Progress on WirelessHART testing

The HART Communication Foundation (HCF) has announced a significant upgrade to the Wireless Test System used to verify conformance of WirelessHART devices. To improve overall test coverage and technician productivity when testing WirelessHART devices, the system upgrade to Wi-HTEST Version 1.2. increases the number of available automated test scripts by 400 percent, updates menus, and adds support for virtual devices.

“The Wireless Test System is critical to the development and compliance testing of WirelessHART devices,” says Ed Ladd, HART Communication Foundation director of technology programs. “Manufacturers must use this system to test a WirelessHART device prior to submitting the device for Foundation registration.”

The Wireless Test System is an integral part of the HART Device Registration Program in which the Foundation independently validates that the device and data submitted meets the Protocol requirements. The registration program helps to ensure the interoperability of devices produced to the HART standard regardless of the device manufacturer. Devices that successfully pass the registration requirements are allowed to carry the HART Registered mark.

Testing procedures

The HCF has also announced the release of the WirelessHART Device Registration Procedure document, which outlines the testing and registration requirements for WirelessHART devices. The procedure is an integral part of the HART Device Registration Program for ensuring device interoperability of both wired and wireless HART-enabled devices.

“The release of the registration procedure is the crowning achievement in our progress toward delivering fully interoperable wireless products based on the HART Standard,” said Ed Ladd. “The requirements it sets forth assure the interoperability of wireless devices in a multi-vendor environment and the conformance of those devices to the requirements of the HART Communication Protocol Specification.”

Manufacturers are required to fully test their devices using the tools available and the procedure outlined by the Foundation prior to submitting their devices for Foundation registration. The HCF independently validates that the device and data submitted meets the Protocol requirements.