Austin, Texas (9 Nov 2007) — The HART® Communication Foundation (HCF) announces the release of Version 3.1 of the HART Device Description Integrated Development Environment (DD-IDE). The new DD-IDE Version 3.1 supports the HART enhanced Device Description Language (DDL) Specification and the development of DDs for WirelessHART™. The HCF DD-IDE tool suite is a comprehensive set of integrated software tools for efficient development, testing and maintenance of enhanced HART Device Descriptions.

“The new DD-IDE tool suite is part of the Foundation’s continuous improvement process and effort to improve the construction and testing of HART Device Descriptions for new devices or improved field devices ,” says Ed Ladd, HCF Director of Technology Programs. “As the HCF standard for DD development and testing, the new DD-IDE is receiving widespread support from device developers and system suppliers worldwide.”

Key components of the new DD-IDE Version 3.1 are: an updated reference host SDC-625 Smart Device Configurator for DD validation and testing; an updated XMTR-DD device simulator; an improved DDL Tokenizer; a new DD aware editor; and improved Wizards for DD development. The new DD-IDE improves developer productivity by simplifying DD development through the addition of standard “C” like tools and support for legacy development.

Device Description Language (IEC 61804-2, EDDL) has been a key element of the HART technology since 1990 and is the HART standard and the only technology endorsed by the HCF for configuration of HART devices. The enhanced Device Description Language simplifies and standardizes the presentation of intelligent device information for both automation suppliers and users worldwide.

The HART Communication Foundation (www.hartcomm.org) is an international, not-for-profit, membership organization supported by more than 200 companies worldwide. Founded in 1993, the Foundation is the technology owner and central authority on the HART Protocol and provides global support for application of the HART technology. The Foundation manages and controls the HART standards including new technology developments and enhancements that benefit and support the needs of the industry. HART is the leading communication technology for smart process instruments with more than 24 million devices installed worldwide.