HART Protocol and Fieldbus Interview Questions

HART Communication Protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer)

1. Define HART.
HART is an acronym for “Highway Addressable Remote Transducer”. The HART protocol makes use of the
Bell 202 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) standard to superimpose digital communication signals at a low level
on top of the 4-20mA

This enables two-way field communication to take place and makes it possible for additional information
(tag numbers, measured variables, range & span data) beyond just the normal process variable to be
communicated to/from a smart field instrument.

The HART protocol communicates at 1200 bps without interrupting the 4-20mA signal and allows a host
application (master) to get two or more digital updates per second from a field device. As the digital FSK
signal is phase continuous, there is no interference with the 4-20mA signal.

2. Give the HART specifications?

The HART specifications include

1. Physical form of transmission,

2. Transaction Procedures,
3. Message structures,
4. Data formats,
5. set of commands to perform required operation.

3. Write a brief note on HART signal Levels?

HART protocol specifies that master device transmit a voltage signal whereas slave device transmits a
current signal.

The current signal is converted in to corresponding voltage by a loop load resistor, so all devices use voltage
sensitive receiver circuits. The wave shape is sinusoidal, but trapezoidal waveform is acceptable.

A square wave is not acceptable.

4. Write a note on master slave operation?

HART is a master-slave protocol. That is each message transaction is originated by the master station, the
slave device only replies only when it receives a command message.

The reply from the slave device acknowledges that the command has been received and may contain data
requested by the master.

5. Write a note on multi master operation?

HART protocol allows two active masters in a system, one is “primary master”, another is “secondary
master”.
Primary master would be the control system secondary master may be a hand-held communicator or a
maintenance computer.

6. What are the two modes of communication modes of HART?

Normal mode :-

Maximum communication speed in normal mode is 2 message/sec. It performs a normal master-slave

operation.

Burst mode :-
To achieve a high data rate a burst mode is used. The communication speed is 3 message/sec. In burst mode
a slave device repeatedly sends a data message as though it had received a specific command to do so.

7. What are the two types of frame formats in HART protocol?

Short frame format :-

Older HART instruments (Version 4) used short frame format. In this the address of the slave device is ‘o’.

Long frame format :-

HART version 5 introduced ‘Long frame format”. In this the address of the slave device is world-wide unique
identifier. It is a 38 bit number derived from the manufacturer code. It contains the device code and device id
no.

Long frame format gives extra security against the possible reception and acceptance of command meant for
another device, either due to external interference or due to excessive cross talk.

8. What are the different groups of HART commands?

Universal: Provides functions which are implemented in all field devices.

Eg. read primary variable and units

Common-Practice :-

Provides functions common to many field devices but not all. If a device uses these functions, these
commands should be used to perform them.

Device specific:-Provides functions which are more or less unique to a particular filed device

9. What are the different HART networks ?

Point-to-point :

In point-to-point mode, the traditional 4–20 mA signal is used to communicate one process variable, while
additional process variables, configuration parameters, and other device data are transferred digitally using
the HART protocol. The communication takes place between two devices .

Multi drop :-

The multi drop mode of operation requires only a single pair of wires and, if applicable, safety barriers and
an auxiliary power supply for up to 15 field devices All process values are transmitted digitally.

In multi drop mode, all field device polling addresses are >0, and the current through each device is fixed to a
minimum value (typically 4 mA).

10. Write a note on HART compatible multiplexers?

HART-compatible multiplexers are ideal for users who want to interface with a large number of HART
devices.

Multiplexers can be modular and are capable of supporting both point-to-point and all-digital (multi drop)
HART communication modes.
Communication between a multiplexer and a host application depends on the multiplexer capabilities (e.g.,
RS232C, RS485, Modbus, and TCP/IP Ethernet).

11. What are the capabilities to be considered in selecting a HART multiplexer?

HART multiplexer systems, the following capabilities should be considered:

 Number of HART channels supported,

 Number of HART channels that share a HART modem,
 Burst mode support,
 Multi drop support,
 Method of communication with the host computer or control system.
12. What is meant by pass-through feature?
Some control systems are integrated with a configuration or instrument-management application.

In these systems, the control system passes a HART command, issued by the management application, to the
field device via its I/O interface.

When the control system receives the reply from the field device, it sends the reply to the management
application. This function is referred to as a pass through feature of the control system.

13. How is the HART protocol linked with OSI model?

The HART protocol utilizes the OSI reference model. As is the case for most of the communication systems
on the field level, the HART protocol implements only the layers 1, 2 and 7 of the OSI model.
The layers 3 to 6 remain empty since their services are either not required or provided by the application
layer 7.

14. What are the features of HART protocol?

The most important performance features of the HART protocol include:

1. Proven in practice, simple design, easy to maintain and operate,

2. Interoperability,
3. Compatible with conventional analog instrumentation, simultaneous analog and digital
communication,
4. Option of point-to-point or multi drop operation,
5. Flexible data access via up to two master devices,
6. Supports multivariable field devices,
7. Sufficient response time of approx. 500 ms,
8. Open de-facto standard freely available to any manufacturer or user.
15. What is meant by Device Description(DD) ?
Some HART host applications use device descriptions (DD) to obtain information about the variables and
functions contained in a HART field device.
The DD includes all of the information needed by a host application to fully communicate with the field
device. HART Device Description Language (DDL) is used to write the DD, that combines all of the
information needed by the host application into a single structured file.
The DD identifies which common practice commands are supported as well as the format and structure of all
device-specific commands. A DD for a HART field device is roughly equivalent to a printer driver for a
computer.
Fieldbus Communication Protocol

16. What is meant by fieldbus ?

Fieldbus is an all digital, serial two way communication system that interconnects devices such as sensors,
actuators and controllers.

Fieldbus replaces the 4-20mA standards. It is a LAN for instruments with built in capability to distribute a
control application across the network.
17.What are the advantages of fieldbus?
 Give bidirectional digital communication,
 Simple cabling and cross wiring,
 Higher safety through self monitoring and maintenance,
 Device interoperability,
 Advanced functions added to field instrumentation,
 Quick on-line diagnostics,
 Filed bus allows many pairs of wires to be connected to a single pair of wire.
 Powerful Performance Software applications helps to configure a field bus quickly,
 Provides more reliable data for control.

18. Define interoperability?

Interoperability is defined as :-“The ability to operate multiple devices, independent of manufacturer, in the
same system, without loss of minimum functionality”.

Interoperability allows mixing devices from different manufacturers on the same fieldbus and allows
replacing a defective device with a device from a different vendor.

19. What are the main two components of interoperability?

The two major components are,

1. Functional Block,
2. Device Description.

20. What is meant by function blocks?

Function blocks provide common structure for defining inputs, outputs, control algorithms, events, alarms &
block control diagrams.
The common function block ensures system integrity. Function blocks allows timing and synchronization of
control strategies so that system schedules can be built.

21.What is meant by device description?

A device description is a driver for the device. The DD includes the operating procedures, variable
descriptions and other information’s required by the host.

DD’s are written using Device Description Language.

22.Define interchangeability?
In digital oriented systems, each company product follows their own standards.

If in a system with two different operations, one fails and device with slight change can do the other device’s
operation it is known as interchangeability.

23.What are the different field bus topologies?

1. Point-to-point topology,
2. Bus with spurs topology,
3. Tree topology,
 4. Daisy chain topology.

24.What is meant by Bus with spur topology?

With this topology, the fieldbus devices are connected to the bus segment through a length of cable called a
spur.

A spur can vary in length from 1m to 120 m. If spur is less than 1 m it is called splice.

25.What is meant by daisy chain topology?

With this topology the field bus cable is routed from device to device on the segment and is interconnected
at the terminals of each field bus devices.

26.What is meant by communication stack?

The communication stack is comprised of layers 2&7 in the OSI model(Data Link & Application layer).

27.What are the two types of fieldbus?

H1 field bus :

low speed(31.25 kbps), error proof transmission, used for control applications such as temp, level and flow
control.

H2 field bus :

High speed(1 mbps or 2.5 mbps), used in advance process control, remote input/output and high speed
factory automation applications

28. What is meant by report distribution type VCR?

The report distribution VCR type is used for queued, unscheduled or user initiated one-to-many
communication.

It is used by field bus devices to send alarm notifications to the operator consoles.

29. What is meant by publisher/subscriber VCR type?

It is used for buffered(scheduled), one-to-many communication.

Publisher/subscriber VCR type is used by the field devices for cyclic, scheduled publishing of user
application function block input and output such as process variable and primary output on the field bus.

30. What is meant by Fieldbus Message Specification(FMS)?

FMS services allows user applications to send messages to each other across the field bus using a standard
set of message formats.

FMS describes the communication services, message formats and protocol behavior.

31. What is meant by object description?

Data that is communicated over the field bus is described by an object description.

Object description are collected together in a structure called an object dictionary.

32. What are the operations of a LAS?

1. CD schedule,
2. Live List maintenance,
3. Data Link Time Synchronization,
4. Token Passing,
 5. LAS redundancy.

33. What is meant by Live List?

The list of all devices that are responding properly to the Pass Token (PT) are called the Live List.

34.What is meant by Virtual Field Device?

A VFD is used to remotely view local device data described in the object dictionary.

A typical device will have at least two VFDs.

What is HART?
The HART Communication Protocol (HART = Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) defines a bi-
directional field communication protocol standard for instrument, control and automation systems.

Actually, it’s not just a standard, but the global standard for sending and receiving digital information across
analog wires between smart devices and host systems.

A host can be any software application from technician’s hand-held device or laptop to a plant’s process
control, asset management, safety or other system using any control platform.

Why use HART Technology?

There are several reasons for using HART Communication to enhance the data flow between hosts and field
devices. These include device (re)configuration, diagnosing and troubleshooting instruments, reading values
of additional measurements provided by the device, and much more.
It can provide many benefits, including playing a major role in improving plant operations, increasing asset
availability, reducing maintenance costs and aiding in regulatory compliance.

In all these roles, HART technology has proven to be easy to use and very reliable.

How does HART Communication work?

The HART Protocol provides two simultaneous communication channels on the same wire: 4-20mA “current
loop” analog and a HART digital signal.
While the analog signal continues to provide primary values to and from field instruments, the digital signal
provides additional device information.

This is a very robust method with roots in the Bell 202 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) standard, which
originally superimposed a digital communication signal “on top of” the 4-20mA current loop to bring Caller
ID technology to the field of telephony.

What is a Device Description?

Key to the HART Protocol’s ability to “get data out of the field device” is a data file called a Device Description
(DD). This describes the features and functions of a device, such as the form and content of menus and
graphic displays to be presented in host computers or handheld devices.

The DD is written in conformance with a Device Description Language in the protocol. The HART
Communication Foundation manages a library of Manufacturer Device Descriptions, and provides regular
updates to which any Foundation member can subscribe.

DD’s are available for download at the HART Communication Foundation website. The DD is not required for
communication with HART-enabled devices. It is an optional enabling element of HART technology that most
device and host suppliers support in order to offer HART Users the added value of multi-vendor
interoperability

How does a HART Assist commissioning and configuration?

HART technology has been shown to significantly reduce the time required to fully commission a network
(loop). For example. devices can be more quickly verified because the device specific and application
information are loaded into instruments which can quickly be verified by the host control system.

Commissioning is further streamlined by connecting a PC configurator to each HART communication loop

online either through the control system or a multiplexing I/O system.

This eliminates the need to move the configuration device from one termination point to the next while
commissioning devices on the network.

Leading PC configurator applications also include a loop-test feature which ensures proper connections, and
as-installed record-keeping features for long-term documentation and maintenance.

How to HART Communication data?

There are many ways to integrate HART data and leverage the intelligence in your smart field devices. Point-
to-Point Integration is the most common method, enabling you to interrogate a device using a remote host
by connecting anywhere on the current loop.

The next step is HART-to-Analog Integration, which replaces analog control components with HART protocol
signal extractors to convert real-time instrument data 4-20 mA signals for input into an existing analog
control system. Next, HART -plus – Analog Integration employs HART technology multiplexers to replace
existing I/O termination panels.

The analog signal continues on to the control system, while HART communication data is sent to a
device/asset management system to provide continuous diagnostics.
Finally, Full HART Integration upgrades the field or remote I/O system for full, bidirectional communication
between field instrumentation and the control system.

The result is fully automated, real-time detection of problems with devices or connections for more rapid
corrective action.

What is the main difference between DTM and DD configuration methods?

The FDT standard supports both DD and DTM configuration methods.

The DD (Device Description) Language allows a device to be described using a text like language. This is then
compiled into a DD file that is unique for each HART, FF, and Profibus network. The host system interprets
the compiled DD file and determines how a device appears in the applications..

While the DD method is a simple way to describe the device, it is at the same time limited in the features it
offers.

The DTM method of representing a device is consistent in any FDT Frame application. The device supplier is
in control of the visualization, functionality and advanced features.

What is the FDT Technology?

FDT Technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and control systems or
engineering and asset management tools.

Key features are its independence from the communication protocol and the software environment of either
the device or the host system.

FDT Technology allows any device to be accessed from any host through any protocol.
What is the FDT Interface?
The FDT interface specification describes the standardized data exchange between devices and control
systems or engineering and asset management tools.

Devices can be configured, operated, and maintained through the standardized user interfaces integrated in
an FDT Frame Application.

What is a Device Type Manager (DTM)?

A Device Type Manager (DTM) is part of the FDT standard that is a software component for a device that
contains the device-specific data, functions and logic elements.

DTMs can reach from a simple graphical user interface for setting device parameters up to a highly
sophisticated application that, for example, can perform complex calculations for diagnostics and
maintenance purposes or can implement arbitrarily complex business logics for device calibration.

The DTM also contains FDT-compliant interfaces to enable communication with the connected system or
tool. DTMs are classified as Device DTMs, which represent a field device, and CommDTMs, which represent
communication components (gateways, remote I/Os, couplers, etc.).

A typical FDT based application can contain dozens, hundreds, or thousands of Device DTMs and
CommDTMS from a variety of manufacturers to make up the system.

Which communication protocols does FDT Technology support?

The FDT specification supports the communication protocols AS-interface, CANopen, CIP Annex
Configuration, ControlNet, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, INTERBUS, IO Link,
MODBUS SL/TCP, PROFIBUS DP/PA, and PROFINET I/O.

The FDT Group is open to future developments and market requirements and continues to expand its
support of new protocols.

Due to the open nature of the standard, several device and host manufacturers have even added their own
proprietary or legacy protocols to the standard for use in their own applications.

Is Wireless HART an international standard?

YES, WirelessHART is a HART Communication Foundation standard using the license-free 2.4 GHz frequency
band and is an integrated part of HART 7 Specification.
In addition it is also the world’s first field communication International Standard (IEC 62591), a European
Standard (EN62591), complies with EN 300328 and soon to be a Chinese National Standard.

What are the main benefits of wireless HART?

Users report the main benefit of selecting a wireless solution like WirelessHART is the low cost of adding an
additional measurement to the system.
This reduced cost includes: engineering time, fewer drawings, reduced amount of field work including
pulling wire and commissioning

Are wireless HART devices are interoperable?

One of the many benefits of using products that conform to an international standard like IEC or IEEE is the
assurance of interoperability.

Interoperability is the ability of devices from one or more suppliers to communicate properly together in an
automation application without the need of special or proprietary software.  Interoperability is also ensured
by a well-proven testing
What network topologies does wireless HART support?
WirelessHART allows for basically three network topologies: Star or point-to-point, Mesh and a combination
of Star + Mesh which utilizes the both network topologies.  Each topology has advantages and disadvantages
providing flexibility at the time of setup and commissioning.
A Mesh topology allows for further network distance and the ability to adjust for changing communication
paths. Compared to other wireless protocols, this functionality provides greater reliability and flexibility as
well as eliminating the associated cost and risk of installing and wiring backbone routers throughout the
plant.

A Star (point-to-point) topology allows a device to communicate directly to the gateway without having to
route communications through another device.

All WirelessHART devices can operate in a point-to-point topology if a mesh is not desired.

How to configure a wireless HART network?
WirelessHART is a self-forming and self-organizing network. The user does not need to know the details of
how the network operates. As long as the devices are within range of the gateway or another network
device, the network is configured automatically.
The system automatically configures the network, scheduling communication between devices, managing
message routes and monitoring network health.

How wirelessHART similar to 4-20mA HART?

WirelessHART is HART with a wireless communication implementation.
Wired or wireless, they work together to provide a standardized way to communicate process
measurements and diagnostics information from a HART device to a control or asset management system.

Existing HART configuration tools can be used for WirelessHART also?

YES. Since WirelessHART is HART, all of the standard configuration tools can be used to configure a
wirelessHART device.  This includes handheld and PC-based configuration tools
Any additional paramters required to configure a wirelessHART when compared to wired
HART devices?
Yes – two additional parameters need to be set – the device join key and the network I.D.

These are set using standard HART configuration tools such as a handheld tool or a PC-based application
connected directly to the device using a modem.

Why do we use a wired connection to configure  the join key & network id in wirelessHART?
Since users demand a high level of data and network security, the join key and network I.D. are never
broadcasted across the network.

However, if the network I.D. and join key are configured at the factory a local wired connection is not needed
for device configuration.  Once the device joins a network, the initial join key is changed.

WirelessHART devices always require a battery?

No. There are many power options including; battery, energy harvesting (including solar), line or loop power
and others.

WirelessHART devices use a special battery?

No. Battery powered WirelessHART devices typically use standard, long-lasting high-energy batteries as part
of a power module (battery pack) that is able to operate the device for extended periods of time depending
on the application and the device update rate.
Devices can use off-the-shelf batteries and power options as do other wireless sensor network devices.  
Each supplier will use what they determine to be the best power solution for their particular device.
Certain batteries are recommended by different suppliers in order to get the longest time of operation out of
their device in harsh operating conditions.  The specification requires the device to report battery life
providing early notification of a need to change or replace the batteries long before a device runs out of
power.

WirelessHART devices can be used for control applications?

Yes. Since there are different levels of control and end-to-end required response times, the specific
application will determine if WirelessHART should be used.
What are the benefits of mesh network topology for wirelessHART devices?
The WirelessHART mesh topology has many advantages over star topology making mesh the most practical
topology option:
 Very robust: multiple paths for maximum reliability under changing plant conditions
 Network distance can be extended because the critical distance is now between devices in multiple
hops, not between device and the gateway
 Cost effective because a single gateway can cover a larger network area
 Low risk deployment because gateway location can be more flexible including being installed at the
edge of the operating unit using minimal power and backbone networking
 Flexibility and mobility because devices can be easily added or moved within the network without
installing and wiring backbone routers.
 Incremental expansion – additional devices can to be added with big savings in deployment time and
wiring costs compared to traditional wired installations.
Wireless Hart devices in a Mesh topology have a shorter battery life than in a star topology?
Yes but very little difference. The biggest impact on battery life is the update rate and not the routing or use
of a mesh topology.

Battery life is a function of measurement update rates, device power requirement (some sensor types
consume more power than others), battery capacity and environment conditions, and whether the device
routes messages sent by other devices in the mesh, Depending on its position in a mesh network, a device
operating as a router may experience a slight reduction in battery life than a device that does not route
messages.

Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate the application to determine the best network configuration
considering all issues and to select devices with a suitable battery life for the application.

The expected battery life for a WirelessHART transmitter set for 1 minute updates may be 10 years, and that
includes relaying messages from neighboring transmitters in a mesh topology. Although mesh topology is
the most common topology used in industrial plants, WirelessHART also supports the star topology.
Is Wireless HART an Open Technology?
Yes. Products and systems from multiple suppliers interoperate

Is WirelessHARTt ranges shorter than other IEEE 802.14.5 based wireless sensor network
topologies?
No. Since WirelessHART uses the same radio as other IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks, the range
between devices is the same.
Any difference from one product to the next depends on the sensitivity of the radio chip used internally and
the antenna selection. Since mesh topology supports multiple hops, the total network covers longer distance
than other networks.

Can a Combination of wireless protocols be used in a Wireless HART network?

No. WirelessHART is designed to communicate using the HART protocol. A WirelessHART network will allow
only WirelessHART devices even if the other devices use the same wireless radio for many reasons including
security.
With the majority of all intelligent smart devices installed world-wide being HART-enabled, WirelessHART is
designed to provide a means of maximizing these installed assets and protecting the investment in training
and tools.
The output of the WirelessHART gateway varies depending on the supplier but may include Modbus, OPC,
HART-IP or others.
What is a WirelessHART adapter?
There are more than 35+ million 4-20 mA/HART devices in operation. For most of them, only the analog 4-
20 mA signal is used in daily operation.

The digital communication was only used for calibration and configuration at the time of commissioning.
After that, HART often went unused because most legacy systems support only 4-20 mA, without  HART
communication pass-through.
By installing a WirelessHART adapter on the 4-20 mA/HART transmitter, intelligent device management
software can continuously monitor diagnostics to alert operators and technicians to failures that could
translate into process problems.
That is, a WirelessHARTadapter can unleash the power of 4-20 mA/HART devices by communicating process
variables and stranded data to device monitoring and asset management applications.
The WirelessHART adapter connects to the 4-20mA / HART device or anywhere on the 4-20mA loop. The
adapter may communicate information from a single HART-enabled device or multiple devices.  The adapter
may also be battery, loop or direct powered and may also provide the power to the device.
Does WirelessHART communicate both the Process Value (PV) and device configuration &
diagnostics?
Yes. All device capabilities available in any HART-enabled device are also available using WirelessHART.  This
includes the PV and all other device information.
What is the transmission distance between WirelessHART devices?
The transmission distance between devices is typically 250 m using a 0dB standard antenna.

Longer distances may be possible using different antenna types.

What is distance covered by a WirelessHART network?

WirelessHART uses mesh topology meaning every device is capable of being a repeater capable of relaying
data from measurement devices to the gateway.
Therefore data can travel very long distances by “hopping” from one transmitter to the next until it reaches
the gateway.

Is WirelessHART is a part or subset of ANSI/ISA100?

No. WirelessHART is an International Standard – IEC 62591 and not part of ANSI/ISA100.

Can multiple WirelessHART networks co-exists in one plant?

Yes. A large plant can deploy hundreds or even thousands of WirelessHART devices.
For large installations, use separate gateways for each process unit or plant area, joined using a HART-IP
network over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

This totals up to large numbers of devices, yet logically sub-divided per plant area and work responsibilities
– just like the DCS controllers are today.

Are redundant gateways available for WirelessHART?

Yes. Redundant WirelessHART gateways are available from certain suppliers.
Does WirelessHART supports IP (Internet Protocol) addressing?
No.  It was deliberately designed to not use IP to make WirelessHART easy to manage.  In addition, cyber
security and the deployment of new transmitters are simplified.
Is a WirelessHART data encryption key change manual or automatic?
Automatic. Always enabled, there is no on/off option.  WirelessHART uses two encryption keys: a network
key and a session key.
The network key operates at the data link layer of the protocol and is used in communication hops between
neighboring transmitters node-to-node.

The session key operates at the network layer and is used end-to-end (over multiple hops), from the
originating transmitter to gateway.

The intermediate transmitters cannot decode the message. These keys are not seen by plant personnel. The
system periodically rotates these keys every few days, this happens automatically without human
intervention.

Can WirelessHART Co-exists with Wi-Fi and other wirelsss technologies?

YES.  WirelessHART has several mechanisms to ensure coexistence with other wireless technologies.
For instance, IEEE 802.15.4 uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) modulation, channel hopping,
channel black listing, and Clear Channel Assessment to minimize the effect of interference from other
wireless networks.

To minimize interference onto other wireless networks, WirelessHART uses low power radio and very short
message bursts.  Over 1 Billion hours of proven field operation have proven that WirelessHART does co-exist
with other wireless networks.