Enhanced DDL Features


The DDL enhancements include improved data visualization and display capabilities – like waveforms and valve signatures, a standardized method to access historic measurement or device performance information and enhanced tools for high-level information (such as algorithmic relationships for complex device parameters) display and use in control systems.

DDL enhancements include an improved user interface with support for menus (windows, tabs and groups) and added graphic support for graphs, charts and dial indicators. The enhanced EDDL further standardizes the user interface for managing intelligent devices and eliminates the need for Windows resource files, supplemental files, and other DD modifications previously required by some asset management applications.


Description of the Data
It’s possible to describe device parameters and parameters for additional information in the DD. The jollowing data types are supported: floating point and fix point numbers, enumerations, byte and bit arrays, date, time, text, etc. The DD elements COLLECTION, BLOCK, ARRAY, ITEM_ARRAY and RECORD are used to represent the device model and data structures.
Description of the Communication
In the DD communication command, error handling, error texts, the order of the commands and the timing conditions are described.

The DD Application provides possibilities for the communication. E.g. point to point communication, communication via a gateway, communication via a automation system. An example for a gateway communication is the communication to a HART device via a Remote I/O. This communication protocol is defined in the “HART on PROFIBUS” PROFIBUS specification.
Open for diverses use
In addition to define device parameters, the DD allows e.g. to describe information for catalog, e-commerce and asset management systems.

The communication descriptions can be used for several protocols.

The description of the user interface can be used to generate a user interface e.g. on PC’s or hand held computers.

Additional Features of the DDL

  • Methods can be implement in the programming language „C“ for e.g. transformations, sequences of operations, dependences
  • Multi language support in the DD and in separate dictionaries
  • EDDL supports the complete or partial of other DD’s and reuse of own elements
  • It can use libraries of DD’s for standard behaviors and device profile implementations
  • A C-Preprocessor DDL supports macros, Include files, compiler switches, etc.
  • The behavior and structure of the user interface and variables can be controlled at runtime with conditional expressions
HART® is a registered trademark of the HART Communication Foundation