Being able to remotely monitor and control multiple devices operating in the analog industrial automation sector can bring a host of benefits to end-users. Remote process control and monitoring, significantly reduced maintenance costs and minimized downtime associated with not having to physically travel to the equipment location are the major pluses that appeal to those managing a network of connected ‘smart’ devices, either in a plant / factory environment or more widely spread in the field.
In this particular space, the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) Communication Foundation has become well-established as the global standard for sending and receiving data across analog wires. Such bodies or organizations are a vital entity to define protocols and foster a cohesive, forward thinking environment for those businesses using their specialized niche skills and expertise to design and develop systems and individual components for the market.
Throughout the electronics sector there many set-ups that, in a similar way to The HART Communication Foundation, provide the focal point for standards development, support and the evolution of whole ecosystems around a specific end-market need. Examples include the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) and the Qi Wireless Power Consortium in the portable device wireless charging sector.
The crux of the HART protocol is the use of the Bell 202 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) standard to superimpose digital data communications on to 4 to 20 mA analog lines. ON Semiconductor recently became a ‘signed-up’ member of the foundation following the launch of its latest low-power, CMOS modem IC - the NCN5193 - that complies with the physical layer specifications of HART and is targeted at communications for industrial process control. Our integrated modem is designed to support reliable and safe – meaning minimized risk of costly communications interrupts and safe operation in hazardous environments - delivery of data at 1200 bit per second in what can be very challenging industrial environments.
Figure 1: Industrial Process Measurement & Control block diagram, featuring NCN5193 CMOS modem for use in HART industrial communication implementations
Of course, numerous other HART Communication Foundation members also manufacture devices that align with the protocol and meet the requirements of specific aspects of an overall remote industrial communications solution. In conjunction with components such as the NCN5193, these aid the development of reliable, optimized end products that are able to do exactly what those performing remote monitoring, control and diagnostics need.