SMAR HART® Device Configurator

When comes to configuring HART® devices SMAR offers a good range of solutions.

To make the subject clear, we need to separate hardware and software for these configuration tools.

THE SOFTWARE

The software will be an application that runs in a computer and will perform the user interface with the device configuration. Typically, it is also ready to interact with field devices, if a proper interface is plugged in to the serial or USB port of the computer.

SmarConf™ is the SMAR software to work on a device HART® configuration.

SmarConf™ is a HART® configuration software can be installed on computers running Windows 7 or higher versions.

The user can use this software in the Online or Offline mode.  A configuration prepared in the Offline mode can be saved for later use. However, during an Online configuration, the user can test every single change performed while directly connected with the device. This is an instant way to check the reaction to every step taken.

Besides the fact that the SmarConf™  also works with other devices in the market, it is specially loaded with extended features to help specific maintenance and troubleshooting for the Smar line of HART field devices.

 

Different ways to get the Configuration Software

Stand-alone

SMAR licenses the SmarConf™ configurator in two different ways. It can be sold as a stand-alone software or bundled with a SMAR HART® hardware interface.

The same thing applies for the HART® Interfaces. They can be acquired separately or bundled with the configuration software.

Getting the stand-alone configuration software means that only the software and license dongle key are provided. In this case, it is up to the user to get a universal type of HART® interface to make the connection between computer and device. Of course, this interface should also be compatible with the same computer and operating system needed to run the SmarConf™ software.

Bundled with a SMAR interface

The other way is to get the SmarConf™ bundled with a HART® interface. In this option, the software comes together with a SMAR interface with a built-in license key.

No more concerns having a separated license dongle key once the software license key comes built-in to the SMAR interface itself.

This solution allows you to install the SmarConf™ software in various computers. All you need to do to use it Online is to connect the SMAR HART® interface, that has the built-in license key, in the computer port.

 

THE HARDWARE

This refers to an electronic interface between the computer and the HART® devices.

Smar International offers HART® interfaces to be connected to a Serial or USB port of a computer running Windows® 7 or higher.

It is important to understand each individual option as they are explained below.

All the following HART® interfaces are galvanically isolated from the process and comes with line surge protection.

SmarHART™-F  – It is an industrial universal USB to HART interface. It does NOT come with a configuration software of any kind.  However, it is packed with a CD containing the USB drivers and can be used with third party software that accepts universal type of HART® interfaces.

SmarHART™-W – It is an industrial universal USB to HART interface. It is a feature enhanced version of the SmarHART™-F. It includes 2 extra operating modes. One to provide a 250 Ohm resistor and other that also provides power for one transmitter.  It does NOT come with a configuration software of any kind.  However, it is packed with a CD containing the USB drivers and can be used with third party software that accepts universal type of HART® interfaces. Just connect it to a transmitter and you are ready to go!

Smar232HART™-F – It is an industrial universal RS232 to HART interface alone. It does NOT come with a configuration software of any kind. You will need an available RS232 port to plug it in the computer. It can be used with third party software that accepts universal type of HART® interfaces.

 

 

THE BUNDLES (HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE)

SmarConf™-F – It is an industrial universal USB to HART interface that is bundled with a full SmarConf™ configurator software for complete device configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The interface carries a built-in software license key to validate the Configurator operation.  In this way, you do not need to license the Configuration software in every computer. Just install the Configuration software in the computers that you are interested. When necessary, just plug this USB to HART interface to connect Online to a transmitter. If you use the Configurator Offline you don’t need to connect the interface.

SmarConf™-W – It is an extended version of the SmarConf™-F. In this case. the USB-to-HART interface features 3 convenient operating modes:

Mode 1) Regular field mode. Connect to a transmitter that is wired accordingly with the installation guidance for a HART® device. Transmitter must have a Power Supply and a minimum load of 250 Ohm resistor in the loop.

Mode 2) Transmitter must be connected to a Power Supply, however the interface SmarConf™-W will provide the internal 250 Ohm resistor.

Mode 3) Great for the workshop or during a demonstration.  The interface will provide Power and the 250 Ohm resistor for the transmitter.

“Just connect the 2 cables from the SmarConf™-W interface to the transmitter and you are ready to communicate!” No power supply or a 250 Ohm resistor!!

Comes in a waterproof industrial case.

SmarConf™-W8 – It is an extended version of the SmarConf™-W above. Additionally, it is bundled with an 8″ full functional Windows 10 tablet.  The SmarConf™ Configuration software comes already installed and ready to run.
This is a portable solution with a rich graphic interface packed in a rugged waterproof  Pelican industrial case.

SmarConf™-W10 – It is an extended version of the SmarConf™-W above. Additionally, it is bundled with an 10″ full functional Windows 10 tablet.  The SmarConf™ Configuration software comes already installed and ready to run.
This is a portable solution with a rich graphic interface in a rugged waterproof Pelican industrial case.

 

The table may not be appropriate to use in certain classified areas.

Download above information in PDF document.

 

2 Comments

  1. Jim on November 28, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    This is a must have tool! It makes configuration and troubleshooting of SMAR HART devices so easy that we gave up using the hand-held solution.

  2. jimandrews on February 2, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    This is a must tool. Comes with 3 operation modes. What a great idea!!
    The USB-to-HART interface can be connected directly to a Transmitter on the bench without a power supply or a 250Ohm resistor. The interface can provide power and the resistor in the line and the set up is ready.
    Exactly, hook it on a transmitter and you are ready to read and configure the Transmitter parameters.
    Of course, you can also change a small switch on the side of the interface and work on any installed Transmitter on the field.

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