Method for extending an embedded software component of a field device

A field device having a processor, comprising:

• an embedded software component;
• an extending software component loadable into the field device;
• said extending software component serves for performing at least one supplemental application function of the field device and said embedded software component and said extending software component interact, in order to execute the supplemental application function, wherein:
• the field device is connected with a servicing device, which contains the extending software component, a component serving for encryption and authentification connected with a communication driver;
• and
• said extending software component is fed to the component serving for encryption and authentification and transmitted from the servicing device to the field device.

A file type embedded in a memory for extending an embedded software component of a field device, the extension comprising the steps of:

• loading an extending software component into a memory of a filed device;
• providing by means of the extended software component at least one supplemental application function for the field device;
• and interacting the embedded software component and the extending software component, in order to execute the supplemental application function, wherein said embedded software component is embodied to ascertain a presence of said extending software component and to adopt the program execution in order to execute said function contained in said extending software component;
• the field device is connected with a servicing device, which contains the extending software component, a component serving for encryption and authentication connected with a communication driver, and the extending software component is fed to the component serving for encryption and authentification and transmitted from the servicing device to the field device, said file type is loadable into a field device, and said file type contains an extending software component, which serves for providing a supplemental application function for the field device.