What this GSDML inspector checks
The bounded, namespace-tolerant XML parser inventories device identity, DAPs, modules, global and virtual submodules, cyclic input/output DataItems, parameter records, and primary-language labels. It detects duplicate IDs, broken module, submodule, text, and parameter-value references, unsupported slot expressions, parameter fields or constants beyond their declared record, and configured items that violate a DAP or module plugging rule.
How to build an expected I/O map
Select the DAP and enter the slot/module IDs used by your planned station. A two-column row includes a module's fixed virtual submodules. For pluggable submodules, add subslot and submodule ID in columns three and four, repeating the slot/module pair when required. The tool sorts selected items by slot/subslot and independently accumulates controller inputs and outputs. It does not silently choose an optional module or submodule.
Understanding module and submodule identity
A DAP is the network-facing head module and declares which modules an engineering tool may offer in which slots. A module can carry virtual submodules or allow global SubmoduleItem definitions in specified subslots. The submodule's identity also represents its cyclic I/O layout, so the inspector preserves each ID, ident number, direction, width, and parent relationship.
Safety and conformance boundary
This is a read-only preflight, not the PI GSD Checker, schema validation, configuration software, or commissioning approval. It covers a practical subset of GSDML module topology, cyclic size, and parameter bounds. It does not apply the full version-specific XSD, signature or GSDX validation, profiles, diagnostics, PDEV, ports, timing, redundancy, PROFIsafe, security, vendor extensions, controller allocation rules, or live-device identity. Confirm results in supported engineering software, compare against the exact hardware and firmware, and test changes under controlled machine-safety procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the map need a configuration?
GSDML describes possible configurations, not necessarily the modules installed in one station. An explicit plan prevents the tool from choosing among alternatives and presenting a fictional process image.
Why can a submodule show zero bytes?
Some submodules describe interfaces, ports, or parameter-only functions and have no cyclic I/O. Zero is different from a question mark, which means the supported parser could not determine the width.
Does a clean result prove the GSDML is valid?
No. It means only that the supported structural and configuration checks found no issue. Use the official schema and PI GSD Checker for conformance-oriented validation.
Authoritative references
Siemens' official Creating a Device Description (GSD) File for PROFINET Devices documents the ISO 15745 profile structure, DAP plugging rules, module and submodule identity, IOData lengths, external text references, and parameter-record bounds. PI's GSD file resources remain the source for registered device descriptions and official validation workflows.
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