Smart wireless adapter

Abstract

Provided herein are smart wireless adapters for establishing communication between a measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system. In one aspect, a method of establishing communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device and a measurement control and data acquisition system includes providing a pneumatic or analog measurement device and providing a smart wireless adapter capable of being electrically and mechanically coupled to the pneumatic or analog measurement device. The pneumatic or analog measurement device is configured to measure one or more parameters in an industrial system and provide a value or signal indicative of the measured parameter at an output of the pneumatic or analog measurement device. Further, the smart wireless adapter is coupled to receive the value or signal from the pneumatic or analog measurement device and is configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the interests and priorities of U.S. Nonprovisional Application No. 17 / 125,396, filed December 17, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 951,787, filed December 20, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to industrial equipment, and more specifically, to systems and methods related to intelligent wireless adapters for establishing / enabling wireless communication between measuring devices (e.g., pneumatic, analog, and / or digital intelligent measuring devices) and measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., distributed control systems (DCS)) in industrial systems. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, industrial operations typically involve multiple pieces of industrial equipment. Industrial equipment can take many forms and can vary in complexity, for example, depending on the industrial operation. For instance, industrial process control and monitoring measurement equipment is commonly used to measure process variables such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical values ​​in numerous industrial applications and market segments, including oil and gas, energy, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, metals, mining and minerals, and other industrial applications.

[0005] Field devices have evolved over the years from pneumatic to analog and then to intelligent measurement devices. Pneumatic and analog measurement devices are often considered non-intelligent. For example, a pneumatic measurement device can be coupled with a pneumatic pressure-to-current converter (P / I converter) to convert a pressure input into a current output measurement. Furthermore, analog measurement devices typically provide current or voltage measurement outputs. In contrast, intelligent measurement devices typically include digital electronics with various communication protocols, such as Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, HART, and WirelessHART, to digitally communicate process variable measurements (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.) to various types of measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems).

[0006] There are many industrial operations that still use pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices. For example, it is desirable to enable these pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices to digitally communicate with measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., DCS systems) and / or other systems and / or devices (e.g., digital smart measurement devices) in the industrial operations without the need to replace and / or overhaul the pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices. It is also desirable to fully digitally integrate digital smart measurement devices with measurement control and data acquisition systems. For example, it is well known that diagnostics available through many digital smart measurement device communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, HART, and WirelessHART) are not fully digitally integrated with control systems. For example, a digital smart measurement device can only be utilized for its digitally converted analog 4-20 mA measurement output, leaving available device diagnostics unused or unutilized. As a result, the control system does not utilize the available device diagnostics. SUMMARY

[0007] Described herein are systems and methods related to smart wireless adapters for establishing / enabling wireless communication between measurement devices (e.g., pneumatic, analog, and / or digital smart measurement devices) in an industrial system and measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other systems and / or devices.

[0008] In one aspect, a method of establishing communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system includes providing the pneumatic or analog measurement device and providing a smart wireless adapter that is electrically and mechanically couplable to the pneumatic or analog measurement device. The pneumatic or analog measurement device is configured to measure one or more parameters in the industrial system and provide a value or signal indicative of the measured parameter at an output of the pneumatic or analog measurement device. Further, the smart wireless adapter is coupled to receive the value or signal from the pneumatic or analog measurement device and is configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter is removably couplable to and from the pneumatic or analog measurement device, for example, using threading components. Further, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter is received in a receptacle or opening (e.g., a threaded opening) formed in the pneumatic or analog measurement device. Further, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter is removably couplable to and from the pneumatic or analog measurement device using clamping components or other attachment components known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the data indicative of the value or signal is converted into a data form according to one or more preferred communication modes of the measurement control and data acquisition system prior to wireless transmission of the data indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system. In one embodiment, the preferred communication mode can be communicated from the measurement control and data acquisition system to the smart wireless adapter. In one embodiment, the preferred communication mode comprises a plurality of preferred communication modes. In this embodiment, the smart wireless adapter can select one or more of the plurality of preferred communication modes, and the data indicative of the value or signal can be converted into the data form based on the selected communication mode.

[0011] In another embodiment, the preferred communication mode can be learned by the smart wireless adapter. For example, the preferred communication mode can be learned based on a series of test communications that occur between the smart wireless adapter and the measurement control and data acquisition system. In one embodiment, the preferred communication mode can be identified / learned based on an evaluation of data collected during the series of test communications in relation to information from a library of possible communication modes. For example, the library of possible communication modes can be stored on a memory device associated with the smart wireless adapter.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the data form into which the data indicative of the value or signal can be converted is further selected from a plurality of data forms that the smart wireless adapter is capable of generating and transmitting. The plurality of data forms can include, for example, data forms suitable for transmission using one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, WirelessHART, RFID, and cellular wireless communication protocols. It will be appreciated that other possible data forms are of course possible.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises receiving the signal / data from the measurement control and data acquisition system on the smart wireless adapter in a first data form, and providing data indicative of the received signal / data to the pneumatic or analog measurement device in a second data form. For example, the first data form can be a form suitable for interpretation by the smart wireless adapter. Further, for example, the second data form can be a form suitable for interpretation by the pneumatic or analog measurement device. In some embodiments, the first and second data forms can be the same or similar to one another. In other embodiments, the first and second data forms can be different from one another. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the signal / data received from the measurement control and data acquisition system can be used to control one or more aspects (e.g., parameters) of the measurement device and / or control one or more aspects of a system or device associated with the measurement device. For example, the measurement device and / or other system or device can be controlled to optimize or otherwise improve operation of the measurement device and / or other system or device.

[0014] There is also provided herein a smart wireless adapter for establishing communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system. The smart wireless adapter includes at least one processor and at least one memory device coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor and the at least one memory device are configured to receive a value or a signal indicative of one or more parameters measured by the pneumatic or analog measurement device. Further, the at least one processor and the at least one memory device are configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or the signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

[0015] There is also provided herein a smart wireless adapter for establishing communication between a digital smart measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system. The smart wireless adapter includes at least one processor and at least one memory device coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor and the at least one memory device are configured to receive a signal indicative of one or more parameters measured by the digital smart measurement device. For example, the signal can include both analog and digital signals. The analog signal(s) can be received at an input by a signal path, and the signal path can be configured to generate a digital signal (or digital signals) indicative of the analog signal(s) at an output. Further, the digital signal(s) from the digital smart measurement device (i.e., not the digital signal(s) generated by the signal path) can be received by a modem (or other component for modulating and demodulating electrical signals). The modem can generate a signal (or signals) indicative of the digital signal(s) at an output. The at least one processor generates one or more output signals in response to the digital signal(s) from the signal path and the signal(s) from the modem. The output signal(s) or the signal(s) indicative of the output signal(s) are wirelessly transmitted to the measurement control and data acquisition system, e.g., via an antenna of the smart wireless adapter.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the digital signal(s) from the digital smart measurement device can include diagnostic information associated with the digital smart measurement device (e.g., health and status information of the measurement device, the industrial system including the measurement device, etc.). In these embodiments, the measurement control and data acquisition system can analyze the diagnostic information, for example, based on an analysis of the output signal(s) or signals indicative of the output signal(s) received from the smart wireless adapter coupled to the digital smart measurement device. In some embodiments, one or more actions can be taken based on the analysis of the diagnostic information. For example, in some embodiments, it can be desirable to provide a communication (e.g., a text, an email, etc.) to indicate information learned from the diagnostic information, for example, a problem with the digital smart measurement device and / or other systems or devices in the industrial system. Further, in some embodiments, it can be desirable to generate an alert and / or automatically adjust one or more parameters associated with the digital smart measurement device and / or other systems or devices in the industrial system based on information learned from the diagnostic information.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapters discussed above and subsequently each include a threaded portion (or other coupling component, such as a clamp or a socket-type connection) that is capable of being received onto (or otherwise mechanically coupled to) a corresponding portion of a measurement device to which the smart wireless adapter is configured to be coupled (e.g., through clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, push-pull force(s), etc.). Further, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one processor and at least one memory device of the smart wireless adapter are further configured to: convert the value or signal indicative of the measured parameter into a data form suitable for transmission to and receipt by the measurement control and data acquisition system to which the smart wireless adapter is configured to be coupled, prior to wirelessly transmitting the data (or signal(s)) indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter further includes one or more sensing devices configured to sense one or more parameters associated with the industrial system (e.g., temperature, vibration, etc.). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter is configured to wirelessly transmit data (or signal(s)) indicative of the sensed parameter to the measurement control and data acquisition system to which the smart wireless adapter is configured to be coupled.

[0019] As used herein, the term “processor” is used to describe an electronic circuit that performs a function, an operation, or a sequence of operations. The function, operation, or sequence of operations can be hard coded into the electronic circuit or soft coded through instructions stored in a memory device. The processor can perform the function, operation, or sequence of operations using digital values or using analog signals.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processor can be embodied in, for example, a specially programmed microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which can be either an analog ASIC or a digital ASIC. Further, in some embodiments, the processor can be embodied in configurable hardware, such as an FPGA or a programmable logic array (PLA). In some embodiments, the processor can also be embodied in a microprocessor with associated program memory. Further, in some embodiments, the processor can be embodied in discrete electronic circuitry, which can be either an analog or digital circuit, or a combination of both. The processor can be coupled to one or more memory devices, where the processor and the memory device(s) are configured to implement the above-described methods.

[0021] As described above, and as further described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION” section, pneumatic and analog measurement devices are not inherently smart and are not capable of digital communication with a measurement control and data acquisition system. Also as described above, and as further described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION” section, diagnostic information available on digital smart measurement devices is not typically utilized. Various embodiments of a smart wireless adapter are disclosed herein. In one aspect of the disclosure, a smart wireless adapter is provided herein that is capable of connecting to a pneumatic P / I converter and an analog measurement device, and is configured to wirelessly communicate non-smart measurement device process variable measurements to various measurement control and data acquisition systems. In another aspect of the disclosure, a smart wireless adapter is provided herein that is capable of connecting to a digital smart measurement device, and is configured to wirelessly communicate process variable measurements and other information (e.g., diagnostic information) to a measurement control and data acquisition system.

[0022] The smart wireless adapters disclosed herein can employ one or more Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, RFID, and cellular wireless communication protocols. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the smart wireless adapters are easily installed to a threaded field wiring connection port of a field device, and are connected in parallel with loop-powered field terminal connections of various analog output measurement devices. The smart wireless adapters can include various features, such as a blinking light that confirms a wireless connection with a central concentrator or gateway, onboard sensors for environmental monitoring, and transfer of measurement data to the cloud via an inter-network connection, enabling data analytics to drive optimized business decisions in concert with the development of edge control and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

[0023] It should be appreciated that there are numerous advantages associated with the disclosed systems, methods, and devices, as will be appreciated from the following discussion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure are hereinafter more fully described and understood when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[0025] Figure 1 An example industrial system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 An example configuration of the industrial system shown is shown; Figure 1

[0027] Figure 3 An example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 3A Another example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 3B Yet another example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 3C Still another example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 An example configuration of a system including an intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 4A An example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 4B An example intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4C An example intelligent wireless adapter coupled to an analog pressure transmitter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 4D An example configuration of a system including an intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 4E Another example configuration of a system including an intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 An example configuration of a measurement device utilizing an intelligent wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0038] Figure 5A An example coupling arrangement of the configuration shown is shown; Figure 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION ​​

[0039] Features and other details of the concepts, systems, and techniques sought to be protected herein will now be described in more detail. It is to be understood that any specific example described herein is illustrative only and not restrictive to the scope of the disclosure and concepts described herein. Features of the subject matter described herein can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts sought to be protected.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 Industrial system 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure includes a plurality of industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. Industrial equipment (or devices) 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can be associated with a particular application (e.g., an industrial application), application, and / or process(es). Industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can include electrical or electronic devices, such as machines (e.g., pumps) in an industrial operation (e.g., a manufacturing or natural resource extraction operation). Industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can also include control and / or auxiliary equipment associated with the industrial operation, such as process control and monitoring measurement devices. In embodiments, industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can be installed in or located at one or more facilities (i.e., buildings) or other physical locations (i.e., sites) associated with the industrial operation. These facilities can correspond to, for example, industrial buildings. Further, the physical locations can correspond to, for example, geographic areas or locations.

[0041] In some embodiments, each of industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can include or be coupled to one or more sensors (or sensor nodes), such as, for example, as described in connection with FIG. 1. Figure 2As shown, this will be discussed further below. Each sensor can be configured to sample, sense, or monitor one or more parameters (e.g., industrial parameters) associated with the industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 and / or with the application(s) or process(es) associated with the industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. For example, the industrial equipment 110 can include or be coupled to a temperature sensor configured to sense temperature(s) associated with the industrial equipment 110, such as an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the industrial equipment 110, a temperature of a process associated with the industrial equipment 110, a temperature of a product produced by the industrial equipment 110, etc. The industrial equipment 110 can additionally or alternatively include one or more pressure sensors, flow sensors, level sensors, vibration sensors, and / or any number of other sensors, such as sensors associated with the application(s) or process(es) associated with the industrial equipment 110. In one example embodiment, the application(s) or process(es) can involve water, air, gas, steam, oil, etc.

[0042] The industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 can take various forms and can each have an associated complexity (or set of functional capabilities and / or features). For example, the industrial equipment 110 can correspond to a "basic" industrial equipment, the industrial equipment 120 can correspond to an "intermediate" industrial equipment, and the industrial equipment 130 can correspond to an "advanced" industrial equipment. In such embodiments, the intermediate industrial equipment 120 can have more functionality (e.g., measurement features and / or capabilities) than the basic industrial equipment 110, and the advanced industrial equipment 130 can have more functionality and / or features than the intermediate industrial equipment 120. For example, in an embodiment, the industrial equipment 110 (e.g., industrial equipment having basic capabilities and / or features) can be capable of monitoring one or more first characteristics of an industrial process, and the industrial equipment 130 (e.g., industrial equipment having advanced capabilities) can be capable of monitoring one or more second characteristics of the industrial process, the second characteristics including the first characteristics and one or more additional parameters. It should be understood that this example is for illustrative purposes only, and that, likewise, in some embodiments, the industrial equipment 110, 120, 130, etc. can each have independent functionality.

[0043] As discussed in the Background section of this disclosure, field devices, as a type of industrial equipment, have evolved over the years from pneumatic to analog and then to intelligent measurement devices. Pneumatic and analog measurement devices are generally considered non-intelligent measurement devices. For example, a pneumatic measurement device may be coupled with a pneumatic pressure-to-current converter (P / I converter) to convert a pressure input into a current output measurement. Furthermore, analog measurement devices typically provide current or voltage measurement outputs (e.g., 4-20mA output). In contrast, intelligent measurement devices typically include digital electronics with various communication protocols, such as Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, HART, and WirelessHART, to digitally communicate process variable measurements to various types of measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems). As discussed in the Background section of this disclosure, many industrial operations still use pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices, for example, due to the costs associated with upgrading from pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices to corresponding intelligent devices.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, data from conventional pneumatic and analog measurement devices (i.e., Figure 2 Data from the non-intelligent measuring devices shown (e.g., 110, 120, 130, etc.) is typically transmitted from these devices to one or more measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown in 210) (for further processing, such as via one or more wired transmission media (e.g., twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, etc.). It is well known, for example, that cables may break. Furthermore, it is well known that wiring / rewiring from these devices to measurement control and data acquisition systems can be cumbersome.

[0045] In one aspect of the disclosure, the invention seeks to address at least the foregoing problems, for example, by providing a smart wireless adapter for establishing / enabling wireless communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device in an industrial operation and a measurement control and data acquisition system. This enables an industrial operation to turn its pneumatic or analog measurement devices (i.e., non-smart devices) into smart devices and take advantage of all the benefits and advantages associated with smart devices and systems. The invention also provides for the integration of these turned smart devices with other smart devices associated with the industrial operation, including, for example, newer smart measurement devices and wireless sensor network devices in the industrial operation, such as Schneider Electric’s Instrument Area Network (IAN) devices. The invention also provides for a smart wireless adapter that is able to take advantage of diagnostic information on a digital smart measurement device. For example, as previously mentioned, a digital smart measurement device can only be utilized for its digitally converted analog 4-20 mA measurement output, leaving available device diagnostics on the shelf or unutilized. It is desirable to take advantage of the benefits of device diagnostics to, for example, improve the operation of the digital smart measurement device and / or other systems or devices in the industrial system that the diagnostics can capture.

[0046] Reference is made to Figure 3 FIG. 1 illustrates an example smart wireless adapter 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart wireless adapter 300 can be used with industrial equipment, such as pneumatic and analog measurement devices, to enable the pneumatic and / or analog measurement devices to wirelessly communicate with a measurement control and data acquisition system and / or other devices in an industrial operation (e.g., smart measurement devices).

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the smart wireless adapter 300 has at least one input (here, terminal 301, which can be an input terminal or an input / output (I / O) terminal) and at least one output (here, terminal 302, which can be an output terminal or an I / O terminal). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the smart wireless adapter 300 includes a signal path 310 (e.g., an analog, digital, and / or mixed signal path), a processor 320, a memory device 330, and an antenna 340 (or other means for wirelessly transmitting data). The signal path 310, which is optional in some embodiments, includes one or more analog front end components 312 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 314. The analog front end components 312 have a first terminal coupled to the smart wireless adapter terminal 301 and a second terminal coupled to a first terminal of the ADC 314. Further, the ADC 314 has a second terminal coupled to a first terminal of the processor 320, and the processor 320 has a second terminal coupled to the measurement circuit terminal 302. The memory device 330 is coupled to a third terminal of the processor 320, and the measurement circuit output 320 is coupled to the antenna 340 (or other means for wirelessly transmitting data).

[0048] In some embodiments, the smart wireless adapter terminal 301 is coupled (e.g., electrically and mechanically coupled) to an output of an industrial equipment (e.g., 110, as shown in FIG. 1A) such as a pneumatic and / or analog measurement device or other device that the smart wireless adapter 300 is believed to be compatible with. In addition, in some embodiments, the smart wireless adapter terminal 302 is coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled) to an input of a measurement control and data acquisition system and / or other component (e.g., a smart measurement device) via the antenna 340 (or other component for wirelessly transmitting data). As discussed above with reference to the pneumatic and / or analog measurement device, these devices can be configured to sample, sense, or monitor one or more parameters associated with the device and / or with an application or process associated with the device. For example, industrial process control and monitoring measurement devices are commonly used to measure process variable measurements such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical values in numerous industrial applications and submarkets in oil and gas, energy, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, metals, mining and mineral, and other industrial applications. Figure 1 and 1 A) as shown. In addition, in some embodiments, the smart wireless adapter terminal 302 is coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled) to an input of a measurement control and data acquisition system and / or other component (e.g., a smart measurement device) via the antenna 340 (or other component for wirelessly transmitting data). As discussed above with reference to the pneumatic and / or analog measurement device, these devices can be configured to sample, sense, or monitor one or more parameters associated with the device and / or with an application or process associated with the device. For example, industrial process control and monitoring measurement devices are commonly used to measure process variable measurements such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical values in numerous industrial applications and submarkets in oil and gas, energy, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, metals, mining and mineral, and other industrial applications.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the analog front end component 312 of the signal path 310 includes at least one component for measuring / sampling a parameter (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) of the input signal (here, input signal 300a). In embodiments, the at least one component can take the form of a resistor (e.g., a current sense resistor), a capacitor, and / or substantially any other type of element (or elements) or sensor that is believed to be compatible for measuring the parameter. It should be understood that the quantity of the at least one component (e.g., one element, two elements, three elements, etc.) and the arrangement(s) of the at least one component (e.g., coupled in series or in parallel) can be selected based at least in part on the parameter(s) to be measured by the at least one component. For example, in embodiments where the at least one component is configured to measure a voltage level of the input signal 300a to, for example, detect a pressure level, the at least one component can include a plurality of measurement elements. For example, the plurality of measurement elements can be coupled in a divider configuration. It should be understood that the analog front end component 312 can additionally or alternatively include one or more other analog components such as, for example, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. The analog front end component 312 can take the form of active electrical components and / or passive electrical components.

[0050] The processor 320 can take the form of an FPGA or another type of processor suitable for the application(s) in which the smart wireless adapter 300 is used, coupled to the signal path 310 (here, to the output of the ADC 314 in the signal path 310) and to the memory device 330. The memory device 330 can include volatile memory, such as DRAM or SRAM. For example, the memory device 330 can store programs and data (e.g., sampled / measured parameters) collected during operation of the smart wireless adapter 300. The memory device 330 can also include a computer readable and writeable nonvolatile recording medium, such as a magnetic disk or flash memory, in which signals are stored that define programs or information to be executed by the processor 320 or information to be processed by the programs. The processor 320 can control the transfer of data between the memory device 310 and the processor 320 (e.g., for processing by the processor 320) in accordance with known computer and data transfer mechanisms.

[0051] During operation of the smart wireless adapter 300, the device 300 is configured to receive an input signal 300a at the terminal 301 and to provide an output signal 320a indicative of the input signal 301a at the terminal 302. According to some embodiments, the output signal 320a is indicative of a level or value of one or more parameters (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) associated with the input signal 300a. More specifically, in some embodiments, the analog front-end component 312 is coupled to the input signal 300a and is configured to provide an analog signal 312a (i.e., an initial measurement signal) indicative of the respective one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the analog signal 312a is related to a value of the analog front-end component 312 (e.g., a measured resistance value or charge). Further, in some embodiments, the analog signal 312a is related to an output of the analog front-end component 312 or to an output of a node in the vicinity of the analog front-end component 312. In some embodiments, the analog signal 312a can take the form of, or be indicative of, a 4-20 mA signal.

[0052] The ADC 314 is responsive to the analog signal 312a (e.g., an analog input signal to the ADC) to provide a corresponding converted digital signal 310a at the output of the signal path 310. In some embodiments, the digital signal 310a can take the form of a digital data stream representative of the analog signal 312a.

[0053] The processor 320 is responsive to the digital signal 310a to generate an output signal 320a, for example, at an output of the processor 320. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal 320a is indicative of the data / signal(s) received at the input of the smart wireless adapter 300. Further, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal 320 can contain other information, for example, information related to process irregularities and other issues identified based on analysis of the digital signal 310a. The irregularities or issues can be associated with the measurement device coupled to the smart wireless adapter and / or associated with other systems or devices in the industrial system (e.g., systems or devices that the measurement device is configured to monitor).

[0054] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal 320a is provided in a form suitable for wireless transmission to the recipient device(s). For example, the processor 320 can convert the digital signal 310a into a form (e.g., code or data stream) suitable for wireless transmission to the recipient device(s). For example, it should be appreciated that the recipient device(s) can have a preferred communication mode(s) (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, HART protocol, WirelessHART, cellular wireless communication protocol). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 can convert the digital signal 310a into a data form (i.e., the output signal 320a) in accordance with the preferred communication mode(s).

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred communication mode(s) is communicated to the processor 320 from the recipient device(s). In other embodiments, the preferred communication mode(s) is known by the processor 320. For example, the processor 320 can know the preferred communication mode based on a series of test communications that occur between the smart wireless adapter 300 and the device(s) to which the output signal 320a is to be communicated. In one embodiment, the preferred communication mode can be identified / know based on an evaluation of information related to possible communication modes from a library of possible communication modes (e.g., stored on a memory device 330 or another memory device associated with the smart wireless adapter 300), data collected during the series of test communications. In embodiments where the preferred communication mode includes multiple preferred communication modes, the smart wireless adapter 300 can select one or more of the multiple preferred communication modes to convert the data (e.g., based on transmission capabilities of the smart wireless adapter 300, resources required to transmit the data, etc.).

[0056] It should also be understood that preferred communication modes can be learned or identified in many other ways. For example, the smart wireless adapter 300 can identify or learn preferred communication modes based on the data types to be transmitted to one or more receiving devices. For example, in response to process measurement irregularities, changes, interruptions, etc. detected or sensed by the smart wireless adapter 300 (e.g., the processor 320 in the smart wireless adapter 300) or a measurement device coupled to the smart wireless adapter 300, the smart wireless adapter 300 can select one or more preferred communication modes that are different from those when the smart wireless adapter 300 does not detect process measurement irregularities, changes, interruptions, etc. In one example implementation, the smart wireless adapter 300 can select one or more preferred communication modes that provide communication of detected or sensed process measurement irregularities, changes, interruptions, etc. to the system (e.g., measurement data and control system) at a higher frequency measurement data rate to better analyze conditions (more data than normal operation) and take actions (corrective measures for the process application) to optimally maintain the process application. In other words, one type of data (e.g., routine measurement data) may require a first (or one or more) preferred communication mode, while another type of data (e.g., measurement data indicating problems or irregularities) may require a second (or one or more) preferred communication mode.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the output signal 320a from the processor 320 can be provided to terminal 302 of the smart wireless adapter 300 (e.g., after selecting one or more preferred communication modes) and received by the antenna 340 (or other components for wireless data transmission). The antenna 340 can wirelessly transmit the output signal 320a (or a signal indicating the output signal 320a) to one or more receiving devices. For example, the antenna 340 can wirelessly transmit the output signal 320a to measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other devices in industrial operations, such as smart measurement devices and wireless sensor network devices (e.g., Schneider Electric's Instrument Area Network (IAN) devices).

[0058] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, antenna 340 (or another component for wirelessly receiving data) can also receive data from measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other devices in industrial operations, for example, for controlling one or more aspects of industrial operations, as will be further described below. In other words, the smart wireless adapter according to embodiments of this disclosure can provide bidirectional communication between the smart wireless adapter coupled to (e.g., one or more measuring devices) and the smart wireless adapter configured to communicate with (e.g., one or more measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other devices in industrial operations). Brief reference will now be made to... Figure 3A Among them, with Figure 3 Similar elements are shown with similar reference numerals, illustrating an example smart wireless adapter 1300 that provides bidirectional communication.

[0059] It should be understood that combinations similar to the above... Figure 3 The discussion concerns data transmitted from the smart wireless adapter 300 to measurement, control, and data acquisition systems and / or other devices in industrial operations. Figure 3A Data from the smart wireless adapter 1300 can be received in various forms. For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, data can be transmitted to and received by the smart wireless adapter 1300 according to one or more preferred communication modes of one or more transmission devices (i.e., measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other devices).

[0060] Data received on the smart wireless adapter 1300 can be processed on the smart wireless adapter 1300 (e.g., in the processor 320 and / or other devices in the smart wireless adapter 1300, such as in the signal path 350) and / or on other systems and / or devices (e.g., a processor of the measurement device(s) coupled to the smart wireless adapter 1300). In one example embodiment, the smart wireless adapter 1300 can be configured to convert the received data into a form suitable for transmission to the device(s) (e.g., measurement device(s)) to which the smart wireless adapter 1300 is coupled, e.g., in embodiments in which the data form(s) in which the data is received are incompatible with the data form(s) that the device(s) are capable of receiving / processing. The data can be provided at the node 355 and the terminal 301 of the smart wireless adapter 1300 and received by the device(s) to which the smart wireless adapter 1300 is coupled. The smart wireless adapter 1300 can additionally or alternatively perform at least some type of filtering on the received data prior to providing the data to the device(s). For example, the smart wireless adapter 1300 can filter unwanted data from the received data (e.g., using one or more filter devices in the signal path 350) prior to providing the data to the device(s). Further, in some embodiments, the smart wireless adapter 1300 can amplify or compress the received data (e.g., using one or more amplification or compression devices in the signal path 350). For example, the smart wireless adapter 1300 can amplify or compress the received data to make it suitable for use by the device(s). It will be appreciated that the signal path 350 can include any number of devices / components (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, analog-to-digital converters, filters, amplification circuits, etc.) as needed for a particular application. It will also be appreciated that the signal path 350 is optional in some embodiments (e.g., one-way communication embodiments).

[0061] As noted above, and as will be further described below, by using a smart wireless adapter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, "non-smart" industrial devices (e.g., conventional pneumatic or analog measurement devices) can be converted into smart devices and enabled to communicate with measurement control and data acquisition systems and / or other devices in an industrial operation. Further, as will be further described below, a smart wireless adapter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can extend the use of diagnostic information obtained from measurement devices.

[0062] It should be appreciated that the smart wireless adapters 300, 1300 are merely two of many potential configurations of smart wireless adapters according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, while the signal path 310 is shown as including an analog front end component 312 and an ADC 314, it should be appreciated that different arrangements of the signal path 310 are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the signal path 310 can include additional (or alternative) electronic components, such as an operational amplifier, a transistor-based amplification circuit, a demodulation circuit, a comparator, a latch, other components for converting an analog signal to a digital signal (e.g., using a slope comparator), etc. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the processor 320 can perform the functions, operations, or sequences of operations of one or more portions of the signal path 310. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the memory device 330 can be provided as part of the processor 320 (e.g., as an on-board EEPROM). It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the antenna 340 (or other component for wirelessly transmitting data) can include more than one antenna 340 (or other component for wirelessly transmitting data). Other variations are of course possible.

[0063] In one example alternative embodiment, a smart wireless adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include sensing circuitry, e.g., for sensing parameters other than those measured by the pneumatic and / or analog measurement device(s) to which the smart wireless adapter can be coupled. For example, as shown in Figure 3B Figure 3 wherein like elements are shown with like reference numerals, the smart wireless adapter 2300 can include one or more sensors (or sensor nodes) 360 for sensing temperature and / or other parameters in embodiments where the pneumatic and / or analog measurement device(s) to which the smart wireless adapter 2300 can be coupled do not measure temperature and / or other parameters. The sensor(s) 360 can sense / measure temperature and / or other parameters and generate signal(s) 360a indicative of the measured temperature and / or other parameters.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3B the processor 320 of the smart wireless adapter 2300 can generate an output signal 320a at an output of the processor 320 in response to the signal(s) 360a from the sensor(s) 360 and the signal(s) 310a from the signal path 310. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal 320a is indicative of at least one of the signal(s) 360a from the sensor(s) 360 and the data / signal(s) received at the input of the smart wireless adapter 2300. Similar to the embodiments discussed above in connection with Figure 3 the smart wireless adapter 1300, the output signal 320a can be transmitted wirelessly by the smart wireless adapter 2300 to a remote device, e.g., a remote computer, a remote server, etc. Figure 3B ​The output signal 320a shown in FIG. 3 can be provided in a form suitable for wireless transmission to the receiving device(s). It will be appreciated that the smart wireless adapter 2300 can provide for bidirectional communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, similar to Figure 3A the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Thus, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the smart wireless adapter 2300 can include features of the smart wireless adapter 1300 shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., the signal path 350). Additional modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Figure 3A

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, another example smart wireless adapter 3300 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, the smart wireless adapter 3300 is an example implementation of a smart wireless adapter for coupling to a digital smart measurement device (e.g., a smart HART pressure transmitter). As shown in FIG. 3, similar elements to those shown in FIGS. 1-2 are shown with similar reference numerals, the smart wireless adapter 3300 is shown as additionally including a modem 370. In the embodiment shown, the modem 370 (or other component for modulating and demodulating electrical signals) has a first terminal (e.g., a first input / output (I / O) port) coupled to a node 375 and a second terminal (e.g., a second I / O port) coupled to a corresponding terminal on the processor 320. The node 375 is coupled to a terminal 301 (e.g., an I / O port) of the smart wireless adapter 3300, which can be coupled to a digital smart measurement device (e.g., via a threaded component or other coupling component, as will be discussed further below). Figure 3C Figure 3C Figure 3 Figure 3A Figure 3B During operation, the digital smart measurement device can generate both analog and digital signals (e.g., at an output of the digital smart measurement device), and the analog and digital signals can be received at the smart wireless adapter terminal 301. In one example implementation, the analog and digital signals are superimposed on the same loop, with the loop being coupled to the smart wireless adapter terminal 301. For example, the analog signal(s) can take the form of analog 4-20 mA measurement output signal(s). Further, for example, the digital signal(s) can take the form of digital communication protocol output signal(s). In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the digital signal(s) can include, for example, diagnostic information associated with the digital smart measurement device and / or other systems or devices associated with the digital smart measurement device.

[0066]

[0067] ​​​​​​The signal path 310 of the smart wireless adapter 3300 is coupled to receive analog signal(s) at an input and is configured to provide a converted digital signal 310a at an output, e.g., similar to the above-discussed embodiments. Figure 3 In addition, a modem 370 (which is protocol-specific) is coupled to receive digital signal(s) at a first modem terminal coupled to the node 375 and is configured to provide a signal 370a indicative of the digital signal(s) at a second modem terminal coupled to the processor 320.

[0068] The processor 320 is responsive to the digital signal 310a and the signal 370a to generate one or more output signals (here, output signal 320a) at an output of the processor 320. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the output signal 320a is indicative of at least one of the digital signal 310a and the signal 370a and is provided in a form suitable for wireless transmission to the recipient device(s). For example, the processor 320 can convert the digital signal 310a and / or the signal 370a into a form (e.g., code or data stream) suitable for wireless transmission to the recipient device(s). For example, as discussed above, it should be appreciated that the recipient device(s) can have a preferred communication mode (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, HART protocol, WirelessHART, cellular wireless communication protocol). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 320 can convert the digital signal 310a and / or the signal 370a into a data form (i.e., the output signal 320a) in accordance with the preferred communication mode(s).

[0069] Similar to the above-discussed embodiments, Figure 3A with respect to the above-discussed embodiments, Figure 3CThe illustrated smart wireless adapter 3300 provides for bidirectional communication. For example, the smart wireless adapter 3300 can provide for bidirectional communication between the device(s) (e.g., measurement device(s)) to which the smart wireless adapter 3300 is coupled and the device(s) (e.g., measurement control and data acquisition system and / or other devices in an industrial operation) with which the smart wireless adapter 3300 is configured to communicate. In one example embodiment, signals / data from the device(s) with which the smart wireless adapter 3300 is configured to communicate can be received by the antenna 340 of the wireless adapter 3300 and provided to the processor 320. The modem 370 can be coupled to receive signals / data from the processor 320 and configured to convert the received signals / data into a form suitable for understanding by circuitry in the digital smart measurement device (i.e., the modem 370 provides for bidirectional communication, e.g., HART commands from a host system query diagnostics available in the digital smart measurement device).

[0070] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, various features from the above-described smart wireless adapters can be combined. Thus, features of one of the above-described smart wireless adapters can be combined with features of other of the above-described smart wireless adapters to, for example, capture various advantages and aspects of the smart wireless adapters sought to be protected by the present disclosure, unless otherwise noted. For example, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, Figure 3 , Figure 3A and Figure 3C the illustrated embodiments can include sensor(s) similar to the sensor(s) 360 illustrated in Figure 3B Further, it should be appreciated that the methods of learning a preferred communication mode discussed in connection with the embodiments illustrated in Figure 3 may be used in connection with the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3A-3C It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, various features from the above-described smart wireless adapters can also be separated. Further, it should be appreciated that the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3A-3C are examples of three of many possible alternative implementations of a smart wireless adapter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] While Figures 3-3CThe smart wireless adapters 300, 1300, 2300, and 3300 shown in the Figures are described in the illustrated embodiments as producing / receiving a single output signal 320a, but it should be understood that in some embodiments the smart wireless adapters 300, 1300, 2300, and 3300 can produce / receive multiple output signals (e.g., when transmitting / receiving output signals to / from more than one device that can have different preferred communication mode(s)). Other references to a single signal or component are not intended to be limiting, and are described as a single signal or component for simplicity of discussion herein.

[0072] With reference to Figure 4 The smart wireless adapter 410 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be the same or similar to the smart wireless adapters 300, 1300, 2300, and 3300 described above in connection with Figures 3-3C The smart wireless adapter 410 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be the same or similar to the smart wireless adapters 300, 1300, 2300, and 3300 described above in connection with Figure 1 The measurement device 420 (e.g., a pneumatic or analog measurement device) is configured to measure one or more parameters in an industrial system (e.g., a process control system) 100 shown in the Figures, and to provide a value or signal indicative of the measured parameter at an output of the measurement device 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the smart wireless adapter 410 is coupled to receive the value or signal from the measurement device 420, and is configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or signal to one or more measurement control and data acquisition systems 430.

[0073] In one example implementation, the smart wireless adapter 410 is removably coupleable to and from the measurement device 420, e.g., using threaded components. For example, with brief reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The smart wireless adapters 1410, 2410 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have respective threaded ends 1412, 2410 (e.g., male threaded rods) that can be received in corresponding openings or sockets (e.g., female threaded holes) in a measurement device (e.g., 420). Figure 4A An example smart wireless adapter 1410 having a fixed antenna (i.e., an antenna having a fixed bandwidth) is shown. Further, Figure 4B An example smart wireless adapter 2410 having an adjustable antenna (i.e., an antenna having an adjustable bandwidth) is shown in

[0074] With reference also to Figure 4CThis illustrates another example of a smart wireless adapter 3410 coupled to an analog pressure transmitter 3500 (which is an example measuring device) via a threaded component 3412. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the smart wireless adapter 3410 enables the analog pressure transmitter 3500 to interface with measurement control and data acquisition systems (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram 430, which will be discussed further below) and other wireless devices in the industrial system for wireless communication.

[0075] It should be understood that, in addition to threaded components or other rotatable structures, other mechanical components for coupling the smart wireless adapter (e.g., 1410, 2410, 3410) to the device are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, a receptacle-type connection may be desirable. In one exemplary embodiment, the receptacle-type connection may take the form of a quick-connect receptacle having a body (receptacle or female end) and a plug (or male end). In some embodiments, the body may be disposed on or integrated into the smart wireless adapter; in other embodiments, the body may be disposed on or integrated into one or more devices. In other embodiments, a clamping structure may be required. The clamping structure may include a fastening mechanism (e.g., a screw) for coupling the smart wireless adapter to one or more devices. For example, the smart wireless adapter can be coupled to one or more devices using the clamping structure in response to one or more forms of movement performed using the fastening mechanism (e.g., rotation of the screw). Other attachment mechanisms and other coupling methods (e.g., by one or more clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, push-pull forces, etc.) besides the examples discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0076] It should be understood that smart wireless adapters can be manufactured using a variety of materials and processes, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, depending on the application(s) in which the smart wireless adapter is used and the environment(s) in which it is used, the smart wireless adapter can be manufactured using, for example, one or more metals, plastics, ceramics, composite materials, rubber materials, etc. It should also be understood that, for example, depending on the application(s) in which the smart wireless adapter is used and the environment(s) in which it is used, the smart wireless adapter can be flexible or rigid. For example, it may be desirable for the antenna (and other parts) of the smart wireless adapter to be flexible in certain situations (e.g., due to lighter weight, potentially lower manufacturing costs (e.g., enabling 3D printing), ease of manufacture, and the availability of inexpensive flexible substrates (e.g., plastics).

[0077] Now back Figure 4 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 4The illustrated measurement devices 420 can be directly communicatively coupled to the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430 using the smart wireless adapters 410. In other embodiments, the measurement devices 420 can be indirectly communicatively coupled to the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430 using the smart wireless adapters 410. For example, in some embodiments, the measurement devices 420 can be communicatively coupled to the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430 through an intermediary device, such as a smart point 440 (e.g., a computing device having one or more processors and memory devices), for example, as illustrated in Figure 4D The smart point 440 can, for example, pre-process data acquired by the measurement devices 420 prior to receipt of the data by the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430. For example, the smart point 440 can determine one or more calculated values, such as duration(s), average(s), maximum(s), minimum(s), etc., and provide the calculated values to the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430.

[0078] One example of a smart point is a Schneider Electric’s Instrument Area Network (IAN) device. In embodiments that use an IAN device, for example, the measurement devices 420 can transmit data (e.g., measurement data) to the IAN device via the smart wireless adapters 410 using the first communication mode(s), and the IAN device can transmit data (e.g., data indicative of the measurement data) to the measurement control and acquisition system(s) 430 using the second communication mode(s). In one example implementation, the first communication mode(s) includes or corresponds to Bluetooth communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and the second communication mode(s) includes or corresponds to cellular wireless communication. It should be appreciated that the first and second communication modes can be the same in some embodiments, while being different in other embodiments. It should also be appreciated that other types of smart points, such as gateways, other than IAN devices can be used to communicatively couple the measurement devices 420 to the measurement control and data acquisition system(s) 430.

[0079] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the measurement devices 420 can also be communicatively coupled to one or more cloud computing systems or devices using the smart wireless adapters 410, for example, as illustrated in Figure 4E Figure 4E ​As shown, in some embodiments, the measurement device 420 can be directly coupled to one or more cloud computing systems or devices, and in other embodiments, the measurement device 420 can be indirectly coupled (e.g., via smart point(s) 440) to one or more cloud computing systems or devices. As used herein, the terms "cloud" and "cloud computing" are intended to refer to computing resources connected to the Internet or otherwise accessible by the measurement device 420 via a communications network, which can be a wired or wireless network, or a combination of both. The computing resources comprising the cloud can be centralized in a single location, distributed across multiple locations, or a combination of both. The cloud computing system can divide computing tasks among multiple racks, blades, processors, cores, controllers, nodes, or other computing units according to a particular cloud system architecture or programming. Similarly, the cloud computing system can store instructions and computing information in centralized memory or storage devices, or can distribute such information among multiple storage devices or memory components. The cloud system can store multiple copies of instructions and computing information in redundant storage units, such as RAID arrays.

[0080] The central processing unit 450 can be an example of a cloud computing system or a cloud-connected computing system. In embodiments, the central processing unit 450 can be a server located within a building in which the industrial equipment (e.g., measurement device 420) is provided, or can be a cloud-based service located remotely. For example, the central processing unit 450 can be configured to implement various analysis techniques to identify patterns in data received from the measurement device 420. The various analysis techniques can also involve the execution of software functions, algorithms, instructions, applications, and parameters, which are stored on one or more memory sources communicatively coupled to the central processing unit. In certain embodiments, the term "function," "algorithm," "instruction," "application," or "parameter" can also refer to a hierarchy of functions, algorithms, instructions, applications, or parameters operating in parallel and / or in series, respectively. The hierarchy can include a tree-based hierarchy, such as a binary tree, a tree with child node(s) descending from each parent node, or a combination thereof, in which each node represents a particular function, algorithm, instruction, application, or parameter.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, central processing unit 450 can correspond to a central processing unit associated with a diagnostic computing device or system (hereinafter collectively referred to as a diagnostic computing device for simplicity). In these embodiments, the diagnostic computing device can be configured to process data (e.g., measurement information, diagnostic codes, etc.) received from measurement device 420 to identify problems associated with measurement device 420 and / or other systems and / or devices associated with an industrial system including, for example, measurement device 420. For example, various analysis techniques can be used to identify problems. In embodiments where the diagnostic computing device is connected to the cloud, for example, it can access additional cloud-connected devices or databases 460 for use in the analysis. For example, the diagnostic computing device can access historical measurement data previously received from measurement device 420, historical event and / or alarm data, or other data that can be useful in analyzing current data received from measurement device 420. For example, the cloud-connected devices or databases 460 from which data is accessed can correspond to devices or databases associated with one or more external data sources.

[0082] In embodiments, by leveraging the cloud connectivity and enhanced computing resources of the diagnostic computing device relative to measurement device 420, complex analysis can be performed on data received from measurement device 420 and additional data sources that can be received (e.g., from cloud-connected devices or databases 460 described above) as appropriate. This analysis can be used to dynamically control one or more parameters, processes, conditions, or devices (e.g., switches) associated with, for example, an industrial system including measurement device 420. In embodiments, the parameters, processes, conditions, or equipment are dynamically controlled by one or more control devices. The control devices can correspond to control devices in or associated with, for example, measurement control and data acquisition system 430.

[0083] In embodiments where the control devices correspond to control devices in measurement control and data acquisition system 430, for example, measurement control and data acquisition system 430 can receive one or more control signals from the diagnostic computing device (e.g., 450) in response to the data analysis performed on the diagnostic computing device. The control signals, in turn, can be used by the control devices in measurement control and data acquisition system 430 to control one or more parameters, processes, conditions, or devices associated with the industrial system.

[0084] In embodiments where the control device corresponds to a control device associated with the measurement control and data acquisition system 430, the control device may be coupled to receive control signals generated by the measurement control and data acquisition system 430 and / or other systems and / or devices (e.g., diagnostic computing devices). The control signals may then be used by the control device to control one or more parameters, processes, conditions, or devices associated with the industrial system. The control device may be coupled to the measurement control and data acquisition system 430, and to systems and / or devices, such as those whose parameters, processes, or conditions will be controlled. Those skilled in the art will understand that control devices such as those described above can take many forms. Furthermore, it should be understood that various devices can implement control functions.

[0085] According to further embodiments of this disclosure, analysis performed on data received from measuring device 420 may also be used (e.g., by the diagnostic computing device discussed above) to generate alarms and / or other alerts indicating problems, status information, etc., associated with measuring device 420 and / or other systems and / or devices associated with industrial systems including measuring device 420. Alarms and / or other alerts (potentially containing detailed information associated with problems, etc.) may be presented on, for example, a display device. The display device may correspond to the display device of a computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, etc.) used by, for example, a service personnel or system monitor. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, alarms and / or other alerts may be prioritized (e.g., by the diagnostic computing system) based on multiple factors (e.g., problem type, severity, location, etc.) and presented on the display device based on this priority. It should be understood that prioritization is only one of many potential ways to organize alarms and / or other alerts. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary implementations discussed above are merely exemplary implementations, and many other additional and alternative implementations are of course possible.

[0086] refer to Figure 5 This illustrates another example configuration of a measuring device 420 utilizing a smart wireless adapter 410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 5As shown, in one example embodiment of the present application, the smart wireless adapter 410 can be coupled to the measurement device 420 via one or more other devices 470. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more other devices 470 can include or correspond to sensing device(s) capable of adding sensing capability(ies) to the measurement device 420 that are not already present in the measurement device 420. For example, in embodiments where the measurement device 420 does not have temperature sensing capability, the other device 470 can include or correspond to a temperature sensor and be capable of adding temperature sensing capability to the measurement device 420. Further, in embodiments where the measurement device 420 has limited temperature sensing capability, the other device 470 can add enhancements to the temperature sensing capability (e.g., allow for more precise temperature sensing and / or sense additional or different temperature parameters).

[0087] It should be appreciated that, in addition to temperature sensing devices, the other devices 470 can be provided as or include other sensing devices, such as vibration sensors and / or any number of other sensors associated with the application or process associated with the measurement device 420. Further, it should be appreciated that, in addition to sensing devices, the other devices 470 can be provided as or include other devices. For example, the other devices 470 can be provided as or include device(s) to extend the range of the smart wireless adapter 410. It should be appreciated that any number of other configured other devices 470 are of course possible and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, the other devices 470 can provide extended functionality to the measurement device 420 and / or the smart wireless adapter 410.

[0088] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the other devices 470 can be removably coupled to the measurement device 420 and the smart wireless adapter 410 can be removably coupled to the measurement device 420, as shown in FIG. 4B. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the other devices 470 can be removably coupled to the measurement device 420 and the smart wireless adapter 410 can be removably coupled to the other devices 470, as shown in FIG. 4C. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the other devices 470 can be removably coupled to the smart wireless adapter 410 and the smart wireless adapter 410 can be removably coupled to the measurement device 420, as shown in FIG. 4D. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the other devices 470 can be removably coupled to the smart wireless adapter 410 and the smart wireless adapter 410 can be removably coupled to the other devices 470, as shown in FIG. 4E. Figure 5AAs shown. For example, similar to the smart wireless adapter embodiment discussed above, in one example implementation, a threaded component can be used to thread another device 470 to a corresponding portion of the measuring device 420, and a threaded component can be used to thread the smart wireless adapter 410 to a corresponding portion of the other device 470. Furthermore, in one example implementation, the other device 470 can be coupled to a corresponding portion of the measuring device 420 via a socket-type connection, and the smart wireless adapter 410 can be threaded to a corresponding portion of the other device 470 via a socket-type connection. It should be understood that many other possible components are available for coupling the other device 470 to the measuring device 420, and for coupling the smart wireless adapter 410 to the measuring device 420. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the components used for coupling are selected based on application, cost, connection strength, the ability of the other device 470, the measuring device 420, and the smart wireless adapter 410 to quickly couple and decouple from each other, etc.

[0089] As shown in the various embodiments discussed above, the smart wireless adapter has many possible configurations and uses according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0090] As described above, and as those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments disclosed herein can be configured as a system, method, or a combination thereof. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can include various components comprising hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0091] It should be understood that the concepts, systems, circuits and techniques sought to be protected herein are not limited to use in the example applications described herein (e.g., industrial applications), but can be useful in virtually any application where the automatic collection and analysis of data from equipment or apparatus is desired.

[0092] Preferred embodiments of the various concepts, structures, and techniques that form the subject of this patent have been described. It will now become apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments combining these concepts, structures, and techniques can be used. Furthermore, elements of the different embodiments described herein can be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described above.

[0093] Therefore, it is considered that the scope of this patent should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of establishing communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system, the method comprising: providing a pneumatic or analog measurement device configured to measure one or more parameters in an industrial system and provide a value or signal indicative of the measured parameter at an output of the pneumatic or analog measurement device; and providing a smart wireless adapter electrically and mechanically couplable to the pneumatic or analog measurement device, the smart wireless adapter coupled to receive the value or signal from the pneumatic or analog measurement device and configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system; wherein a digital signal indicative of the value or signal is converted to a data form based at least in part on one or more preferred communication modes from a plurality of preferred communication modes of the measurement control and data acquisition system, the one or more preferred communication modes including one or more wireless communication protocols, the wirelessly transmitted data indicative of the value or signal including the converted digital signal; and wherein one or more preferred communication modes of the plurality of preferred communication modes are communicated from the measurement control and data acquisition system to the smart wireless adapter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart wireless adapter is removably couplable to or from the pneumatic or analog measurement device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart wireless adapter is removably couplable to or from the pneumatic or analog measurement device using threaded components.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart wireless adapter is received in a receptacle or opening formed in the pneumatic or analog measurement device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart wireless adapter selects one or more of the plurality of preferred communication modes, and the digital signal indicative of the value or signal is converted to the data form based on the selected communication mode.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein one or more of the preferred communication modes are learned by the smart wireless adapter.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein one or more preferred communication modes are learned based on a series of test communications occurring between the smart wireless adapter and the measurement control and data acquisition system. the one or more preferred communication modes are identified based on an evaluation of data collected during the series of test communications with respect to information related to possible communication modes from a library of possible communication modes.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the data form is further selected from a plurality of data forms the smart wireless adapter is capable of generating and transmitting. ​ 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of data formats includes data formats adapted for transmission using one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, WirelessHART, RFID, and cellular wireless communication protocols.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving signals / data from the measurement control and data acquisition system on the smart wireless adapter in a first data format, and providing data indicative of the received signals / data to the pneumatic or analog measurement device in a second data format.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first data format is a format adapted to be interpreted by the smart wireless adapter, and the second data format is a format adapted to be interpreted by the pneumatic or analog measurement device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first data format and the second data format are different data formats.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the signals / data received from the measurement control and data acquisition system are used to control one or more aspects of the pneumatic or analog measurement device and / or to control one or more aspects of a system or device associated with the pneumatic or analog measurement device.

15. A smart wireless adapter for establishing communication between a pneumatic or analog measurement device and a measurement control and data acquisition system in an industrial system, the smart wireless adapter comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory device coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one processor and the at least one memory device configured to: receive values or signals indicative of one or more parameters measured by the pneumatic or analog measurement device; and wirelessly transmit data indicative of the values or signals to the measurement control and data acquisition system; wherein digital signals indicative of the values or signals are converted to a data format based at least in part on one or more preferred communication modes from a plurality of preferred communication modes of the measurement control and data acquisition system, the wirelessly transmitted data indicative of the values or signals including the converted digital signals, the one or more preferred communication modes including one or more wireless communication protocols; and wherein one or more preferred communication modes of the plurality of preferred communication modes are communicated from the measurement control and data acquisition system to the smart wireless adapter.

16. The smart wireless adapter of claim 15, wherein the smart wireless adapter includes a threaded portion that can be received onto a corresponding portion of the pneumatic or analog measurement device.

17. The smart wireless adapter of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory device are further configured to: convert the values or signals indicative of the measured parameters to a data format adapted for transmission to and reception by the measurement control and data acquisition system prior to wirelessly transmitting the data indicative of the values or signals to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

18. The smart wireless adapter of claim 17, wherein the data form adapted to be transmitted to and received by the measurement control and data acquisition system is a data form according to one or more preferred communication modes of the measurement control and data acquisition system.

19. The smart wireless adapter of claim 17, wherein the data form is selected from a plurality of data forms that the smart wireless adapter is capable of generating and transmitting.

20. The smart wireless adapter of claim 19, wherein the plurality of data forms includes data forms adapted for transmission using one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWA, WiFi, WirelessHART, RFID, and cellular wireless communication protocols.

21. The smart wireless adapter of claim 15, further comprising: one or more sensing devices configured to sense one or more parameters associated with the industrial system, wherein the smart wireless adapter is configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the sensed parameters to the measurement control and data acquisition system.

22. A smart wireless adapter for establishing communication between a digital smart measurement device in an industrial system and a measurement control and data acquisition system, the smart wireless adapter comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory device coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one processor and the at least one memory device configured to: receive at least one analog signal indicative of one or more values associated with one or more parameters measured by the digital smart measurement device; receive at least one digital signal indicative of diagnostic information captured by the digital smart measurement device; process the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal to generate one or more signals indicative of the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal, the generated one or more signals indicative of the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal provided in a form adapted for transmission to the measurement control and data acquisition system; and wirelessly transmit the one or more signals indicative of the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal; wherein processing the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal to generate one or more signals indicative of the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal is performed based at least in part on one or more preferred communication modes from a plurality of preferred communication modes of the measurement control and data acquisition system, the one or more preferred communication modes including one or more wireless communication protocols; wherein the wirelessly transmitted one or more signals indicative of the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal include the generated one or more signals; wherein one or more preferred communication modes of the plurality of preferred communication modes are communicated from the measurement control and data acquisition system to the smart wireless adapter. ​ 23. The intelligent wireless adapter of claim 22, wherein the at least one analog signal and the at least one digital signal are superimposed on the same loop, the loop coupled to at least one input of the intelligent wireless adapter.

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