An Introduction to the HART Protocol

Name: An Introduction to the HART Protocol
Rating: 4.6 (240 reviews)

Learn the fundamentals of the HART protocol using both a theoretical and practical approach

Created byEmile Ackbarali

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Where HART is used in the process automation industry
Basic technical overview
How to create a physical point-to-point HART network
HART Commands and Data Frames
Software simulation of master/slave communication
Use of the popular PACTware software for HART communication
Advanced technical details / real world application examples

Course content

8 sections • 22 lectures • 1h 58m total length

Introduction4:51
Accessing Attached Resources and Setting Optimal Video Resolution2:23

Process Plant Instrumentation - The Focus of the HART Protocol5:09
The HART protocol is mainly applied to the management of instrumentation devices within a process plant.
Four Process Plant Scenarios that show the Use and Benefits of the HART Protocol7:23
The HART protocol is able to provide benefits in many different situations involving the management of the plant instrumentation devices. This lecture shows four such scenarios.

An Overview of the Hardware and Software for the Demonstration3:45
A basic block diagram schematic showing the hardware and software set up we will be using throughout the section.
Detailed Connection of 4-20 mA4:43
Shows a detailed schematic of the 4-20 mA connection as well as the physical connection on the workbench.
Reading the 4-20 mA Value using HMI Software3:57
Using a RS232 to USB connection from the RTU to the laptop, an HMI project is setup and run to poll the 4-20 mA reading.
Connecting the HART Modem and Installing the HART Software9:22
Three things are done in this section: (1) The HART modem is connected to the 4-20 mA loop, (2) The HART software is downloaded and installed, (3) The DD file for the temperature transmitter is downloaded.
Running the HART Software alongside the HMI Software5:29
The HART software is setup and run. It reads data from the transmitter while the HMI software continues to read the 4-20 mA PV value.

Command Categories2:58
A look at the 3 categories of HART commands and their basic characteristics.
Command Codes and Reference8:02
More detail on command codes as well as guidelines on how to read a HART command reference.
Data Frame Format7:59
The various parts of the HART data frame and the purpose of each field.
Master Request - Slave Response Examples6:20
Three examples showing the byte stream for master slave requests and responses.

The Software Tools that will be used for the Simulation4:25
The plan for the section is explained as well as the software tools are downloaded and installed.
Using the Master-Slave Simulation Tool8:23
The software tools are used to simulate various commands between a HART master and a slave device.
Using the Master Simulation Tool to Communicate with the Temperature Sensor5:03
The master simulator is used to send commands to the temperature sensor and collect responses.

PACTware Overview and Downloading7:15
A basic overview is given of how PACTware works and then instructions are given for the downloading of the required software components.
PACTware Component Overview and Software Installation2:58
How to perform the installation of the core PACTware software as well as the HART components.
Configuring the PACTware Software and Establishing HART Communications5:23
Configuring the PACTware Software and Establishing HART Communications

Requirements

Working knowledge of the process control devices in a typical Process Automation or SCADA system
Working knowledge of the standard 4-20 mA loop connection
Basic understanding of an Analog Input

Description

HART stands for "highway addressable remote transducer", and is a protocol that is still heavily used in the process automation industry. HART is essential for the remote configuration, troubleshooting and maintenance of plant instrumentation and it's use yields many cost saving benefits.

This course has been designed with practicality in mind. At the end of this course, you will be able to use the HART protocol in a very hands-on way to configure, maintain and troubleshoot plant instrumentation. Essentially, you will have a new practical skill in the field of process automation and plant maintenance.

Specifically, in this course, you will learn:

- Where HART is used in the process automation industry.

- Basic technical overview.

- How to create a physical point-to-point HART network.

- HART commands and data frames.

- Software simulation of master/slave communication.

- Use of the popular PACTware software for HART communication.

- Advanced technical details / real world application examples.

and much more ...

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers
Electrical Technicians
Electrical Tech or Engineering Students
Process Control Technicians and Engineers
Process Automation Engineers
Programmers working in the Process Automation field

An Introduction to the HART Protocol

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 7min

Features and Benefits of the HART Protocol2 lectures • 13min

Network Topology, Arbitration and Basic Operation2 lectures • 11min

Live Demonstration of Simultaneous 4-20 mA and HART Protocol Communication5 lectures • 27min

Commands and Data Frame Formats4 lectures • 25min

Simulation of HART Commands using HART Tools3 lectures • 18min

Using PACTware for HART Communication3 lectures • 16min

Bonus Section - How to Always get the Lowest Prices for my Courses1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: