Interoperability of sensors and distributed systems

The interoperability of equipment as sensors, actuators, PLC regulation or DCS is their global capability to exchange information in order to meet the end user requirements. The conformance testing of each system to a communication standard is not sufficient to prove interoperability. Examples are given. After a presentation of the interoperability problem, different test methods are presented, starting from the conformance testing approach. The interoperability testing solution for components as sensors (or actuators) implies various constraints which are not identical in other areas (interoperability of computers, operating systems with some communication profile). Several types of interoperability have been introduced and are analysed. A particular kind of test to verify the capabilities of equipment to be configured in the right way is explained. This test method is applied to test the interoperability of FIP compatible equipment.