Application via TwinCAT [FDT]

Once the terminal/ box has been selected in the “Solution Explorer” (available from TwinCAT 3.1, previously: System Manager in TwinCAT 2.11) the usual tabs are available; in addition [FDT]:

If device drivers (in some cases available from the respective device manufacturer) were installed on the PC, the option “Update DTM Catalog” can be used to call the respective installation in the form of a selection list.

The DTM catalog appears in the window on the right. It should show one or several device drivers.

Use drag & drop to select the device driver from the DTM catalog that matches the sensor or actuator connected to the respective channel and pull it onto the symbol:

Double-click to open a further tab within [FDT] showing sensor-/actuator-specific configuration windows:

Right-click on “DTM 16 (sensor p)” to open a context menu for the device used in the example:

Use “FDT Monitor” to open a page for log entries. This can be used to ascertain whether the DTM state machine has started up correctly, for example (debugging and service purposes).

Use “Delete” to remove the assignment of the DTM to the channel; “Scan” is described below.

Select “Online” to establish a (bus) connection with the device, which opens up additional - manufacturer-specific - functions via the context menu:

The functions provided via the plug-in (TwinCAT) are shown at the top; the manufacturer-specific functions are shown below:

Double-click on the symbol “DTM 16 (Sensor p)” as a shortcut to call a parameterization function (“Parameterize” or similar). The DTM may be in “offline” or “online” state.

Accessing a sensor/ actuator by scanning the DTM

In a configuration that is ready for operation, the DTM device can simply be added via “Scan” (button below the “Channel” window or selection in the context menu of a channel). The selection options are limited to the manufacturer-specific device drivers, which may simplify the selection of a type-conforming DTM.