Overview
IEC TR 62453-62:2017 is a Technical Report in the IEC 62453 (FDT) family that provides a styleguide for implementing Device Type Manager (DTM) user interfaces on the Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). Its purpose is to define guidelines and rules for CLI‑based DTMs and parts of Frame Applications so that users encounter clear, consistent UI functions and behavior across DTMs in an automation system.
Key topics and technical requirements
This styleguide focuses on UI and behavioural aspects of FDT components. Major topics covered include:
- DTM user interface design fundamentals - objectives, appearance categories (Standard, Advanced, Wizard) and UI areas (Identification, Application, Toolbar, Status Bar).
- General behaviour and navigation - consistent UI navigation, window resizing, modal vs non‑modal dialogs, and WPF UI considerations.
- Parameter handling and representation - value display, metadata, modification states, priority rules, and handling of inadmissible data.
- Parameter update modes - Block Mode and Direct Mode, plus Continuous Check and One Time Check state behaviours.
- Application models and workflows - supported application/data sources: online (device), offline (data set), and synchronized (device + data set); recommended default applications and typical parameterization workflows.
- DTM behavior and lifecycle - UI close/synchronization rules, data set management, locking mechanisms, and error handling.
- Localization and reporting - guidelines for internationalization and global report information.
- Normative dictionaries - standard terms and phrases to ensure consistent wording across implementations.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
IEC TR 62453-62:2017 is aimed at professionals involved in industrial device integration and HMI design for process automation:
- DTM developers implementing CLI-based DTMs to ensure consistent look-and-feel and predictable behaviour.
- Frame Application vendors integrating DTMs into host systems.
- System integrators and engineering teams who configure and parameterize field devices (online, offline, synchronized workflows).
- QA and UX designers validating usability, localization, error handling and compliance with FDT conventions.
- Device manufacturers delivering DTMs that interface with HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, PROFIBUS/PROFINET and other field technologies (via FDT framework).
Using this TR helps reduce operational errors, speeds up device commissioning and maintenance, and improves cross-vendor interoperability of device configuration tools.
Related standards
- IEC 62453 series (FDT interface specification) - this report complements the core FDT specification (see IEC TR 62453‑42 referenced within the document) and other parts of the IEC 62453 family.