ODVA has announced that it has published enhancements to The EtherNet/IP Specification which outline how to integrate devices built to the HART Communication Protocol into an EtherNet/IP architecture. The addition of this capability fulfils yet another step in the optimisation of EtherNet/IP for the process industries by providing a mechanism for users to integrate their existing infrastructure while leveraging the benefits of industrial Ethernet.
This volume defines a standard mechanism for integrating HART devices into the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) suite. With this mechanism, a CIP originator can communicate with a HART device as if it is a native CIP device. The result is seamless communication between CIP-based devices and HART-based devices, without requiring changes to existing HART devices or CIP originators such as industrial control systems.
“The integration of conventional HART I/Os is another step in fulfilling ODVA’s vision for the optimisation of Process Integration,” stated Olivier Wolff, chair of the ODVA technical working group for EtherNet/IP in the Process Industries. Now that the initial focus to integrate conventional field devices with industrial control systems and asset management systems is complete, the organisation will continue to adapt EtherNet/IP to the full spectrum of process industries’ needs, including profiles for field devices to simplify device integration, diagnostics according to NE107, and comprehensive device configuration methods.”
ODVA is also involved in industry-wide efforts to promote adoption of Ethernet overall in the process industries, such as its collaboration with FieldComm Group and PROFIBUS and PROFINET International to help promote adoption of Ethernet to the Field that will be made possible by forthcoming enhancements to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard for long-reach single pair Ethernet and use in hazardous areas.
