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Americanmachinist 2288 86460am1102pepp00000059115
Americanmachinist 2288 86460am1102pepp00000059115
Americanmachinist 2288 86460am1102pepp00000059115
Americanmachinist 2288 86460am1102pepp00000059115

Updated DTM Speeds Commissioning, Simplifies Troubleshooting

Nov. 2, 2010
For advanced diagnostic modules, an integrated expert system learns behavior to improve diagnostic performance

The new version of Pepperl+Fuchs’ diagnostic manager has a built-in expert system that automatically learns communications behavior of a segment during commissioning, so that over time it is able to diagnose any situation on the basis of past experience.


Pepperl+Fuchs recently updated its Advanced Diagnostic Module DTM software for monitoring fieldbus communications. The group’s DTM offerings includes devices and communication programs for parameterization of devices for interface technology, level measurement, corrosion monitoring, remote I/O systems, fieldbus technology, advanced diagnostics and HART multiplexers.

Pepperl+Fuchs designs and applies industrial automation technologies.

The new Advanced Diagnostic Modules (ADM) monitor the quality of fieldbus communications for FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 and PROFIBUS PA networks, and Diagnostic Manager software includes a several updates that speed fieldbus commissioning and simplify troubleshooting for ADM users. “This smart software tool translates information provided by the ADM into actionable information and can run on a server located directly in the control room, turning the complete fieldbus infrastructure into an open book that can be read even without expert knowledge,” according to Pepperl.

Most notable among the improvements to the new diagnostic manager is a built-in expert system that automatically learns communications behavior of a segment during commissioning, so that over time it is able to diagnose any situation on the basis of past experience. Brian Traczyk, product manager explained that, as a result, “users are provided with specific warnings as soon as the software detects any condition that might lead to a critical situation. Such warnings are complemented by incident-related information in clear text that points to possible causes and recommends remedies.”

With this information field technicians usually will know what needs to be done before they arrive at the site, and will save time searching for the source of a problem. So, time spent on troubleshooting is minimized, plant shutdowns may be avoided, and the availability of the complete system is considerably improved.

Other important updates to the ADM include automated tag reading, which allows it to read and document tags and device IDs in combination with any FOUNDTION fieldbus host; and an improved oscilloscope that offers more “trigger” events and automatically captures up to 10 shots in a row: each bit and telegram is identified with type and value, as well as source and destination address.

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