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Where can I get a HART multiplexer?
Copyright © Romilly Bowden 2000 - 2011.
If you need to communicate with more than one or two HART networks, you may want to use a HART multiplexer. These include the modem function, generating and receiving the HART FSK signal, and handling the details of the HART protocol for several connected HART loops. They provide a single host serial interface (RS232 or RS485) to connect to your host PC or other computer.
Several manufacturers offer these products. However, there are significant variations between the available products, for example:
- Number of HART connections
- Support for multidrop HART
- Support for simultaneous communication on multiple HART loops
- HART commands used
- Host protocol
- Mechanical form
- Electrical isolation
- Intrinsically safe certification
When choosing a HART multiplexer, you need to take great care to ensure that the structure and functionality is appropriate for your application, and that the communication speed will be sufficient. In particular, check the number of HART modems - a single modem scanning all channels can only read about one channel per second.
Some products and suppliers
These manufacturers may have other similar products available. Always ask them for the latest information. The brief descriptions given here do not describe the detailed capabilities of each multiplexer, and are not sufficient for you to make a final selection.
Eurotech (was Arcom) HTNodeA DIN-rail mounting unit, providing 1 HART channel. Multidrop up to 15 devices. Host communication via 1 RS-232 port, with Modbus slave RTU protocol. |
Eurotech Ltd. 3 Clifton Court Cambridge CB1 7BN England. Web site: www.eurotech-ltd.co.uk Telephone: +44 1223 403410 Fax: +44 1223 410457 |
Eurotech (was Arcom) HTMuxA modular system in a rack-mounting cardframe. 8 HART channels per card. Multidrop subject to overall number of devices. Host communication via 2 RS-232 ports, with Modbus slave RTU protocol, or Ethernet. | |
Eurotech (was Arcom) H-PortA DIN-rail mounting unit. 32 HART channels. Host communication via an RS-485 port, still using the HART protocol but at higher speed. | |
Cimat CIM 53104 HART channels. Each channel has its own HART modem and supports multidrop up to 15 devices. 3 RS485 host ports with Modbus slave (RTU or ASCII) protocol. Eurocard format.More information here. |
CIM Advanced Technology Limited Stablegate Lodge 7 Beeches Close Sibbertoft Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 9UQ England. Web site: www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lab/7487 Telephone/fax: +44 1858 881388 |
Elcon HART INTERFACE SOLUTIONS™A wide range of I/O termination panels, incorporating the 2700-MUX HART multiplexer module. HART host communication by RS485 port, with proprietary "HART-like" protocol. Each 2700-MUX connects to 32 HART channels. Multidrop up to 15 devices per channel. Optional IS barriers on field I/O side. Analogue signals passed to DCS or PLC, via HART filters for those which need them. |
Elcon Instruments SRL Via Velasca, 36A 20059 Vimercate (MI) Italy. Web site: www.elcon_inst.com Telephone: +39 39 62921 Fax: +39 39 608 5331 Elcon Intrinsic Safety Ltd. Heighington Lane Newton Aycliffe Co. Durham DL5 6XZ England Telephone: +44 1325 314 455 Fax: +44 1325 314 456 |
Pepperl+FuchsModular I/O subsystem, incorporating the KFD2-HMM-16 master HART modem/multiplexer and up to 15 KFD0-HMS-16 slave multiplexers. Each multiplexer connects to 16 HART loops. Host communication via RS-485 port with proprietary "HART-like" protocol. IS barriers on field I/O side. Analogue signals passed to DCS or PLC. |
Pepperl+Fuchs GB Ltd. 77 Riponden Road Oldham Lancashire OL1 4EL England Web site: www.gb.pepperl-fuchs.com Telephone: +44 161 633 6431 Fax: +44 161 624 6537 |
MTLModular I/O subsystem, incorporating the MTL4841 communications module and MTL4842 HART interface modules. Each MTL4842 connects to 16 HART loops. Host communication via RS-485 port with proprietary protocol. Optional IS barriers on field side. Analogue signals passed to DCS or PLC. |
Measurement Technology Ltd. Power Court Luton Bedfordshire LU1 3JJ England Web site: www.mtl-inst.com Telephone: +44 1582 723633 Fax: +44 1582 422283 |
 RAP SystemsDIGI-HART-8M 8-channel Hart interface module. DIN rail mounted. RS-232/422/485 or ethernet TCP/IP host ports. HART modem or HART-to-Modbus conversion modes. Automatic polling or programmed operation. More information here. |
RAP Systems Ltd. 20 Holbeck Avenue Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 2XQ England Web site: www.rapsystems.co.uk E-mail: sales@rapsystems.co.uk Telephone: +44 3333 440081 Fax: +44 3333 440082 |
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