E-Flo SP Fieldbus Overview

Introduction:

Selecting the correct fieldbus configuration file is key to enabling the installation of a E-Flo SP node on a fieldbus network.  This page contains descriptions of the various fieldbus configuration files available for the E-Flo SP systems, and their optional data maps.  Conceptual descriptions of the EDS, GSD, and GSDML files are provided for further understanding.

DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP EDS Files:

The EDS is a specially formatted ASCII (text) data file that provides information about a device configuration data's context, content, and format. The information in an EDS allows configuration tools to provide informative screens that guide a user through the steps necessary to configure a device.  An EDS provides all of the information necessary to access and alter the configurable parameters of the device or system. It also provides a definition of the produced and consumed data items (objects), defining data type, size, and purpose of the item. 

PROFIBUS GSD Files:

The GSD is an ASCII (text) file that contains both general and device-specific specifications for communication.  Each of the entries describes a feature that is supported by the device.  Utilizing predefined keywords, a configuration tool may read the device identification, the adjustable parameters, and the types and size for the data elements (Modules).

PROFINET GSDML Files:

The GSDML is an XML(text) file that contains both general and device-specific specifications for communication.  Each of the entries describes a feature that is supported by the device.  Utilizing predefined keywords, a configuration tool may read the device identification, the adjustable parameters, and the types and size for the data elements (Modules).