What is the most common communicator used in instrumentation?

HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) is widely recognized as the most common communicator used in instrumentation due to its unique combination of digital communication capabilities over traditional analog signaling. HART protocol allows for two-way communication between a field device and a control system, enabling not only the transmission of process measurements but also device status and diagnostics data.

This dual functionality enhances the efficiency of monitoring and maintaining instruments in various industrial applications. Furthermore, HART devices maintain compatibility with existing 4-20 mA analog systems, making it easy for industries to integrate digital communication without completely overhauling established systems.

Other communicators, while significant in specific applications, are not as widely utilized across various industries. For example, Modbus is primarily used in supervisory control and data acquisition systems, while Profibus and DeviceNet are more specialized protocols suited to certain types of networking environments. In contrast, HART's versatility and ease of integration into existing setups make it a preferred choice for many instrumentation professionals.