HART Technology Explained

HART is a bi-directional communication protocol that provides data access

between intelligent field instruments and host systems. A host can be any
software application from technician's hand-held device or laptop to a plant's
process control, asset management, safety or other system using any control
platform. Communication occurs between two HART-enabled devices,
typically a smart field device and a control or monitoring system.
Instrumentation grade wiring and standard termination practices assure
reliable communication.

HART provides two simultaneous communication channels, one analog, the

other digital: A 4-20mA signal communicates the primary measured value
(PV) as an analog value of current using the wiring that provides power to
the instrument. The host system then converts the current value to a
physical value according to parameters defined by HART Software. For
example, 7 mA = 80 degrees F.

Digital device information is communicated by encoding a digital signal,

generally using a technique known as Frequency Shift Keying on the same 4-
20mA wiring used for analog communications. The digital signal contains
information from the device including PV, device status, diagnostics, and
additional measured or calculated values, etc.
Together, the two communication channels provide a complete field
communications solution that is easy to design, simple to use, low cost and
extremely reliable.

How HART Works

“HART” is an acronym for Highway Addressable Remote Transducer. The
HART Protocol makes use of the Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) standard to
superimpose digital communication signals at a low level on top of the 4-
20mA. This enables two-way field communication to take place and makes it
possible for additional information beyond just the normal process variable to
be communicated to/from a smart field instrument.

The HART Protocol communicates at 1200 bps without interrupting the 4-

20mA signal and allows a host application (master) to get two or more digital
updates per second from a smart field device. As the digital FSK signal is
phase continuous, there is no interference with the 4-20mA signal. The HART
Protocol provides two simultaneous communication channels: the 4-20mA
analog signal and a digital signal. The 4-20mA signal communicates the
primary measured value (in the case of a field instrument) using the 4-20mA
current loop - the fastest and most reliable industry standard. Additional
device information is communicated using a digital signal that is
superimposed on the analog signal.

The digital signal contains information from the device including device
status, diagnostics, additional measured or calculated values, etc. Together,
the two communication channels provide a low-cost and very robust
complete field communication solution that is easy to use and configure.
HART COMMANDS
The HART Protocol is a request-response communication protocol which
means that during normal operation, each communication is initiated by a
request (or command) from the host communication device. The host is
generally a distributed control, PLC, or PC-based asset management system
for example. The device is typically a field measurement device such as
pressure, level, temperature, flow or other transmitters.

In order to make certain any HART-enabled device from any supplier can
communicate properly and respond to a command with the correct
information, the set and types of commands are defined in the HART
Specifications and implemented in all HART registered devices.

Users need not worry about these commands because they are included in
the functions of the host. The specific capabilities of a device (device specific
commands) are available to the host when the host is given the instructions
included in the Device Description (DD) of a specific device.

An important point is that defined device status indications are included with
each communication response to the host. The host then interprets these
status indicators and may provide basic device diagnostic information.
The HART Command Set provides uniform and consistent communication
for all field devices. Host applications may implement any of the necessary
commands for a particular application. The command set includes three
classes:

Universal
All devices using the HART Protocol must recognize and support the universal
commands. Universal commands provide access to information useful in
normal operations (e.g., read primary variable and units).

Common Practice
Common Practice commands provide functions implemented by many, but
not necessarily all, HART Communication devices.

Device Specific
Device Specific commands represent functions that are unique to each field
device. These commands access setup and calibration information, as well as
information about the construction of the device. Information on Device
Specific commands is available from device manufacturers.

A Partial List of HART Commands:

Universal Common Practice Device Specific

Commands Commands Commands
 Read manufacturer  Read selection of up to  Read or write low-flow
and device type four dynamic variables cut-off

 Read primary  Write damping time  Start, stop, or clear

variable (PV) and constant totalizer
units
 Write device range  Read or write density
 Read current output values calibration factor
and percent of range
 Calibrate (set zero, set  Choose PV (mass,
 Read up to four pre- span) flow, or density)
defined dynamic
 Set fixed output current  Read or write
variables
materials or
 Perform self-test
 Read or write eight- construction
character tag, 16-  Perform master reset information
character descriptor,
 Trim PV zero  Trim sensor
date
calibration
 Write PV unit
 Read or write 32-
 PID enable
character message  Trim DAC zero and gain
 Write PID set point
 Read device range  Write transfer function
values, units, and (square root/linear)  Valve characterization
damping time
 Write sensor serial  Valve set point
constant
number
 Travel limits
 Read or write final
 Read or write dynamic
assembly number  User units
variable assignments
 Write polling address  Local display
information

HART Protocol Layers

HART is based on the basic Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference
model:
Of the 7 layers HART uses 3: Physical Layer, Data Link Layer and Application
Layers.

HART DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

SOFTWARE & HARDWARE TOOL KITS

Interoperability in multi-vendor systems as assured through compliance with

HART Protocol and Test Specifications is the hallmark of a high quality HART
product.

FieldComm Group provides test and registration services for developers of

HART technology based products. We provide software and hardware tools to
help simplify the development process and provide the best chance of
compliance with test specifications. All HART development requires the use
of the HART Communication Protocol Specifications. The tool sets required for
your particular product will depend on whether you are developing a Host or
a Field Device and whether it is wired or wireless. The products have been
categorized to help you differentiate which tools apply to your project.
Development Specifications
HART Protocol Specifications

The HART Protocol Specifications are sold as a collection of technical

documents that specify the different aspects of the protocol for field devices.
The specifications are sold as a kit that includes all the documents in the
specification set.

HART Test Specifications

The HART Test Specifications are sold as a collection of documents that

specify the testing procedures for HART devices and systems. These
documents are required to adequately understand how to test products
developed to the HART standards.

Host Development and Test Tools

HART Server (Single Seat)

HART Server is an OPC DA compliant server software used to access real-

time process and diagnostic information from HART field instrumentation.
HART Server is middleware that supports HART-IP, multiplexer protocols and
direct connection to HART networks. Obtain a Demo

 HART Server Change Log

HART Server, Revision 3.2.0 Purpose and Contents HART Server 3.2.0 is
designed for Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, Win2K, WinXP, Windows Vista-
Business S...

Wed, 11 Apr, 2018 at 4:02 PM

 HART Server Data Sheet Download

Please note that the latest software requires a Windows 7 (32-bit)

operating system to run. Please download the attached Data Sheet (PDF).

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021 at 11:36 AM

 HART Server Basic Edition Download

FieldComm Group offers a "basic edition" of the HART Server free of

charge. The demo version does not include wireless or mux support. This
softwa...

Wed, 5 Jun, 2024 at 12:08 PM

 What is HART Server?

HART Server is an OPC DA (OPC DA is the legacy OPC Data Access

interface) compliant server software used to access real-time process and
diagnostic informat...

Fri, 18 Sep, 2020 at 8:33 AM

 How to Configure HART Server for a new MUX

Introduction In this support article, we will guide you through the process
of configuring your HART Server to communicate using your new MUX. By
followi...

Tue, 23 May, 2023 at 10:41 AM

HART Server (Partner Program)

The HART Server Partner Program provides source code modules and tools
necessary to develop a custom PC application that can communicate through
the HART Server to HART-capable devices. This tool allows you to build
custom UIs atop the standard HART Server.

 HART Server Change Log

HART Server, Revision 3.2.0 Purpose and Contents HART Server 3.2.0 is
designed for Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, Win2K, WinXP, Windows Vista-
Business S...

Wed, 11 Apr, 2018 at 4:02 PM

 HART Server Data Sheet Download

Please note that the latest software requires a Windows 7 (32-bit)

operating system to run. Please download the attached Data Sheet (PDF).

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021 at 11:36 AM

 HART Server Basic Edition Download

 FieldComm Group offers a "basic edition" of the HART Server free of
charge. The demo version does not include wireless or mux support. This
softwa...

Wed, 5 Jun, 2024 at 12:08 PM

 What is HART Server?

HART Server is an OPC DA (OPC DA is the legacy OPC Data Access

interface) compliant server software used to access real-time process and
diagnostic informat...

Fri, 18 Sep, 2020 at 8:33 AM

 How to Configure HART Server for a new MUX

Introduction In this support article, we will guide you through the process
of configuring your HART Server to communicate using your new MUX. By
followi...

Tue, 23 May, 2023 at 10:41 AM

HART Smart Device Configurator 625 (SDC-625) Source Code Partner
Program

The HART SDC-625 Source Code Partner Program provides a cost-effective,

royalty-free license to the source code for EDD-enabled Host Application
developers. This tool is used to develop full-featured HART host applications
(DCS, PLC, etc)

 HART Smart Device Configurator Change Log

Release 4.4.0 - Aug 2024 The following CRs were resolved in this release:
SDC Source Code CR/Bug Number Summary 3620 Added Semantic Map
Ve...

Mon, 9 Dec, 2024 at 3:45 PM

 HART Smart Device Configurator Data Sheet Download

Mon, 6 Jan, 2025 at 1:04 PM

 Smart Device Configurator (SDC) Partner Program

FieldComm Group has developed the new standard for DD enabled Host
applications as an integral part of the DD-Integrated Development
Environment (DD-IDE)....

Tue, 2 Jul, 2019 at 10:31 AM

 HART Smart Device Configurator SDC625 on Windows 10

SDC625 has not been built to run on Windows 10. The problem is the
Installer does not install it properly on that Operating System. At this time
users mus...

Tue, 26 Jan, 2021 at 12:34 PM

 License Acknowledgement
 The SDC-625 Source Code license agreement contains the following
requirement: Licensee will cause its product to print and display an
announcement as fo...

Fri, 11 Sep, 2020 at 9:29 AM

Additional Resources
END USER RESOURCES
 HART-IP: Technical Description (guide, English)
 HART-IP: Rooted in HART® Evolving with Ethernet (brochure)
 HART Technology Basics (brochure)
 Calibrating HART Transmitters (guide)
 Digital Transformation in the Age of IIoT (technical paper)
 Ethernet to the Field (technical paper)
 HART Application Guide (guide, English)
 HART Application Guide (guide, Chinese)
 WirelessHART - Expanding the Possibilities (brochure)
 Intrinsically Secure WirelessHART® Field Device Networks and the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) (technical paper)
 Process Automation Device Information Model (PA-DIM™) (technical
paper)
 WirelessHART® System Engineering Guide (guide)
 WirelessHART User Case Studies (brochure)

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER RESOURCES

 How to Develop and Register a WirelessHART Device
 HART DD Library (now available as FDIsync Library)
 Developer Focused Training
 HART Technology Developer Tools
 Development Services Providers (to assist in product development)

BOOKS
 HART Communication Protocol: A Practical Guide
 HART® Technology: A Technical Overview
 WirelessHART - Real-Time Mesh Network for Industrial Automation