H1 fieldbus devices: upgrade options

When using the DeltaV Controller Upgrade Utility to upgrade H1 fieldbus devices, you have a number of upgrade options, described below:

• Download and Activate new software. This option downloads the software image file to the device and activates the software to run in the device. (This option is supported by all fieldbus device vendors.)
• Download new software, but Activate it at a later time. This option downloads the software image file to the device, but does not activate it. At a later time you can rerun the DeltaV Controller and I/O Upgrade Utility and select to activate previously downloaded software. (This option is supported by Emerson devices and may be supported by devices from other vendors.)
• Activate previously downloaded software. This option activates software that was previously downloaded. The software must still be present in the device. (This option is supported by Emerson devices and may be supported by devices from other vendors.)
• Revert to the previous software version. This option reverts to the previous version of the software if it is still present in devices you select. (This option is only supported by certain Emerson devices).

Some H1 fieldbus devices may be upgraded while they are commissioned; it is not necessary for them to be in Standby mode. These devices are devices whose Download Class is “1”. They are frequently referred to as “Class 1 devices.”

The first three options require the device to be in Standby if the upgrade will change the Device Revision of the device. For Class 1 devices, this restriction applies only to the activation of the device. That is, an upgrade file that will change the Device Revision can be downloaded to a Class 1 device while the device is commissioned, but the device must be placed in Standby to activate the new software. After activation, the DeltaV Explorer must be used to download a new configuration to the device.

A fieldbus device upgrade file (filename.ffd) is needed for software downloads (that is, one of the first two upgrade options). The file is supplied by the device manufacturer and should not be modified or renamed. You need to know the name and location of the file before beginning the upgrade.

When you are performing a software download, the DeltaV Controller and I/O Upgrade Utility gives you the option to select an upgrade file and let the system find the devices that can be upgraded with it, or to select the devices and then select an upgrade file for each device.