WirelessHART components now available from P+F

Capitalizing on open system interoperability, Pepperl+Fuchs launches wireless infrastructure devices designed to work with any device platform.

By Peter Welander September 11, 2009

P+F is launching its WirelessHART device line, using the system’s interoperability to work with other manufacturers.

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced three WirelessHART components: a gateway, a wireless adaptor for wired devices, and a temperature converter. The new products aim to take advantage of the interoperability promised by the protocol, allowing devices from a variety of manufacturers to work seamlessly in industrial networks.

"Built on the widely-used and open HART standard, WirelessHART communication is an ideal solution for brown-field or green-field installations because it is designed to meet the unique requirements of wireless networks operating in process plants," says Robert Schosker, P+F product manager. "As evidenced by the more than 20 million HART-compatible devices in the field, most process plant operators, field technicians, and engineers are already familiar with the HART communication protocol; they’ve work with HART for years. WirelessHART simply combines HART and radio technology into a wireless communication solution that is completely downward compatible, enabling users with existing HART instruments-even in the majority of situations where HART is actually not in use-to leverage open wireless communication for benefits such as online parameterization and predictive maintenance."

The central component of the new product line is the WirelessHART gateway, which contains the network management used to organize and control the wireless network. It then connects the network to a control or SCADA system via a fieldbus. The gateway can be installed in Zone 1 areas, and can serve up to 250 WirelessHART field devices.

The WirelessHART adaptor operates at the other end of the communication path, and serves to upgrade conventional wired HART devices to WirelessHART. These adaptors mount directly into the cable gland of the existing field device, and are available in various models to suit specific application needs. They are easily configured via a HART modem and feature a fully rotatable intrinsically safe antenna. A self-contained battery can power the transmitter for up to five years.

The WirelessHART temperature converter provides local temperature measurements. It is also configured via a HART modem and features an integrated, intrinsically safe antenna. It can be placed in Zone 1 areas and the self-contained battery can power the transmitter for up to five years.

Read an earlier article on P+F’s wireless plans.

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com,
Control Engineering Process Instrumentation & Sensors Monthly
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