1.

Configuring Intelligent Devices

J. BERGE

(2003)

DESIGN FEATURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Use permanently connected communications infrastructure.

For the HART Field Communications Protocol, use

a handheld with large, user-friendly screen.
Use device configuration templates.
Use a fieldbus tool that requires no proprietary files
from the host manufacturer.
Be mindful of revisions when configuring fieldbus
devices.

COSTS
A HART handheld, such as Smar Internationals HPC301,
costs approximately U.S. $1000.
A FOUNDATION fieldbus host, such as the SYSTEM302,
starts at U.S. $4000.

INTRODUCTION
Intelligent devices include smart instruments that have both
an analog 4- to 20-mA signal with simultaneous digital communication, such as HART (Volume 3, Section 4.11), and fieldbus devices that are completely digital, such as FOUNDATION
fieldbus (Volume 3, Section 4.12). Intelligence in these devices,
along with networking and the right tools, can also be put to
good use to improve maintenance practices.
Both FOUNDATION fieldbus and HART protocols are specifically designed for the configuration of field instruments and
are therefore the most commonly used in the process industries.
They both have special parameters for the specific purpose of
device configuration, and both use the concept of device
description (DD) files to inform a host device how to communicate these parameters with the device. This is a unique characteristic of these protocols that makes them highly suitable for
instrumentation and control.
In the HART protocol, device parameter configuration is
based on commands for reading and writing. There are three
classes of commands: universal, common-practice, and specific. All HART devices support the universal commands, and
most also support several common-practice commands.

Together, the universal and common-practice commands cover

most functions needed in a device. This enables a host to perform most device functions without access to the DD. Essentially, all devices also have a number of specific commands to
access unique functionality. Either a DD or a special driver is
required to communicate the special commands.
For FOUNDATION fieldbus device configuration parameters
are arranged in a resource block and in transducer blocks.
There are also function blocks, but these are used for control
strategy building rather than device configuration. This distinction makes it easy to draw the line between device and strategy
configuration. The block parameters are accessed using sophisticated communication services. A host needs to be loaded with
the DD to be able to communicate with a device. In addition,
to allow configuration of the device off-line, in advance, the
capabilities file (CF) is required.
Range setting is perhaps the most important setting of a
device based on a 4- to 20-mA signal such as used by a HART
instrument. Range sets the scale for the 4- to 20-mA signal.
Because FOUNDATION fieldbus devices communicate in floatingpoint mode and engineering units, there usually is no need to
set a range. Calibration shall not be confused with range setting, since they are in fact different operations. For example,
for a transmitter range setting means configuring the measured
values at which the output shall be 4 and 20 mA, respectively.
Calibration, on the other hand, means adjusting the reading
from the sensor to match the correct value from a standard
(Section 1.8). Range setting does not correct the sensor reading; it only affects the output scale.
To calibrate a transmitter, you must always apply a known
input. Therefore, calibration cannot be done remotely. The
expression remote calibration is often used erroneously to
mean remote range setting. Some confusion exists in the marketplace as to what calibration is. This is a legacy from the
era of analog devices in which calibration and range setting
was done at the same time using the same set of potentiometers. For the HART protocol, calibration is usually called
trim to distinguish it from range setting. FOUNDATION fieldbus
avoids this confusion by calling range setting scaling. Still
it is quite common in HART devices to change the range
instead of calibrating the device when the sensor reading is
wrong. The result is a correct 4- to 20-mA output, but any
digital reading in the display or host will be wrong, which
may lead to confusion.
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94

General Considerations

CONFIGURATION TOOLS

Operation

FOUNDATION fieldbus devices are permanently connected via

a network to a host in a convenient central location. HART
devices, on the other hand, normally operate only using 4 to
20 mA, and a hand-held HART communicator is connected
and communicates only when required. A FOUNDATION fieldbus host is therefore predominantly a stationary desktop computer, whereas a HART communicator is usually a portable
device. However, portable interfaces for laptops exist for both
HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus operation.
The handheld can be connected at any convenient point
along the 4- to 20-mA wire as long as it is on the instrument
side of the stipulated resistor (see Figure 1.6a). This connection is often done at the device itself, giving on-line access
to information, configuration, remote monitoring, calibration
and range setting, diagnostics, and maintenance.
The handheld can be either a dedicated text-based HART
device or a HART interface for an organizer with a graphical
user interface (GUI). Rapid development in the area of personal organizers has brought about tools that incorporate
displays larger than three inches across and are capable of
sophisticated graphics with a Windows-like appearance. They
are also are very fast (see Figure 1.6b).
Fieldbus instruments are connected on the H1 field-level
nework that ties in with a linking device on the HSE hostlevel network where the host computers with the configuration tool is (Figure 1.6c). This is a permanent connection
where the network used for control, monitoring, and operation is also used for configuration and diagnostics, etc.

Engineering

Maintenance

Business

Router
HSE Fieldbus

H1 Fieldbus
Devices

H1 Fieldbus
Devices

FIG. 1.6c
FOUNDATION fieldbus system architecture.

+
Power
Supply

Al

Resistor

Handheld
Terminal

FIG. 1.6a
HART handheld connection.

FIG. 1.6b
HART pocket Configurator. (Courtesy of Smar International.)

2003 by Bla Liptk

FIG. 1.6d
FOUNDATION fieldbus linking device. (Courtesy of Smar International.)

Linking device is typically one of many functions integrated in a single device. Usually the same device is responsible for powering the field instruments, etc. A linking device
typically has several H1 ports and can be connected in a
redundant scheme for high availability (Figure 1.6d).
For FOUNDATION fieldbus interoperability with the host is
achieved through DD. By installing the device support files
for a device, the host computer has the information required
to communicate with the device and to allow the user to prepare
a configuration in advance, even without being connected to
the device. The files usually can be obtained from the manufacturers site on the Internet. To guarantee interoperability,
an open host uses only standard files to support any device.
However, some tools may require proprietary files for each
device to work, in which case a short list of approved devices
applies.

1.6 Configuring Intelligent Devices

DEVICE CONFIGURATION
HART devices are typically configured on line only, using a
handheld unit communicating directly with the device. However, some handhelds also support off-line configuration for
later download.
Although HART transmitters can operate in a purely
digital mode, the 4- to 20-mA output is almost always used
to deliver the process variable to the central controller. Setting
the range of the transmitter is therefore required. The primary
variable output settings are the most important part of the
configuration. The lower range value (LRV) is the measured
value at which the transmitter output will be 4 mA, and the
upper range value (URV) is the input value at which the
output will be 20 mA; i.e., 0 and 100% of range, respectively.
Although LRV and URV are the proper terms, most call them
zero and span instead. But span is really the difference
between the URV and the LRV. The engineering unit can also
be selected.
Range setting can be accomplished from the handheld
by simply keying in the desired range values, regardless of
input. This can even be done remotely and stored as an offline configuration. Another method is to apply an input and
(by pressing a button on the handheld or on the transmitter
itself) informing the device that the applied input is to be the
LRV or URV, thus setting the range (see Figure 1.6e). The
latter method is often used for pressure transmitters that are
installed with impulse lines that add hydrostatic pressure.
Pressing the button elevates or suppresses the zero, ensuring
that the output is 4 mA when appropriate. If the transmitter
has a noninteractive zero and span, the URV will be pushed
by the equivalent amount, leaving the span unaffected. For
example, if the range of a pressure transmitter in a level
application starts off as 0 to 5.48 kPa, and applied rerange is
done with 1.86 kPa input, the new range becomes 1.86 to
7.34 kPa. However, when a rerange is applied for the URV,
this does not affect the zero; i.e., the span is changed instead.
The damping is a first-order lag filter time constant.
The transfer function is used to select linear or square root
extraction for differential-pressure flowmeters, and possibly
for other options such as a freely configurable lookup table or
square root of third or fifth power for open-channel flow

FIG. 1.6e
HART transmitter range setting.

2003 by Bla Liptk

95

measurements. Square root extraction is often done in the

central control system, but it is in fact better to do it in the
transmitter, as this results in less A/D and D/A conversion error.
Fail-safe mode can be set as upscale or downscale as per
the NAMUR NE-43 standard. Downscale means that the
output current will be set to 3.6 mA in case the internal
diagnostics detect a fault. Upscale means the output will be
set to 21 mA. Ideally, the receiving controller should have
an input module that can interpret the failure signal and use
this to shut down the control loop.
It is also possible to review the write protection status of
the deviceif the device has been write protected using a
jumper or other solution.
When performing range setting or calibration, the user needs
to know the sensor limits and is therefore usually prompted with
this information, which typically can be reviewed at any time
(see Figure 1.6f). HART device information includes lower
range limit (LRL), upper range limit (URL), and the minimum
span. The minimum span is the smallest permitted absolute
difference between the URL and LRL for the sensor.
Many configuration options are device specific in HART
devices. For example, for a temperature transmitter, the sensor type and wiring has to be configured (see Figure 1.6g).
For a valve positioner, the actuator type has to be configured.
In most FOUNDATION system installations, the device configuration is created off-line for all devices in advance and
downloaded after installation. Moreover, the device configuration is typically accomplished with the network and control

FIG. 1.6f
HART transmitter sensor limits.

FIG. 1.6g
Sensor and wiring selection is device specific.

96

General Considerations

FIG. 1.6h
Pay attention to revisions when creating device configurations.

strategy configuration, all in the same tool. Thus, when configuring devices in a FOUNDATION system, the first step is to
create the devices on the networks and give the devices a
physical device tag (PD_TAG). Fieldbus devices are developing very rapidly. New versions are constantly being released,
and many users already have several versions around the plant
and in the store, this on top of a variety of brands of the same
kind of device. When inserting new devices, it is important to
specify the revisions to be used (see Figure 1.6h). Usually, the
latest revision is the default. There is a risk that you will
accidentally download a device configuration to the wrong
model or wrong version device. A good tool prevents this
and thus avoids the many headaches that could result.
Fieldbus devices do not require any range, because all
values are communicated as floating-point values in engineering units. Ranges are typically used only in PID function
blocks, or possibly in AI function blocks, to cater for conversions in inferred measurements, such as converting differential pressure to flow within specified ranges. That is, scaling is done as part of the control strategy configuration, not
as part of the device configuration.
Every fieldbus device, H1 as well as HSE, needs to have
one resource block. Really, the only parameter that must be
configured is the mode. The MODE_BLK parameter target
shall be set to automatic.
A fieldbus transducer block is required, in conjunction
with every sensor and actuator, to act as an interface between
the device and the control strategy. By parameterizing the
transducer blocks, the device can be set up for the proper sensor
or actuator type, such as HART devices. Similarly the transducer block also contains information about sensor limits.
Indeed, there is a transducer scale range indication in the
transducer block, but it is essentially a reflection of a setting
done in the associated I/O function block. The MODE_BLK
parameter target shall be set to automatic.

important dates, and model numbers. The user can configure

some of these parameters to be pertinent to the application.
These parameters do not affect the operation of the device.
In addition to the sensor information such as range limits,
HART device data such as sensor serial number, final assembly number, message, device tag, descriptor, date, manufacturer, device type, software and hardware revisions, and circuit board serial number are provided. For HART devices,
the tag can use up to eight characters. The descriptor and
message are 16 and 32 characters in length and can be configured as annotations describing the application and remind
technicians of special precautions when servicing a device
(see Figure 1.6i).
The date has no specific purpose but may be used to store
when calibration or maintenance was last performed or is
scheduled. Manufacturer, model, and version information can
also be accessed (see Figure 1.6j).
HART devices such as pressure transmitters usually provide additional information about the materials of construction
for the parts wetted by the process, e.g., the sensor isolating
diaphragm, O-ring, flange and remote seal parts, and so on.
The resource block found in any FOUNDATION fieldbus device
contains, among other things, identification information for the
device. The tag descriptor parameter may be used to describe
the application of the device. Manufacturer, model, and version
information can also be accessed (see Figure 1.6k).

FIG. 1.6i
Application information from a HART device.

IDENTIFICATION
Information for identifying the device is very helpful during
commissioning and maintenance. During the commissioning
stage, it is useful for further assurance that connection has
been made to the correct device. During maintenance, it is
helpful for retrieving serial numbers, special instructions,

2003 by Bla Liptk

FIG. 1.6j
Detail attributes of a HART device.

1.6 Configuring Intelligent Devices

FIG. 1.6k
Fieldbus device identification from resource block.

FIG. 1.6l
Pressure transmitter materials of construction.

Fieldbus devices such as pressure transmitters usually provide additional information about the materials of construction
for the parts wetted by the process, e.g., the sensor isolating
diaphragm, O-ring, flange and remote seal parts, and so on
(see Figure 1.6l).
If any changes are ever made to the device parts, it is
important to update this information.

CALIBRATION
When the sensor reading differs from the actual applied input,
the sensor has to be calibrated. The correct reading is entered
from the maintenance tool, and the device then performs the
necessary adjustment. A special case of sensor calibration is
zeroing, which by definition is done with a zero value applied.
This is accomplished, for example, by venting in the case of
a pressure transmitter; hence, no value has to be entered (see
Figure 1.6.m).
Nonzero calibration is usually done with a precision source
applied. Calibration is usually done in two points, known as
the low and high calibration points, respectively. For most
transmitters, calibration of these two points is noninteractive.
There is a limit to how close the two calibration points can be,
and the distance is referred to as the minimum span. Output
converters also need to be calibrated. This is usually done by
first forcing an output at one end of the scale and then

2003 by Bla Liptk

97

FIG. 1.6m
Zero calibration of HART transmitter.

FIG. 1.6n
Loop current calibration.

comparing the actual output against a standard. The actual

reading is entered into the device that makes the necessary
correction. Control valve positioners usually calibrate their
position-sensing sensor themselves by automatically stroking
the valve over its entire travel.
Since HART devices rely on 4 to 20 mA, this current loop
can also be calibrated. However, it is rarely done because,
being totally electronic, this part of the device rarely experiences any drift at all. For a HART transmitter, this means that
a fixed output current is generated. The technician checks the
current against a standard and keys it into a device that makes
the necessary correction (see Figure 1.6n). For HART output
devices, a signal is injected, and the device is informed of the
true current.
Sensor or actuation calibration for FOUNDATION fieldbus
devices is done from the associated transducer block. The
standard transducer block also includes several parameters for
storing information about the last calibration. This includes
two parameters for keeping the values of the two calibration
points. This is useful when determining if a device has been
calibrated at points that are suitable for the operating range.
Additional information that can be stored includes calibration
date, location, the method used, and who performed the calibration. It is good practice to update this information at each
calibration and to display it along with useful sensor limit
information (Figure 1.6o).

98

General Considerations

FIG. 1.6q
Using loop test to simulate process variable from a handheld.
FIG. 1.6o
Calibration-related information.

FIG. 1.6r
Basic HART diagnostics.
FIG. 1.6p
Monitoring of dynamic transmitter variables from a HART tool.

MONITORING
Configuration tools for HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus systems are generally designed in different ways, not only in terms
of the way they look, but also the way they work. In HART
tools, menus are usually arranged according to the function
performed, whereas device configuration in fieldbus tools is
arranged according to the resource and transducer blocks. Thus,
in a HART device, there generally is a screen on which the
transmitter variables can be monitored on line (see Figure 1.6p).

SIMULATION
At the time of commissioning, it is common to check that
all indicators, recorders, and computer screens show the correct values, that alarm trips are working properly, and so on.
This is particularly important for HART devices, because
there is a chance that the range set in the device does not
match that set in the central controller, and any difference
would result in operational problems. To verify that all ranges
are consistent, it is helpful to use the simulation function
found in HART and fieldbus devices.
When performing simulation in a HART transmitter, the
output current is manipulated independently of the applied

2003 by Bla Liptk

input (see Figure 1.6q). Generally, the handheld allows the

current to be set slightly above and below the 4- to 20-mA
range to simulate fault conditions.
Simulation is primarily used to test the control strategy.
Therefore, simulation for FOUNDATION fieldbus devices is
done from the input and output function blocks.
DIAGNOSTICS
Many device diagnostics can be performed from a configuration tool, but only if communication is established. If there
is no functional communication, troubleshooting has to rely
on traditional means. When it comes to diagnostics, one of
the major differences in the application of HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus becomes most evident. While fieldbus devices
are constantly communicating, making it possible to monitor
device conditions continuously and instantly detect faults,
communication with HART devices is typically carried out
to confirm a problem only after the failure has already been
detected. Although applications with continuous HART communications do exist, they are rare. To fully benefit from
intelligence in field devices, the engineering tool should continuously communicate with the instruments.
Generic diagnostic information is communicated in every
exchanged HART message, giving the device the opportunity
to inform the user of any failure. Such error message includes
general malfunction, exceeded limits, and a message that
more detailed status report is available (see Figure 1.6r).

1.6 Configuring Intelligent Devices

FIG. 1.6s
Advanced diagnostic self-test.

For some devices, a more thorough diagnostic self-test

routine can be invoked (see Figure 1.6s).
Every FOUNDATION block, including function blocks, contains a block error parameter with some basic condition for
the block itself, including configuration errors, I/O or memory
failure, and others. In addition, the block mode parameter is
useful for spotting problems, which often results in the actual
mode being different from the target mode. Yet another good
source of diagnostic information is the status associated with
the function block inputs and outputs, and also with some of
the parameters contained in transducer blocks and function
blocks (see Figure 1.6t).

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99

FIG. 1.6t
Abnormal status and actual mode are useful for tracing problems.

Diagnostic information for sensors and actuators is kept

in their respective transducer blocks. The primary source for
this information is the transducer error parameter that displays a single error at the time. Transducer blocks are always
customized and typically contain extensive manufacturerspecific parameters related to diagnostics.

Reference
1.

Berge, J., Fieldbuses for Process Control Engineering, Operation and

Maintenance, ISA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2002.