Device Description; Dynamic Device Description (Xdc File) - Festo CPX-FB40 Description

3 Commissioning
3.5

Device description

When you place a new Ethernet POWERLINK participant into operation for the first time, you must in-
form the control software about certain characteristics of the participant.
The characteristics of the individual participants are administered in a so-called device description file
in the standardised XML format. This serves to identify the bus node in the network and transmit basic
characteristics and manufacturer's information of the Ethernet POWERLINK device to the control soft-
ware.
A distinction is made here between dynamic and generic device description.
3.5.1

Dynamic device description (XDC file)

With the help of the Festo Maintenance Tool (CPX-FMT) software, the device description file of a CPX
terminal can be dynamically generated in the form of an XDC file (XML Device Configuration).
The Festo Maintenance Tool (CPX-FMT) software is available for download in the Festo
Support Portal (
An XDC file represents the complete configuration of the CPX terminal, including module expansion and
parameter settings.
Use of the dynamic device description permits:
– convenient and simple integration and representation of CPX terminals in Automation Studio
– saving all parameters in the control program
– automatic transmission of parameters to the CPX terminal when the controller is run up.
34
www.festo.com/sp).
Festo – P.BE-CPX-FB40-EN – 1408NH – English