Softing Industrial has released version 1.42 of its smartLink SW-HT software system. The new version extends compatibility with a range of remote I/O modules from leading manufacturers, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Scheider Electric, R. Stahl and Turck.

smartLink SW-HT is a software solution that acts as an advanced HART multiplexer. It provides standardized, vendor-independent access to configuration and diagnostic data from HART field devices via Ethernet – without the need for additional hardware components.

HART is a bi-directional protocol that connects intelligent field devices with host devices, ranging from hand-held to process control platforms. HART is designed to maximise communication reliability within process manufacturing plants.

Version 1.42 adds support for Emerson AMS Device Manager as a HART IP-enabled PAM application. In addition, the list of supported remote I/O modules has been extended, including: : SIMATIC CFU CIO HART; seven additional modules of the Siemens ET 200SP HA series; Allen-Bradley 1794 Flex I/O with 5 modules; and eight additional modules of the Allen-Bradley 1756 and 5094 series.

According to Softing, smartLink SW-HT is currently the only solution on the market that enables HART data access for both Plant Asset Management (PAM) and Field Device Tool (FDT) applications — across remote I/O systems and controllers from major manufacturers.