Using Field Instrumentation
Why HART?
For many years the fi eld communication standard for process automation
equipment has been a milliamp (mA) analog current signal with a signal
range of 4-20mA. The HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer)
protocol extends this 4-20mA standard to enhance communication with
smart fi eld instruments. HART allows two-way digital communications to
occur without disturbing the integrity of the 4-20mA signal. HART signals
are carried over the same wiring that is typically used for 4-20mA analog
instruments. Instrumentation products equipped with the HART protocol are
used in a wide range of applications and industries, providing cost saving
benefi ts and improved performance worldwide. It has been estimated that
nearly 2 million HART installations are in existence today and include:
Rosemount, Endress & Hauser, Honeywell, and Yokagawa Transmitters.
HART Interface Modules
ProSoft Technology has a variety of HART interface modules offering
connectivity solutions for smart fi eld instrumentation that supports HART
multi-drop networks. The HART modules provide access to temperature,
pressure, and multi-variable units, as well as, full access to digital
confi guration, diagnostics, and maintenance information in each connected
transmitter.
In-Rack HART Multi-drop Modules
Modules are compatible with a number of platforms including AllenBradley’s ControlLogix, SLC 500e, PLC-5e, and CompactLogix™, as well as,
Schneider Electric’s Quantum processors.
Features
• Multi-drop Field Network
• Read / Write Data
• 4 Channels / Module
• 15 Transmitters / Channel
Stand-alone HART Gateways
The HART Gateways provide communication for four
or eight channels or multi-drop HART connectivity with
other networks including:
• Modbus
• Modbus Plus
• Modbus TCP/IP
• DF1
• Profi bus DP
• A-B Remote I/O
Honeywell DE Connectivity
In-rack or stand-alone gateway connectivity solutions for smart fi eld
instrumentation supporting Honeywell DE networks is also available
through ProSoft.
Pipeline Automation
Valve Actuators
All pipelines contain a great number of valves. These valves work like gates,
opening and closing oil or gas fl ow and can be placed every 5 to 20 miles
(8-32 km) along any given stretch of pipeline. In remote or inaccessable
areas it is important that the control of these valves are automated.
ProSoft Technology has worked together with FlowServe, makers of
Limitorque Valve Actuators, to create an interface which allows Allen-Bradley
ControlLogix, SLC, and PLC processors to easily interface with Limitorque Valve
Actuators and other Limitorque protocol compatible devices. The Limitorque
modules support the following valves:
• MX/DDC Modbus
• UEC-3-DDC Modbus
• DDC-100M I/O module
• DDC-100M fi eld unit
• Valvcon IVO (unit in multi-drop mode only)