Abstract:
A wireless field device (102) for use in controlling or monitoring an industrial process (100), includes a process interface (110) configured to couple to a process fluid. Field device circuitry is coupled to the process interface (110) and configured to measure or control a process variable. Wireless communication circuitry (154) is configured to provide wireless communication. At least one electrical access terminal is configured to provide an electrical connection to circuitry of the field device. A power supply (160) is configured to power the wireless field device. The power supply (160) includes a removable primary power source (162) to provide power to the field device (102) for extended periods of time. A secondary power source (164) is configured to provide power to the field device (102) when the primary power source (162) is removed.
Abstract:
An adapter (300) for coupling to a process control transmitter (308) of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process includes a first connection configured to couple to a first side of a two wire process control loop (302), a second connection configured to couple to a second side of the two wire process control loop (302) and in series with a first connection to a process control transmitter (308), and a third connection configured to couple to a second connection of the process control transmitter (308). Wireless communication circuitry is coupled to at least the third connection and is configured to provide wireless communication for the process control transmitter (308). Intrinsic safety circuitry (460) coupled to at least one of the first, second and third connections is configured to limit transfer of electrical energy to a value which is less than an intrinsic safety value.
Abstract:
An adapter (300) for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry (342) configured to couple to a two wire process control loop (302) and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop (302). Wireless communication circuitry (344) couples to the two wire process control loop (302) and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry (350) provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.
Abstract:
A wireless network system includes overlapping wireless mesh networks Net A-Net D. Nodes that are members of more than one mesh network are capable of communicating with the gateways GWA-GWD of each of those mesh networks Net A-Net D, which allows sharing information between interrelated control systems through the wireless network system.
Abstract:
A wireless mesh network routes messages between a host computer and a plurality of field devices. The mesh network is synchronized to a global regular active schedule that defines active periods when messages can be transmitted or received by nodes of the network, and inactive periods when messages cannot be transmitted or received. Based upon messages to be sent by the host computer to selected field devices, the network is controlled to selectively maintain active those nodes required to route messages to the selected field devices. Those required nodes are maintained in an active state as long as communication with the selected field devices continues, while other nodes are allowed to return to a low power inactive state. When communication between the host computer and the selected field devices is no longer required, the entire network is allowed to enter the low power inactive state.
Abstract:
A control system uses a wireless mesh network to provide communication between a host computer and field devices. The host and the field devices communicate with one another using wireless messages containing requests and responses that are routed through the wireless mesh network. The wireless messages include sequence information that allow the receiving device to identify and reject messages that are received out of order.
Abstract:
A host computer communicates with field devices by sending control messages and receiving response messages over a wireless network. When the host computer sends a control message to the wireless network, the host computer is provided with a predictive response time within which the field device receiving the message will respond. The wireless network cycles between a sleep state and an active state based upon a wireless network power cycle. The predicted response time is based upon the current state of the wireless network, the power cycle, and the time required for the field device to turn on, take an action (such as measuring a parameter), and generating a response message.
Abstract:
An industrial process transmitter 102 for transmitting a process variable on a two-wire process control loop 106 includes, a loop current control 162 to control a loop current level on the two-wire process control loop 106 that is related to the process variable. Power is provided to primary circuitry 164 of the process transmitter 102. A secondary current control circuit 166 limits current delivered to secondary circuitry 168.
Abstract:
A process variable transmitter (100) that preferably includes a transmitter output circuit (400, 300) that provides bidirectional HART and controller area network communication transceiver lines (LOOP+, LOOP-, CAN, GND). The transmitter output circuit also includes sensor circuit interface contacts (202) . An isolated circuit (201) couples to the sensor circuit interface contacts. The isolated circuit includes sensor circuitry sensing a process variable. The isolated circuit further comprises a galvanic isolation barrier (204) galvanically isolating the sensor circuitry from the HART and controller area network transceiver lines. A stacked power supply (Figs. 9A-9B) provides power management. Other aspects may include a controller area network current limiter diagnostic output (934), timed sequencing of microcontroller startup and shutdown, a local operator interface and power management.
Abstract:
A wireless network system includes overlapping wireless mesh networks Net A-Net D. Nodes that are members of more than one mesh network are capable of communicating with the gateways GWA-GWD of each of those mesh networks Net A-Net D, which allows sharing information between interrelated control systems through the wireless network system.