Field device with self description

Abstract

A field device having a self-description is provided. The field device includes loop communication circuitry configured to communicate process information using a process standard communication protocol. A controller is coupled to the loop communication circuitry to communicate with one or more process devices using the loop communication circuitry. The controller is coupled to a non-volatile, writeable, non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of blocks. A first block contains device executable code, which when executed by the controller causes the field device to provide at least one process control function. A second block, at least as large as the first block, contains an electronic device description of the field device.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to field devices, in particular field devices with self-description. Background technique [0002] Field devices are used in various process plants, such as chemical refineries and pharmaceutical plants, to measure, monitor and control process parameters. A field device may be a control device such as a valve controller or actuator, a process variable transmitter such as a process pressure transmitter, etc., or may affect or be affected by a value associated with a process. value is affected by any other device. [0003] Many field devices are so-called "smart" field devices, in that they are capable of digital communication and typically include a microprocessor or other suitable processing circuitry. Smart field devices store and digitally transmit detailed information specific to the field device itself, including calibration, diagnostic information, maintenance information, configuration information, and more. All such info...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This prevents users from easily obtaining electronic device descriptions from traditional sources such as suppliers or Internet sites

This can lead to several undesired consequences

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