Hart technology advances on two fronts

A Hart Communication Foundation product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 21, 2005

The Hart Communication Foundation (HCF) has announced two significant Hart technology advancements.

The Hart Communication Foundation (HCF) has announced two significant Hart technology advancements.

The Hart enhanced Device Description Language (eDDL) specification has been successfully validated and is near completion; and a new HCF initiative to develop a Wireless Hart standard is now underway.

Developed in a co-operation with Fieldbus Foundation, Profibus Nutzerorganisation and now the OPC Foundation, the eDDL extends the capabilities of Device Description Language to provide an industry-standard solution for advanced visualisation of intelligent device information to maintain the proven integrity of existing DD technology across all three communication technologies.

The Wireless Hart initiative will result in new Hart Communication technology that will ensure interoperable products and new connectivity solutions for leveraging the intelligence of Hart-smart devices.

"The HCF continues to invest in new technology capabilities and tools, like the eDDL, integrated development environment and smart device configurator technology, and Wireless Hart, to support the evolving needs, advanced capabilities and increasing intelligence of Hart-enabled devices", says Ron Helson, HCF Executive Director.

Hart eDDL enhancements include an improved user interface with support for menus, windows, tabs and groups and added graphic support for graphs, trends, charts and dial indicators.

The eDDL further standardises the user interface for managing intelligent devices and eliminates the need for Windows resource files, supplemental files, and other DD modifications previously required by some asset management applications.

DDL is the most important and widely used digital communication descriptive language in the manufacturing and process industries.

Hart was the first protocol to implement DDL, enabling suppliers to define and document their device capabilities in a single, open and consistent format.

HCF member companies assisting in the eDDL validation process include Emerson Process Management, Endress + Hauser, Honeywell, Rosemount Analytical, Rosemount Measurement, Saab Rosemount and Siemens.

During the eDDL validation test process, engineers from these companies recognised the advantages of the new eDDL capabilities.

"I think device integration in the future will become much easier with the use of eDDL", said Detlef Zappe, Endress + Hauser.

"As we provide our customers with very complex devices, it's good technology to make parameterisation of our devices easier for the customer".

The Wireless Hart initiative will result in new Hart communication technology that will provide major benefits for all industry users.

A Wireless Hart standard will provide new capabilities, ensuring seamless, interoperable solutions for connecting Hart devices in a wireless environment.

The Wireless Hart Working Group has set an aggressive goal to produce draft specifications in early 2006.

The working group will co-ordinate activities with other industry wireless organisations, such as the ISA SP100 Wireless Committee, to insure continuity and uniformity with wireless standardisation efforts currently underway.

HCF member company representatives participating in the Wireless Hart Working Group include major automation suppliers and leaders in wireless technology, including ABB, Adaptive Instruments, Elpro Technologies, Emerson, Endress + Hauser, Honeywell, OmNex Controls, Phoenix Contact, Siemens, Smar and Yokogawa.