DEPactware/FDT
What is PACTware?
PACTware is a manufacturer and field bus independent adjustment software for field instruments. It is characterised by simple operation, high software quality and asset management functionality. With PACTware you can communicate via digital interfaces (e.g. HART) with your plant components and configure them for process conditions. The user interface of PACTware is optimally adapted to the respective field device for the user, because the DTM technology know-how of the device manufacturer is contained in it. The interplay of these components is carried out via a common interface called FDT.
For which fieldbuses is PACTware suitable?
PACTware is utilisable for all fieldbus systems. What’s important is that the fieldbus is able to transmit, beside mere process values, also parameterisation data. The following fieldbuses and communication modes are supported: Profibus DP, Profibus PA, Fieldbus Foundation, HART, Modbus, Controlnet, Ethernet, RS 232.
What does FDT (Field Device Technology) mean?
FDT is the name of a standardized software interface. Plant components, such as field devices and control systems, communicate in a common, manufacturer-independent language.
What is a DTM?
Just like printers in the office world, field devices in the FDT world bring along their own drivers, including a user interface. This driver is called Device Type Manager, or DTM for short. All data and functions of the field device are consolidated in it. A DTM can cover a single device type as well as whole device families.
Where can I get a DTM for my field device?
The equipment manufacture develops a Device Type Manager (DTM) for every one of its field devices or for a group of field devices. The DTM basic version from VEGA for device parameterisation, without project saving and project documentation, can be downloaded free of charge at:
Home » Downloads » Software » DTM Collection + PACTware™ (FDT)
How do I set up a project and where can I find the sensor parameters?
Connect your PC to the sensor via the interface adapter VEGACONNECT and start PACTware. Then start the "Project assistant". The project assistant sets up the connection to the sensor automatically and creates the project. It opens the window "Sensor Online Parameterization" simultaneously, allowing the sensor parameters to be adjusted there.
How do I get the latest version of PACTware/DTM?
Go to "Downloads", "Software" and "DTM Collection + PACTware" on the VEGA home page. Select the package "DTM-Collection (CD version)" under "Software". It contains the latest version of PACTware and the DTMs. To automatically receive information by e-mail about the latest version, please register below under "Mailing list".
What are the hardware and software requirements?
You can find the recommended operating system and other system requirements on the VEGA home page under "Downloads", "Software", "DTM Collection + PACTware", "System requirements".