Overview

Certain devices can be configured in depth by using a device type manager (DTM).

DTMs are managed in the Topology Manager where they can be opened and configured.

A certain number of DTMs are provided with Control Expert but you can add additional ones to the local DTM catalog. These DTMs can be used, for example, with generic devices or slave devices on a fieldbus.

Only one user can edit parameters in the DTM of a device at a time. While a DTM is open, editing attributes of the device in the PROPERTIES pane is not allowed.

You may be able to deploy and load the DTM configuration to and from a device.

NOTE: Certain concurrent actions or actions performed by other users may temporarily lock a DTM and you cannot save changes when you close it. A dialog box informs you of the lock when you open the DTM. In such case, close the DTM and reopen it once the lock has been released.

Prerequisites

To be used, the DTM of a device must be created on the local computer and the local DTM Hardware Catalog updated.

NOTE: Schneider Electric strongly recommends keeping the DTM Hardware Catalog identical on all computers connecting to a same system server.

DTM Window

The following figure shows an example of DTM window that opens when you use the Open command of the device context menu. In the example, the Additional Functions menu is expanded to show the additional DTM commands that are available while the device is disconnected.

Item

Description

1

Button to close the DTM.

2

Menu that lets you access quickly, various additional functions that are featured by the DTM. The content of the menu is DTM-specific.

The availability of commands depends on the connection state of the device. That is, when the device is disconnected, commands that require the device to be connected are shown disabled, and vice versa.

Placeholder DTMs in the Control Project

When a device that is configured by using a DTM is scanned by using an I/O scanner, a corresponding DTM appears in the connectivity tree of the DTM Browser when you edit the control project.

This DTM is only a placeholder for the DTM of the device, which you need to manage from the device in the Topology Manager.

File Types Used to Create DTMs

DTMs can be created by using the following types of files.

File type

Description

Executable

The installation method of the DTM is defined by the device manufacturer.

EDS

This file type is used for EtherNet/IP devices and requires using an installation tool.

GSD

This file type is used for PROFIBUS devices and requires using an installation tool.

FdtDTM Settings

The FdtDtm Settings section of the User Preferences window lets you configure the following:

  • Which network adapter of the computer is used to connect to a device.

  • The path where the installation tool for EDS and GSD files is located.

Managing EDS Files

The table describes the commands of the Tools > Manage EDS Library submenu in the toolbar of the Topology Manager.

Command

Description

Add Device From EDS

Opens a wizard that lets you add a DTM to the Hardware Catalog by using an EDS file.

Remove Device From EDS

Opens a wizard that lets you remove a DTM from the Hardware Catalog by removing the corresponding EDS file.

Export EDS Library

Lets you create an export file, which contains the EDS files of the local EDS library.

Import EDS Library

Lets you import an EDS library to the local computer.

Managing GSD Files

The table describes the commands of the Tools > Manage GSD Library submenu in the toolbar of the Topology Manager.

Command

Description

Add Device From GSD

Opens a wizard that lets you add a DTM to the Hardware Catalog by using a GSD file.

Remove Device From GSD

Opens a wizard that lets you remove a DTM from the Hardware Catalog by removing the corresponding GSD file.

Export GSD Library(1)

Opens a wizard that lets you export to a library file (.glb) the GSD files that are installed on the local computer at a path that you select.

You can enter the name and location of the GSD library export file.

Import GSD Library(1)

Opens a wizard that lets you import the content of a GSD library export file (.glb) to the local computer.

(1) Requires that the PRM Gateway DTM version 1.3.2.0 or later is installed on the computer.

Verify that GSD Path in the User Preferences window is configured with the path where the PRM Gateway DTM has installed the tool.

Device Properties to Be Configured Outside of the DTM

You need to configure the values of the following attributes of the device by using the PROPERTIES pane.

The table describes which values are propagated to the DTM and their state depending on the type of DTM that the device uses.

Attribute configured in the PROPERTIES pane

Third-party DTM

Schneider Electric DTM

Device Name and Part Number

Values are propagated and are read-only.

Values are propagated and are read-only.

Communication card Reference (if applicable)

Ethernet Protocol(1)

Not propagated.

IP Address (1)

Value is propagated and remains editable(2).

Values are propagated if supported by the DTM and are read-only.

Subnet Mask(1)

Values are not propagated.

Gateway Address(1)

DHCP configuration information(1)

(1) For embedded interfaces of the device and its communication cards (if applicable).

(2) The values in PROPERTIES pane and in the DTM need to be identical.

Pasting and Importing Devices That Use a DTM

When you configure parameters inside the DTM of a device and cut, copy, or export this device, the values that you have configured are retained when you paste or import the device.

Opening the DTM of a Device and Editing Values

Step

Action

1

Right-click the device and select Open.

Result: The DTM opens in a new window.

2

Edit values as required and apply them (if applicable).

3

Close the DTM from its tab.

Result: Depending on the DTM, the DTM closes and changes are saved or a confirmation dialog box opens, which prompts you to save changes before closing.