Toolchain for semantically enriched device development of flexible profile conform field devices

Abstract

Field devices are offering more and more functionality to automation systems. This leads to a complexity increase of such devices, and to a rise in engineering effort. Additionally, the demand for semantic annotations of many device information is growing. Nowadays, profiles provide a solid base for device functions and structure. However, the current way of realizing a profile-based device is far away from becoming a reality due to the demand for reducing expenses in device manufacturing. The paper presents a toolchain approach for a profile based and semantically enriched field device development. The application function of such devices is generated from several device profile specifications. The semantic information form the device profile is annotated to the generated functional elements and to the device descriptions that have to be delivered with a field device.