New podcast: Audio tutorial examines integration platforms, EDDL and FDT/DTM

26 January 2009

Competing platforms share much functionality but differ on implementation. Which is best for you?

The growing sophistication of smart instrumentation can't help you if you don't have the technology to put it to work. EDDL and FDT/DTM provide the means to integrate such capabilities with your larger control or asset management systems if you understand how they work. This audio tutorial helps you understand what these systems are, how they are similar, and differences.

Peter Welander leads the discussion, with input from Martin Zielinski, director of HART and fieldbus technology for Emerson Process Management; Dave Smith, technology consultant for Yokogawa; and Vincent Palughi, senior engineer for Chevron.

The two competing platforms have many functional similarities, but there are important differences in how the systems operate in the context of larger hosts. Moreover, some control system vendors show a distinct preference for one or the other, not to mention the device manufacturers themselves. The result is possible confusion over what's what. This podcast can help sort through the facts.

This podcast also expands on two recent online tutorials that treat each platform separately: EDDL and FDT/DTM. Taken together, all the material can help clarify this useful but complicated topic.

—Peter Welander, process industries editor, peter.welander@reedbusiness.com,
Control Engineering Process Instrumentation & Sensors Monthly