Comunications protocol enhancements

5 new enhancements enable improved functionality to deliver valuable device status and information

"We listened!" Ron Helson, HART

The HART® Communication Foundation has five important new enhancements to the HART Communication Protocol standard. When implemented in new HART-enabled products, these enhancements will give users a simple device status notification and easy access to WirelessHART® network performance. The enhancements also provide a basis for future device and system supplier innovation.

The new enhancements are: Condensed Device Status Indicators; Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for wireless networks; HART Communication over Internet Protocol standardization; Discrete “on/off” functionality for devices; and an Infrared device communication option.

“Industry users requested a simple ‘green light-red light’ status report capability as well as key health and reliability indicators for WirelessHART networks. We listened and have added these important enhancements,” says Ron Helson, Foundation Executive Director. “The Foundation, with the support of our member companies, works to help users maximize the value of their HART-enabled instrumentation investments by enhancing the HART Protocol to meet industry needs now and in the future.”

New enhancements to the HART Protocol described:

•Condensed Device Status Indicators – provides new commands and standardized support for NAMUR NE107 diagnostics for clear and simple operator notification of device status – Failure, Out of Specification, Function Check or Maintenance Required.
•Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) - additional standardized commands to support NAMUR NE124 for host access to WirelessHART networks performance indicators including network health and reliability data.
•HART Over Internet Protocol – specifies and standardizes the protocol between remote I/O systems, multiplexers and gateways and host systems.
•Discrete Functionality - new commands enable enhanced support of several types of discrete and “on/off” type devices with diagnostics.
•Infrared Device Access – new wireless interface option for device configuration and maintenance that eliminates the need to open the device housing in hazardous areas.