ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE COVER STORY BLUETOOTH: Back to the future? With the launch of a number of Bluetooth capable devices across a
number of manufacturers, and now with VEGA offering it across its entire transmitter technology range, is the process industry ready for instrument adjustment and diagnosis using Smartphones or Tablets?
the process industry. This technology has the potential to configure, adjust, analyse and retrieve data in sensors from a safe distance using every day devices, whether they are supplied by the company or the users ‘own’. ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) is becoming a more familiar term in our language, not just at the ‘hi-tech’ companies. In industry it is emerging and
already available on products like data loggers, controllers, analytical systems and valve positioners. Now it is also being introduced to field transmitters for set up, monitoring and asset management. This is facilitated by the development and implementation of Bluetooth 4.0, which is now low power enough to be used on ‘loop powered’ field based sensors.
Convenient access to all sensor functions using a smartphone or tablet
W
ireless communication for industrial field transmitters has
been a popular topic over recent years, with as many pros and cons as there are standards. But what about using an accessible and simple means of instrument set up and operation using a smartphone or tablet? Bluetooth has been a familiar feature
in our everyday lives for many years now. For instance, every modern car we jump into has hands-free phone and music; and keyboards and mice, remote controls, televisions and portable speaker systems in our homes are all using this communication protocol to increase safety and provide convenience. It’s secure too – every day, in shops and restaurants, we put debit and credit cards into wireless payment terminals that use Bluetooth communication for securely transmitting sensitive financial information. Now it is beginning to find its way into
10 NOVEMBER 2016 | INSTRUMENTATION Fast and easy
visualization: display of measured value and sensor status or diagnosis through echo curve and event memory
SECURITY? This is probably the first and foremost question. Bluetooth communications are founded on three procedures: Authentication & Authorisation - This
is the process of determining who is at the other end of a Bluetooth link and if their device should have access to yours. Encryption & Data Protection -
Bluetooth encrypts your data (128 bit) and only allows approved devices to decrypt it, making it much more difficult to for unauthorised users to capture and decipher your information. Privacy & Confidentiality - In addition to encrypting the data being transmitted, the latest Bluetooth 4.0 also makes it possible to encrypt the address
of the Bluetooth device itself. An additional layer of security is
provided by the App or software that is required to carry out the communication. Often, only that specific App will identify the device, how and with what it operates. Finally, if the user desires, the ultimate security should be also in enabling the Bluetooth to be physically switched off or removed. So, for example, in the process industry it may be used for convenience and safety during commissioning, calibration checks or testing, but it could then be disabled or removed during normal operation, if preferred.
WHAT CAN BE SEEN AND USED? Due to the display quality and size of most smartphones and tablets, along with our familiarity with operating them, adjustment Apps for process devices can offer excellent interface and visualisation capability for set up. This also extends to sensor asset management and enabling performance analysis, like filters, echo curves, trends and diagnostic functions to be easily visualised and evaluated. Bluetooth has the potential to offer simpler, faster adjustment and diagnosis, as well as better device management, safety and convenience for the user.
SAFER FOR INHOSPITABLE OR DANGEROUS AREAS, LOCATIONS AND INDUSTRIES Heat, dirt, noise, dust or gases (or even just horrible weather!) are just some of the hazards to personnel out in the process plant. Bluetooth 4.0 has a range typically around 25m, further, (50m+) in clear areas, enabling devices to be accessed and operated from a more secure, sheltered position. Another reason can be the location or position of the device itself – this can avoid prolonged awkward working positions, climbing of ladders, working at heights, or even reduced exposure risk to harsh/toxic chemicals. These challenges all offer strong safety and productivity benefits to the user.
HAZARDOUS AREA USE Smart phones and tablets with
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