1.1 Introduction: Problem

In process automation, a control system often comprises more than 10,000 binary and analog input/output signals. When a fieldbus is used, these signals are transmitted via the bus. To this end, the field devices are connected directly to the bus or measured via remote I/O. More than 100 different field device types from various device manufacturers are frequently in use.

The devices are configured and parameterized for each task. The device-specific properties and settings must be taken into consideration when configuring the fieldbus coupler and the bus communication, and the devices must be made known to the control system. Input and output signals as well as function blocks provided by devices must be created and integrated into the function planning of the control system.