New release PACTware

PACTware Release 4.1 is now available for download free of charge. Using the new Topology Scan Addin of this release it is possible to automaticly build a project of a given plant for the first time. Even communication structures consisting of e.g. Profibus lines with remote I/O systems can be scanned. In order to get a complet project of a plant all device type managers (DTMs) of the used devices must be included in the device catalog of PACTware.

If there are DTMs missing for some Profibus or HART devices or if you want to work with a minimum of DTMs it is a good idea to use generic DTMs provided by ICS. Using Generic HART DTM 5 and Profibus PA Profile 3 DTM only a plant can be parameterized and observed in a wide range. All Profibus PA devices must be switched to " profile mode" then.


The following new features are included in PACTware 4.1:

• the Diagnostic Scan Add-In (called "Device State Manager Add-In" in release 4.0), that shows and logs NAMUR status information of devices, is now implemented non-modal. Actions with DTMs can now be executed while a basic condition monitoring is running in the background.
• online help and manuals are provided now in 5 languages: German, English, French, Spanish and Russian
• in addition the graphical user interface can be displayed in Nederlands and Japanese language
• a DTM can now be easily replaced by another DTM within the project tree

HART DTM for FDT

A completely new Generic HART® DTM for FDT frame applications

For many years a generic Device Type Manager (DTM) for HART® devices has been delivered with PACTware®, and many people have used this.

A significantly more advanced Generic HART DTM Rel. 5 is now available for free downloading from ICS. Users no longer require a test license but can commence immediately with their work. The DTM executes with all functions (except calibration) free of charge for 30 days following the installation and must then be licensed.

Release 5 offers the following new features for system commissioning, operation and maintenance:

All functions are described in detail to provide improved support for when the DTM is only used sporadically

5 calibration functions are available, documented with detailed instructions (Professional license required)

The PACTware® Device State Manager provides condition monitoring of all HART devices (NAMUR status) in a system together with the Generic HART DTM

The device data record can be exported as a file and also reimported in order e.g. to distribute copies of device data to a range of field devices of the same type

The Generic HART DTM offers the following extensions for FDT and HART specialists:

Many additional common practice commands are processed, e.g. the enhanced status and the EEPROM function

Audit Trail and all other FDT 1.2.1 functions can be used