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IM-ENG-116/GB
5. M
AINTENANCE
W
ORKSTATION
O
VERVIEW
5.1 General
A Maintenance Workstation (MW) is to be connected to the installed multiplexers to implement the required, HART-
related configuration and supervision activities. In fact, the Mux2700 basically acts as a gateway between the field
devices and the MW.
The Maintenance Workstation is typically made of a suitable software package loaded on a standard desktop PC
equipped within external RS-232/RS-485 converter. The recommended operating system is Windows NT, but
Windows98/95 is also generally supported. As for required PC features, please refer to the documentation of the
applicable MW software package.
At least one free serial communication line (RS-232) must be available on the Maintenance Workstation to connect
the 232/485 converter. Most MW software packages generally permit the usage of more than one serial line (with
additional 232/485 converters) to increase the total number of accessible field devices.
Up to 31 Mux2700 modules can be connected to a single RS-485 serial line, for a total of 992 accessible field devi-
ces. The Maintenance Workstation is usually able to support more serial lines, so it is possible to effectively mana-
ge a few thousands of field devices without problems.
The recommended RS-232/RS-485 converter is the MD44 model (Westermo). Other equivalent devices can be
found on the market (e.g. from Keithley) but it is better to check their compatibility with the specific Maintenance
Workstation software.
5.2 Software packages
Several PC software packages are available which include support for the Elcon Mux2700 HSM.
Asset Management Solutions
(AMS)
from Fisher Rosemount, (www.frco.com/fr/solutions/ams) is a scalable softwa-
re product with full HART abilities, and functionality can be added as required. The “engine” of AMS is the Field
Server which provides access to HART information from any device with a common user interface and supports a
common database. The Universal System Interface is the software driver for an online link from the Field Server to
the Elcon Mux2700. Additional “snap-on” application packages are available for configuration, calibration, mainte-
nance, valve diagnostics etc. to suit customer needs.
Valvelink from Fisher Controls (www.fisher.com) provides an easy-to-use environment for configuring, calibrating
and diagnosing the operating characteristics of Fisher Fieldview instruments such as valve controllers and transdu-
cers.
Applied System Technologies
Cornerstone
family of products is a comprehensive package useful for commissio-
ning, calibration and maintenance management of industrial instruments both in the lab and in the field.
Cornerstone products provide multi-vendor support for all types of HART compatible smart instruments.
Cornerstone creates and maintains a comprehensive instrument database and individual histories of the configura-
tion, test, calibration and maintenance activities performed on each instrument.
Finally,
Field Browser
from Neles Automation is another package which can directly interface with the Elcon
Mux2700 HSM.
For details about these software packages please refer directly to the supplier mentioned.
