GSD Files - Signing and Certification

GSD files contain information about the basic capabilities of a device. All devices are shipped with a GSD file, or a file can be downloaded from the PI website. With a GSD file, system integrators can determine basic data such as the communication options and the available diagnostics.

Signing of GSDs by the device manufacturer:

The prerequisite is a manufacturer-specific certificate, which is created by the PNO. The PI certification body of the PNO creates a manufacturer-specific certificate with a validity of three years, which is delivered to the manufacturer. On this basis the manufacturer can sign the GSD files himself using the tooling provided. The license for the use of the PNO-GSD-Tooling (user-related license for the use of the on-premise software) is purchased from the PNO, with a smart card per user.

Creation of manufacturer-specific certificates as a service:

The PI certification body of the PNO creates a manufacturer-specific certificate with a validity of three years. This certificate is the prerequisite for the PNO's signing service and remains at the PI Certification Authority, where it is stored securely. During the term of the certificate, the PNO signs the manufacturer's GSD file upon request via the portal. For this purpose, the manufacturer uploads the GSD files via the GSD Signing Portal and the PNO makes the GSDX file available in the portal after signing with automatic notification by e-mail.

The certificates are valid for a period of 3 years. Once the validity expires, the certificates must be renewed. This must be done by placing an order in the GSD signing portal.