What does "HART polling" refer to?

HART polling refers specifically to the process through which a HART master device requests information from a HART slave device. In a HART communication system, the master is typically the system controller or field device that communicates with the slave, which is usually a field instrument like a transmitter or smart sensor. When the master queries the slave, it initiates the polling process to retrieve data such as measurements or statuses.

This interaction is crucial for monitoring and control in industrial automation systems, allowing the master to gather information efficiently to make decisions based on real-time data. The HART protocol enables the exchange of digital signals over existing 4-20 mA analog connections, enhancing communication without sacrificing the integrity of the primary analog signal. Thus, a request for information from a HART master to a HART slave device is a fundamental aspect of how HART operates.