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PLCNext have a IO Module that Support HART Protocal?

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  • Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]

    Hello,

    We currently support the HART protocol through devices like the Phoenix Contact Ethernet/HART gateway.

    You can see the full range of HART-compatible products here:

    https://www.phoenixcontact.com/online/portal/pi?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a/pien/web/main/products/subcategory_pages/HART_P-08-12-05

    These are not directly related to PLCnext Technology, so if you need more information on HART products please contact your local Phoenix Contact sales office.

    - Martin.

  • ims_automationims_automation
    Hi Martin,

    I saw that there is an analog input module supporting HART, AXL F AI8 HART XC 1F - 1052434.
    Can we configure the HART device through this module from PLCnext? Or can the PLCnext act like the Ethernet HART multiplexer - GW PL ETH/UNI-BUS - 2702233 (as the gateway from HART devices to DTM via HART IP).

    Thank you.
  • Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]
    I thought I might have missed something back in 2019, but no, that HART module has been developed since the original question was asked (phew!) :)
    I put your questions to the specialist for that I/O module, and here is the answer:
    Yes, the AXL F AI8 HART XC 1F may be used alongside a PLCnext 2152 or 3152 to act as a HART communications DTM via HART IP.
    In order to do this, the user must install a docker image, Balena engine, and the HART IP files to the PLCnext directly via SSH. The process is a bit complicated right now but it does work. We are working on a simpler solution that is much easier to configure, but for now it absolutely does work. Once set up on the PLCnext, it does not have to be repeated again.
    If you would like instructions on how to set this up on a PLCnext Control device, it would be best if you get in touch with the technical specialists in your local Phoenix Contact office, and they will be able to work through this with you, with guidance from the specialist in Germany.

    If you have any other questions on this topic, we would be happy to help.
  • ims_automationims_automation
    Hi Martin,

    Thank you for the answer.
    My other question is, when the PLCnext is used for HART communication with DTM via HART IP, do the process data from that extension module (AXL F AI8 HART XC 1F) can still be processed by PLCnext runtime?
  • Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]Martin [PLCnext Technology Team]
    I put your follow-up question to the specialist for that I/O module, and here is the answer:
    Yes, when reading data over HART IP, the process data of the extension module may still be processed by PLCnext runtime.

    This being said, there is a limitation in the AXL F...AI8 HART XC 1F modules. There are two HART modems in each module, each managing 4 channels. HART Modem 1 manages channels 1-4 while HART modem 2 manages channels 5-8. If HART IP is used, for example going into Online Parameterization of a connected HART sensor using the vendor-specific DTM, having all 4 HART channels per modem enabled may cause an interruption in ONLY the HART PD data. The 4-20mA data is not affected.

    The reason being that the DTM tunnel requests a large amount of data from the HART sensor, which can block the HART PD data. To solve this, only enable 2 out of 4 HART channels per modem when using the DTM. For example, if you have 4 HART sensors and you want to access their HART PD and HART IP data through the DTM, I recommend putting them on channels 1, 2, 5, and 6 and disabling channels 3, 4, 7, and 8, This way the user can access all HART PD and HART IP data without causing a pause in the HART process data. If a user requires to enable 3+ HART channels per modem, they must know that when going into a mode such as Online Parameterization of the connected HART sensor DTM, this may pause the HART PD data on that modem.
    If you would like more detailed instructions on how to set up this module on a PLCnext Control device, it would be best if you get in touch with the technical specialists in your local Phoenix Contact office, and they will be able to work through this with you, with guidance from the specialists in Germany.
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