A Device Integration Framework Based on Service

Electronic device description language (EDDL) and field device tool (FDT) are two major device integration technologies. EDDL uses descriptive text files to describe attributes of devices. FDT uses programmed software components for integration. Both technologies have shortcomings and need improvement. This paper analyses the disadvantages of EDDL and FDT, then proposes a new device integration framework based on service (DIFS). Integration task is divided into several parts. Each part is completed by a Web service component (WSC). Communication WSC, device WSC and presentation WSC are introduced as major components in DIFS. Some definitions from EDDL and FDT are adopted. A real example using DIFS is presented at the end. It integrates PROFIBUS PA devices into host applications successfully. It is not mature enough and only parts of services are implemented. However, it proves that the DIFS introduced by the paper is feasible. DIFS has some features and advantages. It maintains same appearance; supports locally and remotely access; uses newly Web service technology; is independent of platforms; supports to work with OPC UA technology, and so on.