The technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems. The device supplier develops a DTM for each of its devices or group of devices. The DTM encapsulates all of the device-specific data, functions and business rules such as:

• The device structure
• Its communication capabilities
• Internal dependencies
• Human-machine interface (HMI) structure.

DTMs provide functions for accessing device parameters, configuring and operating the devices and diagnosing problems. A DTM can range from a simple graphical user interface for setting device parameters to a highly sophisticated application capable of performing complex real-time calculations for diagnosis and maintenance purposes.

Related Feature - EDDL & FDT, Competing or Complementary?
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