September 2009Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Emerson’s next generation handheld communicator.
Emerson has announced the 475 Field Communicator, its next generation in handheld communicator technology. The 475 extends beyond device configuration functionality to provide advanced device diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities in the field and on the bench so users can work more efficiently. Quick boot-up and fast operating time mean that jobs can be performed quickly and easily while longer battery life ensures days, not hours, of operation. The intrinsically safe field communicator supports HART, WirelessHART, and Foundation Fieldbus devices.
While traditional communicators enable configuration of a subset of devices, the 475 is much more than a configuration tool. With universal support for all HART and Foundation Fieldbus devices, the new 475 enables diagnosis and troubleshooting right in the field to streamline daily maintenance activities. The latest version of the ‘Easy Upgrade’ capability provides an interface for users to quickly update the communicator onsite via the Internet. Through Bluetooth communication, users can update the communicator with the latest descriptions for field devices.
A further advance is the full-colour LCD display that provides an intuitive graphical interface to support trend charts, gauges, and graphics available in enhanced Device Descriptions. The colour display aids troubleshooting through high-contrast images. Users can also store up to 1000 device configurations or transmit them wirelessly between the communicator and a PC for printing and storage.
More than doubling the battery life of a typical NiMH battery, the Lithium-Ion power module that comes standard with the 475 Field Communicator ensures that users will have the power required to get the job done.
“The ability to quickly perform configurations and view advanced diagnostics in the field from a handheld reinforces Emerson’s commitment to delivering innovative field communicator technology,” said Craig Llewellyn, president of Emerson’s Asset Optimization division. “The new 475 Field Communicator enables significant productivity improvements for maintenance and reliability experts. The tight integration between AMS Suite and the 475 allows users to manage their field device assets consistently and efficiently.”
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