Austin, TX, USA (18 March 2009) — The new HART® Test System recently released by the HART Communication Foundation (www.hartcomm.org) plays a key role in ensuring device interoperability of both wired and wireless HART-enabled devices. The system automates device testing and verifies compliance to all revisions of the HART Protocol standard.
“The HART Test System is an integral part in the HART Device Registration program. The system helps to assure the interoperability of devices produced to the HART standard regardless of the device manufacturer. So, users can buy with confidence a device that is HART Registered, knowing it will work with the devices already installed in their plant,” says Ed Ladd, HCF Director of Technology Programs.
The HART Test System has the capability to work with wired HART devices or through WirelessHART™ gateways that support the standardized HART UDP interface. The new system is a complete testing tool produced on the Linux[
] operating system that includes the test automation, application layer and analysis software for the verification of a device’s conformance to the HART Communication standard.
“The design of the test system allows the Foundation to control the evolution of the tool and allows for additional components to be added as they are made available,” says Ladd. “The next scheduled addition to the test system will be the Wi-HTEST wireless access points. Wi-HTEST will support testing of a WirelessHART device’s TDMA Data Link Layer and is expected to be released during Q2 2009.”
The HART Communication Protocol is the leading communication technology for intelligent process measurement and control field devices and systems with more than 26 million devices installed worldwide. The HART Communication Foundation is an international, not-for-profit, membership organization supported by more than 200 companies worldwide. Founded in 1993, the Foundation is the technology owner, standards setting body and central authority on the HART Protocol and provides global support for application of the HART technology. The Foundation establishes and controls the HART Communication standards including new developments and technology enhancements that benefit and support the needs of the industry. For more information, go to www.hartcomm.org.
