Registration of First Enhanced Device Description Signifies Milestone in Advancement of EDDL Technology
(Austin, Texas, 15 May 2006) - The HART® Communication Foundation (HCF) announces that the first Device Description (DD) utilizing the advanced capabilities of enhanced Device Description Language has been registered in the HCF DD Library. Registration of the first enhanced DD represents the realization of a three-year goal to extend the capabilities of the IEC Standard Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL). "One DD to work everywhere has been our objective since we began the process of upgrading the DD Language in 2003," says Ron Helson, HCF Executive Director. "Specifications were written and tested. The enhancements have been incorporated into HCF tools for DD development and testing. Systems suppliers have implemented the enhanced DDL in host application systems and now, device suppliers are registering enhanced DDs for their devices. We are achieving our goal."
The enhancements allow manufacturers to easily incorporate graphical windows, menus, images, trends and other advanced data visualization features into the DD for display on compliant host application platforms. All information to define the window, the presentation of data within the window, and interaction with the device is described entirely within the enhanced DD. The enhancements also support storage of historical data from field devices for troubleshooting and diagnostics.
"The DDL enhancements are backward compatible which ensures that existing DDs are protected and users have a continuous forward migration path with no investment loss," Helson says. "Enhanced DDL and DDs provide users with a new expanded view of their intelligent device information and allows them to more easily take advantage of the full capabilities of their installed HART-smart devices."
The enhancements to the EDDL are the result of a collaborative project between the HCF and other international fieldbus organizations and automation system and device suppliers.
The HART Field Communications Protocol is the global standard for smart process instrumentation. Seventy percent of all smart process measurement and control instruments installed worldwide each year use HART Communication and the global installed base of HART-enabled devices is the largest of all communication protocols at more than 20 million. Key features of this unique open standard communication technology are - 4-20mA compatibility, ease of use, low risk, and cost-efficient implementation for both users and suppliers. 
