April 25, 2012 - The HART Communication Foundation announces enhanced HART DDL/ EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) Host Test Suite v.2.0. The test suite is used by suppliers and developers of host products to test compliance of their HART implementation and is used by the Foundation to verify and validate compliance of host products submitted for HART Registration. Enhancements include:
- improved Encoded Test DDs updated to align with the current Test Specifications;
- test report spreadsheets for documenting test results;
- preliminary DD Host Test and Registration Procedure;
- new and improved Xmtr-MV v2.5; and
- other ancillary files needed to facilitate HART DDL/EDDL host testing.
The HART DDL/ EDDL Host Test Suite is one of the most extensive and rigorous host test programs in the process industry using 950 automated test cases and 8300 individual verification points. The new test suite should be used by all DD Host Application manufacturers (whether the DD-enabled host application is PC-based, handheld or calibrator). The Host Test Suite includes test libraries, specifications and adaptable Device Simulator to stimulate and verify proper host functionality and behavior for all HART protocol versions. The Test Suite extensively exercises the host product application to verify compliant operation and functioning with respect to DDL/EDDL Operation, User Interface, Data Modeling and Method execution.
Products submitted for HART registration are tested by the Foundation to independently verify test results and validate product implementions to HART Protocol requirements. The HART Registration Program is a rigorous quality assurance program to ensure the proper functioning and interoperability of products produced to the HART Communication Standard regardless of the manufacturer.
“The Host Test Suite v.2.0 is a critical part of the validation and registration process to verify automation system products comply with the DDL/ EDDL standard and fully interoperate with HART devices,” says HART Communication Foundation Executive Director Ron Helson. “The rigorous test suite automates and standardizes the host testing process to verify proper functionality, behavior and interoperability with all HART products.” The HART Communication Foundation is the technology owner and standards organization for the HART Communication Protocol.
Founded in 1993, the Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit, membership organization providing support for the HART Communication technology and standards worldwide. The Foundation is supported by a global membership of more than 260 companies. HART Communication is the leading technology for process measurement and control with more than 35 million devices installed worldwide.
