Pepperl+Fuchs will unveil its first WirelessHART-enabled products at the 2009 Hanover Fair, April 20-24, 2009. Introductions will include a WirelessHART gateway designed for operating conditions typical of the process industry, a WirelessHART adapter designed to add wireless functionality to conventional field devices, as well as a self-contained WirelessHART temperature sensor.Generally speaking, WirelessHART is an extension of the existing HART communications protocol. This means that the new standard is based upon a proven technology with an installed base of more than 20 million field devices worldwide.Pepperl+Fuchs’ WirelessHART gateway will comply with the special requirements for operation in the Ex zone and offer a RS485 interface, as well as an Ethernet interface for digital HART signals. Configuration will be possible via DTM, DD or built-in Web server connectivity. Models for Profibus and Foundation Fieldbus will be available at a later date. Its WirelessHART adapter will be able to obtain real-time signals from a measuring device or sensor at adjustable time intervals and transfer them to the control system via wireless communication. The WirelessHART temperature sensor will be able to be positioned at any location within the plant and will be able to transfer up to two temperature values to the process control system.Typical applications for WirelessHART are parameter setting of field devices and monitoring of uncritical process values and environment data. In this field, wireless communication is the enabling technology of a completely new range of applications that include performance monitoring, environment management and effective asset management with preventive maintenance strategies.Comparable to traditional wire-based HART communication, WirelessHART allows the integration of fixed process instruments, mobile field devices, temporary installations and remote sections of a process plant into the very same communications infrastructure. A major advantage is that WirelessHART communication does not require any costly cable installations, and it enables users to monitor specific process parameters at locations where it has historically been impossible to do so.
