PROFIBUS segment.
* Select Insert Object -> Field Device.
* Browse the PDM catalog to Rosemount -> 3051. The device is now fully selectable.

Verification

Confirm that the Rosemount 3051FF transmitter communicates actively in SIMATIC PDM:

Verify PDM Device Catalog Listing:
* Open SIMATIC PDM -> Device Catalog.
* Confirm that Rosemount 3051 FF appears under the pressure sensor hierarchy with a valid device icon.
Open Device Online in SIMATIC PDM:
* In the plant hierarchy, double-click the configured field instrument.
* SIMATIC PDM launches the parameterization interface.
* Confirm that live transducer values, primary variables (PV), and diagnostic parameters load without communication timeout errors.
Verify Maintenance Station Asset Display:
* On the PCS 7 Maintenance Station, confirm that the Rosemount transmitter displays its serial number, firmware revision, and NAMUR NE107 health status.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Registry Modifications Caution: Some older Siemens technical notes suggest manually altering Windows Registry keys (regedit) to bypass missing device class errors. Manual registry editing should be avoided in production environments; installing the official Siemens PDM Device Library is the only supported, zero-risk solution.
License Tags for PDM: Each configured field device in SIMATIC PDM consumes a PDM device tag license managed by Automation License Manager (e.g., PDM Basic 128 tags, 512 tags, or 1000 tags).
Commercial Accuracy Disclaimer: Verify licensing requirements for SIMATIC PDM and PDM Communication Foundation Fieldbus against current Siemens catalogs and authorized distributor quotations.

Engineer FAQ

Can generic Foundation Fieldbus DD files be used in SIMATIC PDM?

Standard generic FF DD files must include the specialized PDM manifest structure. If downloaded directly from the FieldComm Group, they typically require integration through the official Siemens PDM Device Library.

How often does Siemens update the SIMATIC PDM Device Library?

Siemens releases comprehensive updates to the PDM Device Library approximately twice per year (e.g., Release 1-2015, Release 2-2015, Release 1-2016), published openly on SIOS.

Does SIMATIC PDM support Rosemount wireless HART transmitters?

Yes. When paired with a certified WirelessHART Gateway (such as the Emerson Smart Wireless Gateway), SIMATIC PDM can parameterize wireless transmitters over Industrial Ethernet.

What happens if I try to open a device whose DD is not installed?

SIMATIC PDM displays a warning: 'The device description for this device is not installed. Communication cannot be established.' The missing DD must be integrated via Device Integration Manager.

Technical References

Related Tags

SIMATIC-PDM
Rosemount-3051
Foundation-Fieldbus
Device-Catalog
EDD
Asset-Management

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Resolving Device Description Import Prerequisites and Missing Device Errors in SIMATIC PDM