Method for achieving intrinsic safety compliance in wireless devices using isolated overlapping grounds and related apparatus

Abstract

A system includes a wireless radio board (102), an antenna (104), and a ground pattern having a radio board ground (108) and an antenna ground (110). At least a portion of the radio board ground and at least a portion of the antenna ground overlap. The radio board ground could include a first portion (206b, 302a) in a first layer (200b, 300a) of the ground pattern and a second portion (206a, 302b-302c) in a second layer (200a, 300b) of the ground pattern, and the antenna ground could include a first portion (214, 304a) in the first layer of the ground pattern. The antenna ground could further include a second portion (304b-304c) in the second layer of the ground pattern. The radio board and antenna grounds could be separated by a minimum distance, such as 0.5mm or 3.0mm.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Applications

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C & 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 186,253, filed June 11, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to wireless devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and related devices for achieving intrinsic safety compliance in wireless devices by using separate overlapping grounds. Background technique

[0004] In industrial process control systems, wireless networks are widely deployed to support sensing and monitoring of industrial processes. These networks allow the use of wireless sensors to monitor industrial processes without incurring the costs normally associated with wireless devices. However, wireless sensors often need to adhere to inherent safety standards in order to be used in specific applications. For example, wireless sensors may be required to meet "Zone 2" (in...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019] discussed below Figures 1 to 6 And the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0020] figure 1 An example layout 100 in a wireless sensor or other wireless device according to the present disclosure is illustrated. like figure 1 As shown, layout 100 includes radio board 102 coupled to antenna 104 via signal line 106 . The radio board 102 represents any suitable circuitry or other structure for transmitting signals to or receiving signals from the antenna 104 . Radio board 102 may, for example, represent a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, RF receiver, or RF transceiver. Antenna 104 represents any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireles...

[0001] Cross References to Applications

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C & 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 186,253, filed June 11, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to wireless devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and related devices for achieving intrinsic safety compliance in wireless devices by using separate overlapping grounds. Background technique

[0004] In industrial process control systems, wireless networks are widely deployed to support sensing and monitoring of industrial processes. These networks allow the use of wireless sensors to monitor industrial processes without incurring the costs normally associated with wireless devices. However, wireless sensors often need to adhere to inherent safety standards in order to be used in specific applications. For example, wireless sensors may be required to meet "Zone 2" (in...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019] discussed below Figures 1 to 6 And the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0020] figure 1 An example layout 100 in a wireless sensor or other wireless device according to the present disclosure is illustrated. like figure 1 As shown, layout 100 includes radio board 102 coupled to antenna 104 via signal line 106 . The radio board 102 represents any suitable circuitry or other structure for transmitting signals to or receiving signals from the antenna 104 . Radio board 102 may, for example, represent a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, RF receiver, or RF transceiver. Antenna 104 represents any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireles...

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