Wireless technology has become a vital and integral part of our lives. Without it, we would not be able to communicate with our dear ones, who may be halfway around the world, with a mobile device. Wireless adoption in industrial applications is also gaining more popularity, especially in the areas of data signals monitoring in the field.

In an industrial environment, a protocol is required and there are many different wireless technologies that are available. There is Bluetooth for short range communication, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) and GSM communication for those really hard to access places. Some other wireless protocols like Ultra-wideband, WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and Zigbee are also increasing their presence in the wireless arena. So which is the industry adopted standard? Right now, there is only one for use in the industry; it is finalized by the ISA (Instrument Society Of America) who sets the standards for the Automation Environment. The most widely used wireless communication standard is the Wireless Hart. Wireless Hart allows the field instrument to communicate both its Analog (4 to 20 mA signal) and Digital signal via the same communication platform.

Phoenix Contact has recently released a Wireless HART module from the Interface Product Group. Up to a total of 250 Wireless HART field devices can be connected within a single network. With Phoenix Contact’s Wireless HART, any new system or hardware can be installed with less cables and in a fraction of a time it takes for a cabled solution. Ultimately, this equates to lower installation costs. As it is based on the existing HART protocol, wireless HART can utilise the current maintenance and diagnostic tools as such, very little re-training is needed. Want to know more about Phoenix Contact’s Wireless Hart. Visit Phoenix Contact for more information.