Overview
IEC TR 62453-51-20:2017 is a technical report from the IEC that provides guidance for integrating CIP™ (Communication Profile Family 2 / IEC 61784 CPF 2) technologies into the COM-based implementation of the Field Device Tool (FDT) interface specification. It explains how CIP-based networks (ControlNet™, Ethernet/IP™, DeviceNet™, CompoNet™) map into the FDT common object model and specifies communication- and service-related implementation details referenced to IEC 62453-302. This report is aimed at improving interoperability of Device Type Managers (DTMs) and engineering tools when working with CPF‑2 (CIP) fieldbuses, with enhanced coverage for Ethernet/IP.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Integration guidance for CIP technologies into the COM-based FDT common object model (FDT COM implementation).
- Protocol-specific behaviour and mappings for CIP profiles (ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, CompoNet).
- Data type schemas and definitions (e.g., DTMCIPDataTypeSchema, DTMEIPDataTypeSchema) to standardize how device and communication data are represented.
- Access to instance and device data, including network management and communication data types required by DTMs.
- Channel and parameter data types for scanner/master and device channel configuration (FDTCIPDTMParameterSchema).
- Device identification and topology scanning schemas (FDTCIPIdentSchema, FDTCIPScanIdentSchema, FDTCIPDeviceTypeIdentSchema) to support device discovery and topology management.
- Implementation hints (XML character handling, FDT 1.2 support, addressing examples, unique connection identification, modular device handling) to aid developers in robust implementations.
Practical applications and who uses it
- DTM developers and device vendors: implement CIP-based DTMs that interoperate with FDT-compliant engineering tools.
- Automation and control system integrators: ensure consistent device configuration, discovery and diagnostics across heterogeneous networks.
- Engineering tool vendors: integrate CIP fieldbus support into FDT host applications via the common object model.
- Process and factory automation engineers: leverage standardized DTM behavior for commissioning, maintenance, and lifecycle management of field devices across Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet and CompoNet networks.
Practical benefits include simplified interoperability, consistent device representation, standardized scanning and parameterization, and improved support for Ethernet/IP deployments in FDT ecosystems.
Related standards
- IEC 62453-302 (corresponding communication services)
- IEC TR 62453-41 (COM-based FDT implementation)
- IEC 61784-1 / IEC 61784-2 (CPF 2 profiles and fieldbus profiles)
- IEC 61158 parts 2, 3-2, 4-2, 5-2, 6-2 (fieldbus layers for Type 2 / CPF 2)
- IEC 62026-3 (DeviceNet controller-device interfaces)
Keywords: IEC TR 62453-51-20:2017, FDT, CIP, Communication Profile Family 2, IEC 61784 CPF 2, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, CompoNet, Device Type Manager, DTM, common object model, fieldbus integration.