Interface integrates HART devices into FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus.

Press Release Summary:

Model HI302 flexible, fieldbus interface is offered in 3 configurations: HI302-N (HART communication only), HI302-O (FOUNDATION fieldbus to Current conversion), and HI302-I (Current to FOUNDATION fieldbus conversion). It unifies instrument communications and data access tools within HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus environments, and allows asset management systems to communicate transparently with HART devices.

Original Press Release:

Smar Introduces Hart/Foundation(TM) Fieldbus Interface

HI302 protects user investment during migration from HART to FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus HOUSTON, Texas, June 6, 2002 - Smar International Corp. today announced the introduction of the HI302, a powerful and flexible interface that integrates HART devices into FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus networks. Designed to fit virtually any network topology, and provide full access to all HART variables, the HI302 protects the user's installed HART investment when migrating to FOUNDATION fieldbus technology. The HI302 is a unique solution for unifying instrument communications and data access tools within the HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus environments. The module allows Smar's AssetView asset management system (or any other system) to communicate transparently with HART devices as if they were FOUNDATION fieldbus instruments. In doing so, the HI302 provides for the co-existence of both systems, and enables the user to realize maximum benefits from each technology. The HI302 module is fully integrated with Smars best-in-class SYSTEM302 enterprise automation system, and embedded with the Smar field device configuration. Paired with Smar's DFI302 linking device, it enables seamless integration of the plant control architecture, with each module providing multi-drop or point-to-point connection of up to 32 HART devices and eight HART Master channels in a single H1 (31.25 kbit/s) FOUNDATION fieldbus channel. Additionally, the HI302 module can be employed as a Current to Fieldbus converter or Fieldbus to Current converter. With the FOUNDATION fieldbus function blocks MAI (Multiple Analog Input) and MAO (Multiple Analog Output), the current signals of field instruments can be used for any plant control strategy. According to Smar General Manager Marcelo Dultra, the HI302 is a versatile tool offering users of HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus the best of both worlds. "Those connecting HART transmitters or positioners to a FOUNDATION fieldbus system were previously limited to 4-20mA signals, with digital information only available separately through a hand-held communicator or similar device," said Dultra. "This approach required duplicating wiring from the devices to the fieldbus network - a costly and time-consuming procedure." He continued, "With the HI302, the user is liberated from the constraints of duplicate wiring to support communications between new and legacy systems. The pair of wires connecting HART devices to the fieldbus system can now carry digital information which can be made available for historization or use by an asset management system." The HI302 module is designed to execute a "conversion between protocols." Through the device transducer blocks, the variables of the HART instruments are mapped to FOUNDATION fieldbus block parameters and accessed for reading and writing through the Smar Fieldbus OPC Server. All of the HART variables can be accessed through a fieldbus block parameter. Using specific parameters, the module allows HART messages to be exchanged through an HI fieldbus channel. It also permits applications that already have HART features (and are capable of accessing the OPC Server) to access HART instruments through the FOUNDATION fieldbus network. The HI302 is offered in three different configurations: the HI302-N for HART communication only, the HI302-O for FOUNDATION fieldbus to Current conversion, and the HI302-I for Current to FOUNDATION fieldbus conversion. To provide the necessary converter functionality, the modules employ several new HART transducer blocks, including HCFG (HART Configuration), HIRT (HART Identification and Real Time data), HVT (HART Variable Template), HCD (HART Command Definition) and HWPC (HART Writeable Parameter Command correlation). Typical applications for the HI302 interface include use with parallel HART Master channels to improve network performance and flexibility, and multi-drop connection of 4-20mA topologies to support legacy systems. About Smar International Founded in 1974, Smar International Corp. is recognized as a global leader in controls and instrumentation for process and manufacturing automation. The company maintains operations in eight countries, as well as an extensive, international network of distributors and representatives. Recognized as "First In Fieldbus," Smar has pioneered many of today's advanced digital field instrument and control network technologies. This is consolidated in a broad product offering based on the industry-standard HART, FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus and Profibus protocols. Smar's powerful, fieldbus-based SYSTEM302 has gained prominence as a "best-in-class" industrial automation solution in installations around the world. In addition, Smar's complete system integration capabilities include one of the industry's widest selections of field devices, interfaces, integrated circuits and software. For more information, contact: Smar International Corp., 6001 Stonington, #100, Houston, TX 77040-5072. Tel: (713) 849-2021, Fax (713) 849-2022, E-mail: sales@smar.com, Web: www.smar.com.