Exhibit showcases EDDL global standard (IEC 61804-3) and automation system interoperability

AUSTIN, Texas (14 October 2008) — The HART® Communication Foundation joins other control industry leaders in supporting Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) solutions for process automation systems and devices in the ISA104 Standards Committee booth (#1122) at ISA EXPO 2008 (Houston, Texas, October 14-16).  Process automation systems supplied by ABB, Emerson, Invensys, and Siemens will demonstrate EDDL functionality, interoperating with devices from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Foxboro Eckardt, Metso, MTL, Samson, and Siemens.

At the ISA exhibit, information displayed on automation systems will be controlled by the device manufacturers, yet devices from different vendors will appear consistent on the same systems—a new feature for this year’s demonstration. Device types will include simple transmitters, but the focus will be on complex devices such as variable speed drives, control valve positioners and bus diagnostics.

The EDDL standard (IEC 61804-3) was created to support rich user interfaces for advanced diagnostics and sophisticated setup for multiple protocols.  Also displayed in the ISA104 booth this year is a demonstration of the use of EDDL technology coupled with the WirelessHART™ Communication standard. This demonstration of EDDL represents a broad commitment of automation suppliers to the support of EDDL technology and significantly expanded user benefits in the use and diagnostics of field devices.  All ISA EXPO attendees are encouraged to visit the ISA Standards Committee booth to learn about this open, interoperable device integration standard.

EDDL functionality to date was typically demonstrated via handheld devices or in stand-alone instrument diagnostic software. By further integrating EDDL technology into automation systems, automation vendors are significantly increasing the effectiveness of the device diagnostics in operations and maintenance by also making it accessible from operator consoles. As a text-based standard, EDDL files are independent of operating systems and thus not made obsolete by operating system upgrades. EDDL enhancements have significant acceptance and commitment among automation suppliers to its use, further development, product innovation, and deployment as the technology of choice for integrating intelligent field devices.

The EDDL technology to be demonstrated on automation systems at ISA EXPO 2008 is the enhanced EDDL technology, which includes the ability to:

• Display images to simplify setup and diagnostic
• Display waveforms like radar echo curve for setup and valve hysteresis curves for diagnostics
• Display and use Menu functionality for more intuitive operation
• Simplify calibration efforts with wizards
• Communicate via FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, HART, or PROFIBUS
• Tap into device manufacturer know-how through context sensitive help 

Standardization ensures access to full functionality of a device for easier adoption regardless of automation system choice. EDDL supports the complete automation lifecycle from configuration and commissioning, to operations and maintenance. EDDL is also used for automatic configuration of OPC servers to make device data accessible to a variety of software applications.

Rigorous independent testing of the EDDL file as part of the device registration process ensures interoperability amongst automation systems and devices from many different manufacturers. Integration of new devices or software versions can now be accomplished without new software installation, file overwriting or license management.

The ISA104 standards committee, Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), continues its efforts to provide education and information on the international standard, IEC 61804-3. This standard has been adopted by ISA/ANSI to specify a Descriptive Language for describing the properties of automation system components. Learn more about ISA104 and EDDL at www.isa.org/isa104 and www.eddl.org.

About ISA

Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities.  Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).

About HART Communication Foundation

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, standards setting body and central authority on the HART Protocol and provides global support for application of the HART technology. The Foundation establishes and controls the HART Communication standards including new developments and technology enhancements that benefit and support the needs of the industry. The HART Communication Protocol is the leading communication technology for intelligent process measurement and control field devices and systems with more than 26 million devices installed worldwide.