Product Name: Rosemount™ 3408 Wireless Level Transmitter - Non-Contacting Radar

Manufacturer: Emerson

Product Category: Test, Measurement, Sensors and Software

Supporting Documentation (if available)

A game-changing device
The Rosemount 3408 Wireless Level Transmitter is the world’s first native WirelessHART non-contacting radar level transmitter and therefore represents a significant advancement in level measurement technology.

The WirelessHART communication protocol was introduced in 2007 and has become a widely adopted industrial standard, offering secure, reliable communication specifically designed for harsh process environments. By eliminating the need for signal cabling, conduit installation and additional I/O infrastructure, wireless instruments provide a cost-effective means of collecting high-quality process data from even the most remote areas of a plant. Wireless networks enable faster deployment, easier expansion of monitoring networks, and rapid, low-cost installation in hard-to-reach or previously unmonitored locations, often without interrupting operations.

Both guided wave radar level transmitters and vibrating fork level switches have been available as fully wireless, self-powered instruments for many years. However, until the launch of the Rosemount 3408 Wireless, there had not been a native WirelessHART non-contacting radar level transmitter. Unlike guided wave radar, which requires contact with the process medium, non-contacting radar offers greater flexibility in challenging applications such as those involving corrosive or sticky materials, high temperatures or strict hygiene standards.

Whereas competing devices require external wireless adapters and separate batteries, the Rosemount 3408 Wireless is a fully self-contained unit. Its introduction therefore fills what had previously been a significant gap in the range of available wireless level measurement options and broadens the scope of applications in which wireless level measurement is a practical and effective solution.

Power consumption challenge
The primary obstacle to fully wireless non-contacting radar has been power consumption. Traditional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar requires significant energy to generate and process signals, exceeding what battery-powered wireless transmitters could support. As a workaround, wired radar transmitters were often combined with THUM wireless adapters. This enabled wireless communication but still required external power, which limited installation flexibility as cabling constraints remained. This typically led to compromises in measurement frequency, coverage, accuracy or data quality, with operators relying on manual readings or limited data visibility, increasing the risk of inefficiency and unplanned downtime.

Innovative solution
The introduction of the Rosemount 3408 Wireless addresses this limitation. By combining highly efficient 80 gigahertz FMCW radar electronics with WirelessHART communication and long-life power modules, the transmitter provides a native wireless non-contacting radar solution, without the need for external adapters or power wiring. This innovative development is significant because it enables organisations to deploy non-contacting radar technology for accurate and reliable level measurement even in remote locations where access is challenging and installing power or signal cabling would previously have been prohibitively expensive or logistically impractical. Typical applications include remote tank farms, chemical storage terminals and hazardous process areas.

Integration made easy
The Rosemount 3408 Wireless can be easily integrated into any host monitoring and control system compliant with the HART protocol and the Field Device Integration standard. This supports digital transformation initiatives by enabling plant-wide visibility of previously inaccessible process data, resulting in improved operational performance and inventory management.

Powerful diagnostics
The transmitter features a diagnostics suite that provides actionable insights into device and process health, leading to long-term measurement reliability, reduced lifecycle costs, and enhanced operational efficiency and safety. Emerson’s proprietary diagnostic software, Smart Meter Verification, provides in-situ performance validation without interrupting the process, while Signal Quality Metrics delivers continuous, real-time assessment of radar signal quality and early alerts of abnormal conditions. In addition, on-board data historian functionality enhances operational insight, streamlines troubleshooting and supports proactive maintenance by continuously recording and storing key measurement and diagnostic data. These capabilities enable users to detect developing issues early, reduce unnecessary site visits, and maintain measurement confidence.

Additional benefits
• Optimised power options: The availability of two power modules – standard and extended-life – enables users to balance measurement update rate and battery life, aligning performance with process requirements while minimising maintenance and reducing total cost of ownership.
• Modular electronics cassette: The transmitter includes an electronics cassette that can be quickly removed or replaced without disturbing field wiring or the process seal. This modular design simplifies maintenance, reduces downtime and reduces the risk of leaks or installation errors.
• Flexible configurations: Multiple seal and antenna options enable deployment in a wide variety of process conditions, reducing the need for multiple instrument types and supporting safer, more efficient operations.

Summary
The introduction of the Rosemount 3408 Wireless Level Transmitter represents a significant industry milestone. By removing cabling constraints and enabling high-performance non-contacting radar measurement in previously inaccessible locations, the device extends the reach of reliable wireless level monitoring. The result is dependable, continuous data, better-informed decisions and more efficient, safer operations – making the transmitter a compelling step forward in industrial measurement technology.

www.Emerson.com/Rosemount3408