HART releases interoperability test tool for wired and wireless HART devices

Specialized tool automates testing for compliance to the HART Standard, ensuring interoperability across vendor platforms.

By Control Engineering Staff March 27, 2009

Austin, TX – Devices from different manufacturers that are supposed to work together should work together in real life. The HART Communication Foundation wants to make sure that really does happen for devices made under HART protocols, so it has released a new system that automates device interoperability testing of both wired and wireless HART-enabled devices.

“The HART Test System is an integral part in the HART Device Registration program,” says Ed Ladd, director of technology programs. “The system helps to assure the interoperability of devices produced to the HART standard regardless of the device manufacturer. So, users can buy a device that is HART Registered with confidence, knowing it will work with the devices already installed in their plant.”

The new 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,” Ladd adds. “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 the second quarter of 2009.”

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-Peter Welander, process industries editor Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free.