Overview
IEC 62769-7:2021 - "Field Device Integration (FDI) - Part 7: Communication Devices" defines the FDI elements that implement communication capabilities (the Communication Devices referenced in IEC 62769‑5). The standard focuses on the structure, information models and behavior of Communication Servers and Communication Gateways within the overall FDI architecture (see Figure 1). Scope is limited to FDI Packages for Communication Devices and associated EDD (Electronic Device Description) content, OPC UA mapping, and runtime handling (deployment, startup, scan/connect/disconnect, error handling).
Key Topics
- FDI Communication Package: rules for EDD content specific to communication devices, including Lightweight and Multi‑Channel Communication Servers.
- Information Model (IM): detailed IM definitions for CommunicationServerType, ServerCommunicationDeviceType, ServerCommunicationServiceType, CommunicationGatewayType, and related objects - used to represent communication assets in OPC UA AddressSpace.
- OPC UA Mapping / Server Profile: guidance for mapping the FDI Server IM to the Communication Server IM and required OPC UA Server profile for FDI Communication Servers.
- Methods & Actions: standardized methods and actions such as Scan, ResetScan, SetAddress, Connect, Disconnect, Transfer, Initialize, Reset, AddComponent/RemoveComponent, ValidateNetwork, and ValidateModules that govern lifecycle and interaction.
- Communication Relations & State Machines: definitions and state charts for establishing, monitoring and terminating communication relations (connectivity lifecycle).
- Handling & Behavior: deployment, configuration, watchdog, startup/shutdown procedures, parameterization and communication error handling.
- Annexes: layered protocols (informative) and namespace/mapping rules (normative) to support protocol-specific annexes and address space consistency.
Applications
- Ensuring interoperability between field devices, communication servers/gateways and host systems in process and factory automation.
- Guiding device manufacturers and communication stack vendors to package communication components as FDI Communication Devices (EDD content and OPC UA exposure).
- Assisting system integrators and automation engineers implementing standardized connection, scan and parameterization workflows (e.g., multi‑channel servers, gateway deployments).
- Supporting software developers building OPC UA servers/clients that consume FDI Communication Packages and implement the FDI information model.
- Used in testing and certification to verify correct implementation of FDI communication behaviors and methods.
Related Standards
- IEC 62769 series (FDI core and part 5 for Communication Device concept)
- OPC UA specifications (for AddressSpace and server profile mapping)
- EDD/FDI package specifications referenced within IEC 62769‑7
Keywords: IEC 62769-7, FDI Communication Devices, Communication Server, Communication Gateway, EDD, OPC UA, Information Model, field device integration, ValidateNetwork.
