HART-Enabled Devices

HART-enabled devices have two output signals traveling on a single pair of wires. This is significant because it allows users to receive the best of both worldsthe compatibility and speed of the primary measurement variable transmitted over the analog signal plus bi-directional communication of diagnostic and multivariable information transferred via a digital signal that is imposed on the analog loop. Using the two communication channels continuously allows users to increase performance and uptime, optimizing their assets and insuring that the highest safety integrity level is achieved. Traditionally HART-enabled devices have been underutilized with the digital data only accessed during the system startup, annual calibration or when a technician needs to troubleshoot the system. This has propagated the myth that a handheld terminal is the only way to communicate with a HART device. With the HART-enabled control systems, multiplexers, HART modems and OPC servers available today, only the preconception that handheld configuration is the only way to use HART can keep you from utilizing the full potential of your plant assets. HART Basics To fully comprehend the Power of HART, you need to understand how it works. HART Communication technology has a very low power requirement typically working on less than 3.8 mA of current. HART utilizes a frequency shift keying (FSK) modem to communicate over the primary variable analog signal wires. By imposing the digital signal on top of the 4-20mA analog loop, HART allows for a simultaneous analog signal with a continuous digital communication signal with no effect on the analog signal. HART circuits or networks can be configured in one of three ways, through a conventional connection method (point-to-point), multi-drop (point to multiple points) or through a multiplexer (HART to RS-485). In all cases, HART is designed so devices transmit their digital information via the current signals making it necessary for the host to convert the field devices current signal to a voltage through loop load resistor. The HART specification accommodates load resistances of 230 to 1100 ohms, typically a 250-ohm resistor is recommended. No matter the configuration employed, HART networks have three Device Type communication modes: Master, Slave and Burst. Masters or hosts are typically programmable logic controls, distributed controls systems, PCs or handheld terminals and either request information(Primary Master) or listen for information (Secondary Master) on the HART network. A handheld HART terminal can be either a Primary or a Secondary Master and up to two Masters can be connected to a HART network at once. The Slave and Burst modes apply to field devices including transmitters, actuators and controllers. In the Slave mode field devices respond to requests for information from a host Masters on the network. When a field device is in the Burst mode, a field device will continually output information to the host, up to four times a second. The analog signal is a proportional 4-20mA but, when communicating digitally, HART utilizes a command structure to send and receive information. The HART Universal and Common Practice Commands are the basis for this structure and allow users to reconfigure a device. These commands allow HART-enabled devices to communicate digital data and reconfigure device variables or setup parameters or determine a devices status/health. Therefore, to communicate with a HART device a host Master must know the HART Command structure to get the information. In addition, many devices may require a Device Description (DD) to access device specific information. A DD is an electronic data file that describes specific features and functions of a device, including details of menus and graphic display features to be used by host applications (including handheld devices) to access all parameters and data in the corresponding device.

Dispelling the Myths

HART Communication technology has been employed in intelligent field devices for 15 years. Today, even though millions of HART-enabled devices are installed in locations around the world, myths and misconceptions about this powerful technology abound. From its inception, the power of the HART Protocol was misunderstood and underutilized due to a lack of knowledge of the full benefits the technology offers. The misconception that HART is only good for device setup,

calibration and maintenance was cemented in users minds because thats how they initially used HARTin handheld communicators, the only HART host technology available at the time. So even though handheld communicators and their ability to reprogram and diagnose a HART device positioned HART in the industry today, they have also conditioned users to believe that this is the only viable use for HART Communication. And, that misconception costs users of HART-enabled products dearly everyday. Field communications is one of the fastest growing technology areas within our industry, perhaps the only area experiencing growth. From Ethernet to wireless, protocols tout communication speed specifications as their number one advantage over HART, propagating the myth that HART Communication is too slow for use in control systems. This myth can be dispelled quickly when we evaluate how the HART Communication technology works and all that it can do. Although HART can be configured in a multi-drop configuration, a typical installation of a HART Communication network utilizes a star topology, eliminating data speed reductions caused by daisy-chaining devices on a loop. Because of the communications characteristics of the HART Communication technology and the use of analog signals, HART signals can be transmitted over great distances (up to 3,000 meters) with little or no signal degradation. (Note maximum transmission distance in table 1 below.) Cable Capacitance pf/ft (pf/m) Cable Length feet (meters)

Number of Networked Device 1 5 10 15

20 pf/ft (65 pf/M) 9,000 ft (2,769 m) 8,000 ft (2,462 m) 7,000 ft (2,154 m) 6,000 ft (1,846 m)

30 pf/ft (95 pf/m) 6,500 ft (2,000 m) 5,900 ft (1,815 m) 5,200 ft (1,600 m) 4,600 ft (1,415 m)

50 pf/ft (160 pf/m) 4,200 ft (1,292 m) 3,700 ft (1,138 m) 3,300 ft (1,015 m) 2,900 ft (892 m)

70 pf/ft (225 pf/m) 3,200 ft (985 m) 2,900 ft (892 m) 2,500 ft (769 m) 2,300 ft (708 m)

Table 1 - HART Transmission Distances

HART Communication uses two simultaneous communication channels transmitted via a single pair of wires. This technological approach offers the fastest possible data transfer of the Primary Control Variable via a 4-20mA analog channel, which is backward-compatible with most existing analog I/O systems and faster than any other field communications protocol in a legacy system. Response from the 4-20mA analog signal is generally thought of as instantaneous and can be typically clocked in the milliseconds, depending upon the signal dampening built into the device. The intelligent information doesnt stop with the Primary Control Variable analog signal. In addition to analog PV transmission, real-time status, diagnostics and multi-variable information are communicated via the digital channel imposed on the same pair of wires as the analog signal. Users be awareintelligent data is no longer available only through the handheld communicator or a proprietary program, but can be monitored continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through continuous monitoring of the HART Communication digital signal, potential system failures or quality assurance anomalies can be easily detected at the device level. HART-detectable failure scenarios include in-range sensor failures, 4-20mA distortion (analog output does not equal PV), incorrect setup and a device / input mismatch.

Using a continuously monitored HART enabled-system, it is also possible to detect anomalies such as when a devices setup has been changed, a self-test run or reset has been performed in the field, logging the information for audit trail purposes. New systems have been and continue to be developed to capitalize on the significant amount of information each HART-enabled device provides, continually monitoring HART-enabled devices, retrieving important status and diagnostics information to keep plant systems running, and closing the information gap created by using the 420mA analog signal alone.

HART I/O Latency

HART Communication technology has been employed in intelligent field devices for 15 years. Today, even though millions of HART-enabled devices are installed in locations around the world, myths and misconceptions about this powerful technology abound. From its inception, the power of the HART Protocol has been underutilized due to misconceptions regarding the benefits of the technology. A primary misconception that HART is only good for device setup, calibration and maintenance was cemented in users minds because thats how they initially used HARTwith handheld communicators, the only HART host technology available at the time. So even though handheld communicators and their ability to reprogram and diagnose HART devices has positioned HART as the most used field communications protocol in the industry today, they have also conditioned users to believe that this is the only viable use for HART Communication. And, that misconception costs users of HARTenabled devices dearly everyday. Field communications is one of the fastest growing technology areas within our industry, perhaps the only area experiencing growth. From Ethernet to wireless, protocols tout communication speed specifications as their number one advantage over HART, propagating the myth that HART Communication is too slow for use in control systems. This myth is quickly dispelled when we evaluate how the HART Communication technology works and all that it can do. HART-enabled devices provide two simultaneous communication channels transmitted via a single pair of wires. This technological approach offers the fastest possible data transfer of a single Primary Control Variable via the analog channel, which is backward-compatible with most existing analog I/O systems and faster than any other field communications protocol. Response from the 4-20mA analog signal is almost instantaneous depending upon the signal dampening built into the system. A HART devices second communication channel, the digital channel, transmits intelligent device information on the same pair of wires as the Primary Control Variable. The digital channel provides information on the physical device (i.e. tag, manufacture, model), device status (i.e. sensor failure, reset condition, configuration change), calibration (i.e. upper range value, lower range value, dampening) and additional device variables. When using HART Communications digital channel, system I/O design is critical to the performance of a HART field network. HART field networks can be configured in a pointto-point or a multi-drop topology, but most installation utilize the point-to-point topology. A point-to-point topology takes advantage of the two simultaneous communication channels and eliminates any data speed reductions caused by daisy-chaining multiple devices on a single loop. A point-to-point HART field network configured with a 1:1 modem ratio or one modem per device, responds with two to three updates per second. In other words, it takes approximately 380 milliseconds to respond to a request for information. In many cases may not be required, but to show how I/O design can affect performance, the same network configured using a multiplexer with an 8:1 modem ratio (8 devices to 1 modem) actually cuts the data throughput in half. While designing a HART network using a remote I/O with a 1:1 (one modem: one device) modem ratio, you can achieve results as if there were only one device connected to the network. Table 1 provides statistical information on system latency, the time that is required for the system to receive a response based on the HART I/O used. It is important to note that not all HART I/O designs are equal. Number Channels Point-to-Point Multi-Drop Multiplexed

(1:1 ratio) 1 4 8 16 32 256 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38

(Ch#:1 ratio) 0.38 1.51 3.02 6.04 12.08 ---

(8:1 ratio) 0.38 2.80 5.60 11.21 22.43 179.42

Table 1 - HART I/O Latency (in seconds) As was discussed earlier, the intelligent information doesnt stop with the analog Primary Control Variable signal. In addition to analog PV transmission, real-time status, diagnostics and multi-variable information are communicated via the digital channel on the same pair of wires with the analog signal. Users be awareintelligent data is no longer available only through the handheld communicator or a proprietary program, but can be monitored continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the continuous monitoring of the HART Communication digital signal, potential control system failures can be easily detected at the device level. HART-detectable failure scenarios include in-range sensor failures, 4-20mA distortion (analog output does not equal PV measurement), incorrect setup or a device calibration mismatch (device span does not equal span on control system). The continuous monitoring of HART data can be crucial to a plants operation. Recently one major US chemical company could have averted a three-day shutdown due to an in-range failure of a level control loop that went undetected. Investigation showed water had migrated into the level transmitter partially shorting out the analog output, resulting in erroneous level measurement signals being receive in the control room. Had the control system been monitoring the HART Communication signal it would have detected this failure within seconds by comparing the digital value of the PV versus the represented analog value. Determining a PV mismatch, the system could have alerted the operator and potentially saved over $300,000 in downtime. By using a continuously monitored HART enabled-system, in addition to failures it is also possible to detect anomalies such as when a devices setup has been changed, a self-test run or a reset has been performed in the field, logging the information for audit trail purposes. New control, safety and asset management systems capitalize on the intelligent information each HART-enabled device contains. HART-enabled system solutions retrieve important status and diagnostics information helping keep your plant systems safe. It is important to close the information gap that exists by using the 4-20mA analog signal without using the digital information available on every HART-enabled device. Close the gap and See What You Can Do with the Power of HART. Upcoming HART Connection articles will provide information on applying HART technology, application notes to help you implement new HART strategies and what to expect from a HART-enabled device or host system. For more information, contact the HART Communication Foundation or visit the website at http://www.hartcomm.org.

HART Communication Dispelling the Myths

MYTH: A Device Description (DD) must be used to communicate with a HART Device FACT: A DD is an optional but enabling element of the HART Communication technology and is not required to communicate with a HART device. Over the past few years, there has been a great deal of furor over the use of the Device Description Language versus other technologies. Manufacturers have aligned themselves on either side of the issue and the HART Communication Foundation has stated, The Device Description Language (DDL) is the only approved standard for electronically describing a HART-enabled device.

Ongoing efforts are currently reshaping current perceptions of the use of the Device Description Language. Enhancements to the language provide new and improved user interfaces as well as additions that complement the already available diagnostic capabilities of HART. These additions include the ability to embed images as well as the ability to display data on graphs and charts described in the Device Description (DD). Even with the advent of these enhancements, discussions continue throughout the industry regarding DDL technology versus other technologies used to describe devices. Nevertheless, the fact remains: a HART-enabled device does not require the user to have a Device Description. Why? The HART Communication Protocol operates using a host/slave relationship, where a device responds to a query from a host. A HART-compliant host queries a device using commands defined by the protocol. The HART commands provide for a base set of functionality allowing manufacturers a considerable amount of flexibility when designing a device. Every device that claims HART compatibility must adhere to this base set of command rules. All devices must implement the mandatory Universal Commands. Most devices also implement the optional Common Practice Commands. Universal and Common Practice Commands allow users to modify up to four dynamic variables, trim analog outputs, modify basic setup items such as tag or a descriptor, perform a reset, and update diagnostic information. In addition to the Universal and Common Practice Commands, many devices implement manufacturer specific commands or Device Specific Commands. Device Description Language allows a manufacturer to create a Device Description detailing these commands and allowing access to all information available in the device whether Universal, Common Practice or Device Specific. What Do You Need To Know? Users needs for DD are dictated by the type of host system that is being implemented. Typically, control or automation systems have a different need compared to an asset management system. Using HART, automation systems typically do not require the use of a DD to learn a devices status. These types of hosts get information from the device using Universal, Common Practice Commands and the analog loop. Automation systems will use the analog loop to determine the value of the primary control variable and Universal / Common Practice Commands to access diagnostics and additional variables. Technology improvements have made intelligent devices more complex, adding functionality and device specific diagnostics that are only accessible through using a DD. Asset / Maintenance Management systems use the DD to describe the functionality built into a device. By accessing these DD defined features, systems allow plant personnel to modify device configurations and notification of potential problems with a device. Device Description-enabled host systems are designed to use all the data present in a device, displaying it, as the user requires. When evaluating any HART host, users should first determine their requirements. Are you dealing with an Asset Management or a Control/Automation System? Are your devices complex (e.g. Mass Coriolis) or simple (e.g. temperature transmitter)? Will you need to access Device Specific Commands to service your device? Knowing the answers to a few simple questions can move you in the right direction. When evaluating a host, users should ask the following questions:

Does your host support all Universal and Common Practice Commands? Is your host Device Description enabled? Does your host use the HCFs standard binary file format? Is there an easy way to upgrade DDs from the HCF DD Library?

Additional questions to ask your device vendor:

Are your DDs registered with the HCF DD Library? Are your devices registered with the Foundation?

If the answer to these questions is yes, at a minimum you should be able to use all your HART devices with the host you select. By doing your due diligence up front you confirm there will be no information gaps when using HART-enabled devices. Close the information gap and See What You Can Do when you use the Power of HART.

HART Communication Dispelling the Myths

MYTH #4: HART offers little value for Plant Control Systems and Enterprise Level Networks FACT: Accessing the data in HART devices on a "full-time" routine basis increases performance, integrity, and reliability of plant control and enterprise level systems. Retrieving digital data directly from the device can avoid potential filtering that may occur in acquiring this information through intermediate systems. Reading a process variable using the digital data directly can lessen the reduction in precision (not the accuracy) a measurement sees by reducing the number of conversions the data must go through. The digital channel provides high-resolution measurement values for the variable, engineering units and status indicating the quality of data plus the health of the device. Traditionally the analog signal was used to transmit the primary variable and additional variables were confined to the device. HART technology was used only in a calibration and maintenance role. This role of intermittent communications with a device for startup or troubleshooting provides exceptional value to users of the technology, but is limiting within the real scope of the operation. With a fully enabled HART interface, control or asset management system, devices now provide the ability to take this intermittent diagnostic methodology to a new level. Whether a complete control system or a single loop monitor, the integration of continuous monitoring will reduce downtime by using the onboard diagnostics and additional variable information provided with every HART- enabled device. Today, there are many ways to integrate the valuable information provided by a HART-enabled device. The big question is How do you get started with your existing system? To See What You Can Do there is no reason to start big, its just important to start. First, take a critical loop, add a single loop monitor (an example is the HIM by Moore Industries), and begin monitoring the information provided by your HART-enabled device. The single loop control module allows a user to access any additional variables provided by a HART-enabled device and retransmitting analog outputs for those additional variables. In addition to the analog outputs, single loop monitors can provide contact closure alarm outputs. These contact closure alarms can be programmed to close on either a process alarm or the devices status (HART command 48). HART command 48 responses contain device status information including notifications of a Device Malfunction, Configuration Change, Cold Start, Output Current Fixed, PV Analog Output Saturated, PV Out of Limits and whether or not there is More Status Available. By configuring one of the alarms to alert the system when a devices status is changed, you will get a contact closure to notify the system of the situation. With advanced notice, maintenance can easily schedule additional troubleshooting of a device using a handheld or another more sophisticated communications program. Finding a place to start integrating HART information is the key to future successes. Users will see immediate results when monitoring HART equipment in real-time preventing an information gap between system and device. Close the information gap and See What You Can Do when you use the Power of HART.

HART Communication Dispelling the Myths

MYTH:

HART is an interim technology until the all-digital fieldbus arrives.

FACT: Digital fieldbus technology is already here, but newer technologies do not always automatically replace those that have been proven, tried and true. Industry consultants predict that the HART Protocol will be supported and remain a significant communication technology for the next 20-plus years.
HART technology continues to be updated to address additional user needs as evidenced by the recent move of manufacturers to the HART 6 specification and the new graphical user interface enhancements being incorporated into HART Device Description Language (IEC 61804-2).

These technology advancements open new doors for the continuing use of HART Communication today and in the future. However, to achieve maximum benefit from existing HART-enabled control systems, users should demand support for HART 6 on any new products being installed in their plants. HART 6 features and capabilities are designed to improve support for multi-variable and valve / actuator type devices; enhanced status and diagnostics, increase interoperability; extended commissioning / troubleshooting capabilities; and security measures to confirm any configuration change. HART 6 functionality includes:

1.

Device Variable Classification - Required Provides master applications with a simple mechanism to determine the number and type of process related variables (pressure, temperature, etc.) within a device.

2.

Extended Device Status - Required

One additional byte of well defined status information with Command 0 and new cyclic data access Command 9. Provides additional device status alerts such as Device Needs Maintenance.

3.

Device Variable Status - Required

Enables field devices to self-validate and report on the quality of the data in the command response (good, poor, bad, fixed).

4.

Long Tag - Required

This new Long Tag with international (ISO Latin 1) characters allows consistent implementation of the longer tag names required by many industry users. The specifications currently reflect the length of this tag to be 32 characters.

5.

Configuration Change Counter Required

Improved mechanism for master applications to determine that a field device configuration has been changed. Protects integrity of plant configuration databases.

6.

Device Families Optional

Establishes standard commands and status indicators for devices based on the type of process measurement. Initial Device Families include Temperature and PID Control.

7.

Transducer Trim Commands Optional

New Common Practice commands for performing transducer trim (calibration) operations.

8.

Sub-Devices Optional

A simple mechanism using Common Practice Commands to support HART device within a HART device functionality. Potential uses include flow computers and multi-channel temperature devices.

9.

Block Data Transfer Optional

An updated mechanism to support the movement of large blocks of data, such as device configuration information, between masters and field devices.

10. Catch Device Variable Optional

A simple mechanism to support the sharing of process data between field devices on the same HART network. Allows a listening field device to capture process data from another field device to be used in calculations such as tank gauging, flow computers or PID control functions.

11. Write Device Variable Optional

New command to support forcing the digital value for any Device Variable to a specific value to aid in commissioning and troubleshooting.

12. Lock Device Optional

New commands allow a master application to lock the local front panel of a field device while performing remote configuration functions.

13. Squawk and Find Device Optional

New commands to support commissioning and troubleshooting of HART devices in multi-drop and multi-pair cable installations.
The enhancements to HART Communication technology are bridging the gap between traditional analog devices and smart digital devices with intelligent field communications. This bridging provides a continuous forward migration path with minimal investment loss. This type migration path is vital to cost-conscious companies that work with continuous processes. In the process industries, the complexity of new technologies or the lack of historical backing of a new technology has a tendency to slow adoption. This is especially true for companies that cannot afford to invest in and install new systems every time there is technology advancement. It is much wiser and more cost-effective to upgrade

existing systems rather than throw away an investment made over many years. Existing 4-20mA analog signal technology currently comprises the majority of all installed devices in the field (see Figure 1). For decades manufacturers have invested in systems that accept 4-20mA analog signals for control. Even now, instrument manufacturers worldwide continue to produce hundreds of thousands of instruments that utilize this established standard. Therefore, it is evident that use of the 4-20mA signal will continue far into the foreseeable future.

Worldwide Installed Base Field Devices - Press, Temp, Flow, Level, Val

Figure 1 - Source - ARC Advisory Group, Dedham, MA

Because HART devices support two simultaneous communication channels on the same wire (4-20mA current loop analog and HART digital), HART Communication is the logical migration path for the millions of legacy systems still in use. All HART-enabled instruments produce or accept a 4-20mA analog control signal compatible with systems produced over the past 30 years. No loss of investment occurs when upgrading using the HART path. With HART Communication positioned to replace traditional analog transmitters, the technologys growth is expected to continue over the next two decades (see Figure 2).

Figure 2 The expected growth rate for HART technology assures users that their investment is one that will continue to be used for many years to come. But, finding a place to begin integration of HART data is the key to future improvements in process performance. When control systems use only the 4-20mA analog communication channel, an information gap exists. Continuous real-time HART communication closes that information gap by providing a two-way exchange of process information. Integrating HART Communication with plant systems is easy and cost effective. Get started today. Close the information gap and See What You Can Do when you use the Power of HART.

MYTH: Everybody understands HART Communication and fully uses its capability
FACT: Since HART technology has been around for many years, most people feel that they know all that there is to know about it. The fact is the vast majority of HART applications utilize only a fraction of the full capability of HART. HART technology can be applied full-time easily and cost effectively allowing many applications to become much more valuable to the enterprise. HART technology was originally introduced as a proprietary protocol by Rosemount, Inc. in 1990. Fifteen years and over 20 million installations later, the protocol has become the de facto standard for communicating with smart field devices. For many years manufacturers who have sold products that incorporate HART Communication are now investing in the technology to gain ground in the market place. Manufacturers and users alike have not invested the time and effort necessary to understand and fully utilize the advanced capabilities of the HART Protocol. Instead, they have limited their use of HART technology to handheld communicators for configuration and troubleshooting devices on startup or failure. This is like only using your personal computer to play solitaire. When you invest some time and effort, you can compose, manage, communicate and access the world! Same applies with HART Communication. Instead of using it for only one thing, with a little investment, you can learn to implement all its capabilities and reap the benefits. Get started now. Let your next step in the use of HART Communication be continuous monitoring through an asset management application. Through continuous monitoring you can reduce your exposure to potential problems created by devices installed in your plant. Asset management applications that are DD-enabled (the ability to read a registered Device Description to learn the internal features of a device) have the ability to review information in a device and to alert the system to potential

malfunctions before they affect the process. This information includes multi-variable, configuration and diagnostic information that can help keep your systems running in tip-top condition. Condition monitoring is standard operating procedure for most process applications, but how often is it assumed that because you have a reading youre okay? Many times in range measurement errors occur that could have been prevented if the systems had been monitoring the digital HART data available. To limit the possibility of in-range failures, HART digital values for PV (primary variable) and AO (analog output) can be compared to the actual 4-20mA analog signal to determine if there is a mismatch. Any mismatch would be an indication of trouble either with the device itself or the wires between the device and the I/O making the process measurement invalid. In addition to this kind of comparison, DD-enabled asset management solutions or even OPC (OLE for Process Control) based clients can monitor your HART enabled devices 24/7 providing a level of information never achieved through the use of the handheld communicator. Consider the possibilities. Ask the questions. Take action. Do something to capture the valuable information residing in your HART-enabled devices. There is no other technology that can provide as high a value proposition as HART. Dont limit your information flow. Do your due diligence and see if there are information gaps in the way you use HART-enabled devices. Close those information gaps and See What You Can Do when you use the Power of HART.

EDDL, Why should you care?

Over the past few years the HART Communication Foundation and other organizations have worked in cooperation with automation system and device suppliers to produce enhancements to the Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL, IEC 61804-2). Phase One of the update process is now complete, specifications for the new enhanced EDDL have been submitted to the IEC for approval, and manufacturers have begun to implement the new EDDL. So, the question from users is: Why should I care? What does all this mean? What are EDDL, DDs or EDDs anyway? The IEC Electronic Device Description Language specification refers to an all-encompassing specification with subsets dedicated to the specific protocols using the specification (HART, FF and PROFIBUS). Not all of the specification is implemented by each protocol, only the appropriate subset. Using Electronic Device Description Language, a DD or EDD is written and tokenized (similar to a compiling process) into a protocol specified binary encoded file, not an XML file. This encoded binary file is used by a host application to learn what features reside in a device. Because the DD is not an executable file it is unaffected by an operating system and will work on handhelds, PC-based programs, or asset management applications. One DD to work everywhere. The new enhancements correct a trend where DD-enabled host systems were getting away from the original intent of the language--to use one file per device to describe the resident features. Host system suppliers began to require device manufacturers to produce additional files or host specific DDs and to require additional testing of devices in order to use their DD. This meant that a device manufacturer might not support the host a user was implementing, keeping users guessing as to what was the correct DD for the device/host combination being used. The new enhanced EDDL specification promises to reduce the complexity and streamline the process for everyone involved. Host suppliers have agreed that no additional files or host specific DDs will be required which will improve quality assurance and interoperability of a device manufacturers DD across all host systems. Users will need only one DD for the version of the device they have installed and can be assured that if they get the DD from the HCF DD Library it is going work with their host. This is exciting news, but even more so is that EDDL provides new interface options. HART users will continue to

see the original tree menu structure they have become accustomed to while allowing device manufacturers to describe new graphic Windows like menu structures making the setup of a device easier to understand. See Image 1.

Image 1 - Menu Comparison (click on picture to see larger image) In addition, the enhancements allow a device developer to describe not only the device features, but also soft-tools that will allow the user and host to better analyze the digital information coming from the device. The tools include new calculation capabilities, support for images, the presentation of tabular data, real-time data logging and the storing and display of historical information on each device. And, real-time data logging of information (signal strength versus level, temperature and flow variations over time), is just the beginning. See Image 2.

Image 2 (click on picture to see larger image) The EDDL enhancements also allow device manufacturers to present historical data against current readings. This allows users to track things like valve wear using valve signatures or to resolve echo curves for radar level gauges. The host stores historical data in a file defined by the DD, , and then the data is presented to the user on an x-y graph allowing a comparison of the original data to the new data. With this information users can decide when to do preventive maintenance on a device based on actual data versus cycle time or event. Enhancements to the technology allow HART users to bridge the gap between traditional analog devices and smart digital devices using intelligent field communications. This bridging provides a continuous forward migration path with no user investment loss. This migration path is vital to cost-conscious companies that work with continuous processes. Because HART devices support two simultaneous communication channels on the same wire (4-20mA current loop analog and HART digital), HART Communication is the logical migration path for the millions of legacy systems still in use. All HART-enabled instruments produce or accept a 4-20mA analog control signal compatible with systems produced over the past 30 years. No loss of investment occurs when upgrading using the HART / EDDL path. The expected growth rate for HART Communication coupled with the recent enhancements to the Electronic Device Description Language assures users that they will continue to maximize their investment in HART technology for many years to come. Finding a place to begin integration of HART data is the key to future improvements in process performance. When control systems use only the 4-20mA analog communication channel, an information gap exists. Continuous realtime HART communication closes that information gap by providing a two-way exchange of process information. Integrating HART Communication with plant systems is easy and cost-effective. Get started today. Close the information gap and See What You Can Do when you use the Power of HART.