Accessing HART data for IIoT.

ProComSol has released its new 4 Channel HART multiplexer with HART-IP. This device allows the user to perform HART communications using the plant’s Ethernet network infrastructure. According to Jeffrey Dobos, President of ProComSol, “Adding a HART-IP based HART multiplexer to the existing plant HART network provides a low cost way to access HART instrument data for IIoT applications”.

The HMUX-4-DS HART Multiplexer, 4 channel, Dual Speed mounts on the cabinet’s DIN rail. The Mux connect to the HART instruments anywhere in the control loop. These loop connections are easily be made in the marshaling cabinet so wiring effort is minimal. When the Mux is connected to the plant Ethernet network, the HART data becomes accessible wherever the network is available.

The typical use case is to setup a network connected pc running a HART-IP client that collects the measurement and status data from the HART instruments. This information can stay in the plant or be sent to the cloud for backup and ease of sharing. HART-IP is a standard protocol for encapsulating HART commands into Ethernet (TCP/IP) packets for communications over Ethernet networks.

Several software products exist for this task. ProComSol offers their popular DevCom2000 Smart Device Communicator software that can collect the data, and the user can access the HART device as if they were next to the device with a traditional HART communicator. Since DevCom2000 is DD based, all device parameters are available, including Methods.

Dual Speed refers to the support of PSK HART devices. PSK operates at 9600 baud so is nearly 8 times faster than traditional FSK HART devices. The Mux “future proofs” the data collection system for when PSK devices start to become available. No need to replace the Mux. Interested device manufacturers should contact ProComSol regarding hardware/software and support for adding PSK to their product line.

 @ProComSol #PAuto #IIoT #HART