EDDL/DDL host test suite

The HART Communication Foundation has released the new enhanced HART EDDL/DDL (Electronic Device Description Language) Host Test Suite. The test suite is used by suppliers and developers of host products to test compliance of their implementation and is used by the Foundation to verify and validate compliance of host products submitted for HART Registration.

The new HART EDDL/DDL Host Test Suite is one of the most extensive and rigorous host test programs in the process industry using 950 automated test cases and 8300 individual verification points.

“Everyday users rely on HART technology’s promise of interoperability to harness the power of continuous communications among new and existing HART devices,” says Ed Ladd, HART Communication Foundation Director of Technology Programs. “To meet user expectation, the new test suite automates and standardizes the host testing process to verify proper functionality, behavior and interoperability with all HART products.”

The EDDL/DDL Host Test Suite includes Test Libraries, Specifications and adaptable Device Simulator to stimulate and verify proper host functionality and behavior for all HART protocol versions. The Test Suite extensively exercises the host product application to verify compliant operation and functioning with respect to DDL/EDDL Operation, User Interface, Data Modeling and Method execution.

Building on the efforts of the EDDL Cooperation Team (HART Communication Foundation, Fieldbus Foundation, OPC and PROFIBUS Nutzer-organisation) and the HART DDL Working Group, realization of the test suite enhancements was a major undertaking that required many man years of cooperative effort by Foundation staff and multi-company volunteers.

Products submitted for HART registration are tested by the Foundation to independently verify test results and validate that device and data meet HART Protocol requirements. The HART Registration Program is a quality assurance program to ensure interoperability of products produced to the HART Standard regardless of the manufacturer.