FDT Americas Certification and Testing Center

The FDT testing center will support the global automation market by providing consultancy services in the areas of DTM analysis, testing of communication, gateway and device DTMs during development and final DTM certification testing to ensure conformance to the FDT specification.  In addition to these services, LCCC will host an in-house integration evaluation and testing lab providing a hands-on facility for users to validate benefits of FDT Technology, implementing asset management strategies based off FDT Technology.

FDT Technology known as IEC 62453 provides the device integration standardization solution for the communication and configuration interface between all field devices and host systems.   DTMs are the ‘key driver’ to provide a centralized remote access point for horizontal and vertical data flow, allowing for a safer work environment by reducing the number of trips to the field and lowering start-up and commissioning costs.

The center is currently installing lab equipment and building competency as it prepares for the rigorous accreditation audit to be conducted by the FDT Group.  Once complete, LCCC will receive accreditation status as an official FDT testing laboratory for three years.  After that time, a repeat audit will be performed to ensure the integrity of the activities conducted at the facility.  All test laboratories are audited against the official FDT ‘test and certification quality assurance system.’ These guidelines state that each location must meet the following three guiding principles:  

• Must maintain as an independent entity to ensure no commercial influence.
• Will establish a quality management system to ensure reproducibility of test results.
• Required to provide detailed documentation and provide outstanding technical expertise in certifiable equipment and the official testing tools. 

LCCC will provide complimentary services to the DTM certification testing activities. With consultancy services now available, LCCC can provide assistance to companies specifying DTMs for their automation products or to DTM software developers to provide guidance and expedite efforts for DTM implementation and certification. 

LCCC will soon provide an independent environment for integration evaluation and a testing center to allow end users access to a single product or a complete multi-vendor control system.  LCCC has been equipped with state of the art products from FDT member companies allowing suppliers and system integrators the opportunity to conduct interoperability testing prior to project and more.