Introduction to HART-IP – HART Communication Protocol
The HART® Protocol was enhanced in 2012 to include the transmission of HART data over the Internet Protocol (IP) using Transmission Communication Protocol (TCP). HART-IP offers a straightforward way to access all the HART information available in a HART device through an IP network and allows that information to be brought up to the enterprise level easily, without the need to go through any translation processes, and with no loss of information.
What Is HART-IP?
HART-IP is simply the HART protocol rendered over Ethernet. The addition of HART-IP capability to HART host applications provides a quick and easy way to configure, monitor and diagnose HART devices on WirelessHART networks or HART-IP compatible HART Multiplexers from wherever you have Ethernet access – inside or outside the facility.
Some of the key points about HART communication protocol to keep in mind include:
- In general, the host takes a HART message and wraps a HART-IP header around it
- It is then wrapped in a TCP header and sent across the network
- The receiving network device decodes the message and sends the embedded HART command to the addressed device on the WirelessHART or HART multiplexer network
- The reply then goes through the same process headed back to the host
Data Mapping Is NOT Required
Because the application layer is the same for HART field devices and for HART-IP, time consuming and error-prone data mapping (using Modbus) is eliminated with HART communication protocol, making HART-IP simple to use with no manual set up required.
Uses Existing Network Infrastructure
The industry standard plant Ethernet network supports many protocols eliminating the need for a dedicated network for HART device access. Other key points:
- Since HART-IP is a high-level application protocol independent of the underlying media, it can utilize network designs that use redundant Ethernet as well as mesh or ring topologies
- It allows the use of Power over Ethernet (PoE) networks as well
- Various speeds like 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s, and 1 Gbit/s etc. are all supported
Using HART-IP to Access a HART Device
Once connected to the HART-enabled gateway, the network topology is displayed by the HART-IP capable software host. The user then selects the HART device of interest. For Device Descriptor (DD) enabled HART Communicators, the proper DD is then automatically loaded. Users can then view all the HART device parameters, make edits, and get device status information.
Benefits to HART Communication Protocol
HART device communications can be wireless if the plant has a Wi-Fi network in place. HART-IP device access then removes the need to go onto the plant floor to view or change the configuration of a device. This provides significant time and cost savings and improved personnel safety.
Another benefit of using HART communication protocol is that no HART modem is required – just standard Ethernet access from standard, off-the-shelf network equipment to the WirelessHART Gateway or HART-IP-enabled multiplexer. This is also a big cost savings.
DevCom HART Communicator
The DevCom Smart Device Communicator application family, from ProComSol, allows the user to perform complete HART device configuration and diagnostics using a Windows, Android, or iOS (Apple) device. All that is needed is an Ethernet connection to a WirelessHART gateway or HART-IP-enabled HART multiplexer. Full device monitoring and configuration can be performed anywhere in the world.
Conclusion for HART Communication Protocol
Process companies are beginning to use more network-related products, multiplexers and multi-drop connections, for online interaction with their HART devices. The digital communication capability of HART ensures that device information can be linked remotely via HART-IP to other digital networks and thus allowing it to become a part of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
About ProComSol
ProComSol, Ltd. has been providing HART communication products for nearly 15 years, and is an active member of the FieldComm Group. We provide full DD-based HART Communicators for Windows, Android, and iOS (Apple) devices. HART-IP support is included in all versions. Check out FAQs page and be sure to contact ProComSol for more information.
ProComSol, Ltd. Contact
You can easily reach out to us online through our short form. Additional contact information is listed below.
Irena Wasylyk, Technical Sales
13001 Athens Ave
Suite 220
Lakewood, OH 44107
Phone: 216.221.1550
Fax: 216.221.1554
Email: sales@procomsol.com
Web: www.procomsol.com
