Overview
IEC TR 62453-61:2009 - "Field device tool (FDT) interface specification – Part 61: Device Type Manager (DTM) Styleguide for common object model" is a technical report from the IEC that provides UI design guidelines and implementation rules for Device Type Managers (DTMs). As part of the FDT specification, this styleguide promotes a consistent, clear user interface and behavior across DTMs so that device-specific components interoperate seamlessly within engineering tools and heterogeneous control systems.
Key Topics
- DTM user interface principles: guidance on look-and-feel, GUI navigation, resizeability and display of information to ensure a consistent user experience.
- DTM functions: descriptions of essential functions such as Main operation, Online parameterize, and Offline parameterize that DTMs should support.
- Parameter handling and data sets: rules for representing parameters, managing changes, data sources (device vs. data set), and parameter states.
- DTM behavior and lifecycle: recommended behaviors for closing UIs with modified parameters, locking mechanisms, state transitions, and error handling.
- Communication and diagnostics: expectations for how DTMs report connection/device states and diagnostics.
- Access rights and roles: mapping between FDT actors/user roles and parameter classes, including OEM login considerations.
- Localization and documentation: advice on supporting multiple languages and embedding necessary user documentation.
- Installation and un-installation: guidelines for deploying and removing DTMs within host engineering tools.
- Accessibility: reference to Microsoft Active Accessibility to support assistive technologies.
Applications
- For DTM developers and UI designers implementing DTMs to ensure consistency across devices and vendors.
- For device manufacturers packaging DTMs with devices to meet FDT interoperability requirements.
- For system integrators and automation engineers selecting or integrating DTMs into engineering and asset-management tools to simplify commissioning, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
- For HMI/SCADA vendors and tool builders who host DTMs and need predictable UI/behavior for third-party device components.
Benefits include improved interoperability across fieldbuses and vendors, reduced learning curves for operators, clearer parameterization workflows (online/offline), and more reliable integration into automation lifecycles.
Related Standards
- IEC 62453 series (Field Device Tool / FDT interface specification)
Keywords: IEC TR 62453-61:2009, FDT, DTM, Device Type Manager, styleguide, common object model, user interface, field device tool, parameterization, online/offline, automation.