The Fieldbus Foundation has issued the latest update to its FOUNDATION fieldbus Device Description (DD) Library. Version 3.8.1 release addresses an anomaly in the COMPATIBILITY_REV parameter, which enables device manufacturers to build backwards-compatible devices capable of operating on a prior device revision's DD. Developers intending to develop devices utilizing this backwards compatibility feature should download this latest version of the DD Library.
The COMPATIBILITY_REV parameter enabling backwards compatibility functionality is an integral part of the Fieldbus Foundation's usability initiative, which strives to improve the user experience with FOUNDATION technology. This "future-proofing" technique allows users to feel confident that in a replacement scenario of a field instrument with a different revision level, they will be able to maintain a minimum level of functionality within the new device.
For details regarding the DD Library, or to purchase a license, please visit the Tools page of the Fieldbus Foundation website.