Systems and field devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a system, comprising a feed device (400) and a plurality of field devices (100) electrically connected to the feed device. The feed device (400) is designed to provide electrical energy for supplying electrical energy to the field devices (100). The feed device has a monitoring device (410), which is designed to detect the occurrence of sparks in the electrical energy supply and to cut off the electrical energy supply based on this. The field devices each have a first device area (101) and a second device area (102) with an input connector (110) for connecting a power line. The electrical energy provided by the feed device (400) can be fed to the first device area via the input connector (110) and can be transmitted from the first device area (101) to the second device area (102) via an electrical energy supply connection (170). The second device area (102) has a connection device (160), which has at least one output line connector (165) for connecting at least one output line, so as to transmit the electrical energy transmitted to the second device area. The electrical energy supply connection (170) of the first and second device areas has a power limiting device (300) which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted from the first device area (101) to the second device area (102) within the scope of the energy transmission. The invention also relates to a field device for such a system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a feeding device and a plurality of field devices electrically connected to the feeding device. The present invention also relates to a field device used in such a system. Background Art

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of German patent application DE 10 2021 102 357.2, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The automation system may include a plurality of sensors and actuators. A feeding device electrically connected to these components may be used to supply power. The feeding device may additionally be designed to perform data communication with the components or control of the components.

[0004] In one possible application scenario, sensors and actuators are located in an area subject to explosion hazard (e.g., Zone 0 / 20 according to the ATEX Directive; ATEX: Explosive Atmospheres (Atmosphères Explosibles)) and the feeders are located in an area subject to little or no explosion risk (e.g., Zone 2 / 22 according to the ATEX Directive). To meet the explosion protection requirements, the feeders can be connected to the sensors and actuators via point-to-point connections or other types of connections (e.g., parallel wiring), for which special power cables and plug connectors can be used. For these components, designs or design principles in accordance with the ATEX Directive can be used to ensure explosion protection, also known as “ignition protection type”. For example, designs based on pressure-resistant encapsulation or ignition protection types of increased safety are possible. These measures can be associated with a high wiring effort and high costs.

[0005] The standard PD IEC / TS 60079-39:2015 "Explosive atmospheres - Part 39: "Intrinsically safe systems with electrically controlled spark duration limitation" describes a system comprising at least one field device (Power-i field device) and a power feed (Power-i source) electrically connected to the field device. The power feed is used to supply electrical energy to the field device and further to monitor the electrical energy supply. To this end, the power feed is designed to detect the presence of a spark in the electrical energy supply of the field device in order to disconnect the energy supply based on this. Market-ready implementation of the concepts defined in this standard has not yet occurred. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to specify a solution for an improved system by means of which components such as actuators and sensors which may be located in explosion-endangered areas can be supplied with power.

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system is proposed, which includes a feed device and a plurality of field devices electrically connected to the feed device. The feed device is designed to provide electrical energy for supplying electrical energy to the field device. The feed device has a monitoring device, which is designed to detect the occurrence of sparks in the electrical energy supply and cut off the electrical energy supply accordingly. The field devices respectively have a first device area and a second device area with an input connector for connecting a power line. The electrical energy provided by the feed device can be fed to the first device area through the input connector and can be transmitted from the first device area to the second device area through the electrical energy supply connection. The second device area has a connection device, which has at least one output line connector for connecting at least one output line so as to transfer the electrical energy transmitted to the second device area. The electrical energy supply connection of the first and second device areas has a power limiting device, which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted from the first device area to the second device area during energy transmission.

[0009] The field device of the proposed system has a first device area with an input connector and a second device area with a connecting device, and the connecting device has at least one output line connector. The electric energy provided by the feeding device of the system can be introduced into the first device area through the input connector and the power line connected thereto. The first device area and the second device area are connected to each other via an electric energy supply connection, and the electric energy supplied to the first device area can be further fed into the second device area via the electric energy supply connection. Based on this, electric energy can be transmitted through the connecting device of the second device area and at least one output line connected thereto. In this way, an external device or component, such as a sensor or an actuator (hereinafter referred to as a field component) connected to the output line can be powered. Depending on the configuration, multiple field components or multiple sensors and / or actuators can also be connected to the connecting device via multiple output lines and are therefore supplied with energy.

[0010] In addition to providing electrical energy, the power supply device of the system is also used to monitor the power supply of the field device. For this purpose, the power supply device is designed to detect sparks or arcs that occur due to a fault when the power supply is in operation, and based on this, shut down the power supply with a short delay in order to terminate the spark. By limiting the spark duration thus achieved, it is possible to prevent with high or sufficient reliability that, in the event of a fault, sparks or ignition sparks with sufficient ignition energy are generated in the input terminal area of ​​the first device area of ​​the field device and in the area of ​​the power supply line connected to the field device.

[0011] As described in more detail below, the first device region of the at least one field device can have at least one output connection for connecting a further power supply line in order to transfer the electrical energy provided to the first device region. Accordingly, due to the limitation of the spark duration, the generation of a spark with sufficient ignition energy in the region of the at least one output connection can be reliably prevented.

[0012] For the second device area of ​​the field device and the field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to them via output lines, reliable and safe protection can be achieved in the following way, that is, the power supply connection of the first and second device areas has a power limiting device in the field device. The power limiting device can be used to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted or can be transmitted at most from the first device area to the second device area. In this way, it can be ensured that the electrical energy available at the connection device or the output line connection of the second device area of ​​the field device is limited and is not sufficient to generate sparks or ignition sparks in the area of ​​the connection device or the output line connection of the second device area and therefore also in the area of ​​the output lines and the field components connected to them in the event of a fault.

[0013] Due to the above characteristics, the system can be used, for example, in the following application scenarios. The field components (sensor and / or actuator components) connected to the second device area of ​​the field device via output lines can be located in an area with explosion hazard (e.g., zone 0 / 20 according to the ATEX directive). The field device can be arranged in an area with low explosion hazard (e.g., zone 1 / 21 according to the ATEX directive). The feeding device can be located in an area with little or no explosion hazard (e.g., zone 2 / 22 according to the ATEX directive).

[0014] In this context, the protection mechanism which can be provided by monitoring the electrical energy supply of the field device and by limiting the power within the field device can be provided with a simple and inexpensive construction for the power supply lines and output lines used, and for plug connectors arranged on the lines, by means of which components such as field devices and field components can be connected. In addition, there is the possibility of feeding relatively high electrical powers into the first device region of the field device.

[0015] Further possible details and implementations that may be considered for the system and its components are described in more detail below.

[0016] The electrical energy provided by means of the power supply device may be direct current (DC, direct current). To provide the electrical energy, the power supply device may be electrically connected to a power supply or a DC power supply and may be powered by the power supply in this way.

[0017] As mentioned above, the field devices of the system can be connected to field components such as sensors and / or actuators in order to supply them with power. In this sense, the field devices can be used as energy distributors for the field components. The field components can be assigned to the system and are thus part of the system. The same applies to the lines used, such as power lines and output lines and their plug connectors.

[0018] In the first and second device areas of the field device, the electrical energy can be transmitted in particular via internal electrical conductors or the like. Such an embodiment can also be applied to the electrical energy supply connection of the first and second device areas, which can also include corresponding electrical conductors in addition to the power limiting device. For example, the electrical conductors can be in the form of conductive tracks.

[0019] As described above, the connecting device of the second device area of ​​the field device is used to connect at least one or more output lines, through which one or more field components (sensors and / or actuators) can be powered in a corresponding manner. For this purpose, the connecting device has at least one output line connector for connecting the output line, as described above.

[0020] According to another embodiment, reliable limitation of the electric power that can be transmitted from the first device area to the second device area can be achieved in the following manner, that is, the power limiting device of the field device is designed to cause current limitation and voltage limitation. To this end, the power limiting device can have electrical components, such as at least one resistor and at least one voltage limiting component or semiconductor component, such as a Zener diode. In addition, at least one fuse can be used, possibly together with an optional protective resistor. Current limitation can be achieved with the help of at least one resistor. Voltage limitation can be achieved with the help of at least one voltage limiting component. If a Zener diode is used for this purpose, reverse operation can be performed. Protection, such as protection related to at least one voltage limiting component, can be achieved by a fuse and a protective resistor that may be used. Instead of at least one Zener diode, at least one other semiconductor element suitable for voltage limitation, such as a thyristor, can also be used.

[0021] The connecting device of the second equipment area of ​​the field device can have a plurality of output line connectors, so that a plurality of output lines can be connected to the connecting device. In this article, the power limiting device can be designed to produce a common current limitation and voltage limitation to the output line connector. The power limiting device can also be designed to cause a plurality of separate and possibly different current limitations and / or cause a plurality of separate and possibly different voltage limitations. In this way, there can be a separate and possibly different current limitation and / or voltage limitation about a single or multiple output line connectors. For example, the power limiting device can be designed so that a common voltage limitation and a plurality of small-scale or subdivided current limitations are provided to the output line connector, i.e., separate and possibly different current limitations are provided about a single and / or multiple output line connectors or output line connector groups.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the first device area of ​​the field device has a decoupling device, which is designed to provide a predetermined input impedance for detecting the generation of sparks. In this way, the field device can have a known and predictable electrical behavior, which makes it possible to detect sparks generated by the feeding device with high or sufficient reliability in the event of a fault. The decoupling device can be arranged between the input connector and the power limiting device. The decoupling device can have a component such as an LC low-pass filter including an inductor and at least one capacitor. In addition, at least one component or semiconductor component, such as a diode, can be provided for presetting the current flow direction. Another possible component is a voltage limiting device, for example in the form of a clamping circuit composed of a voltage limiting component or a semiconductor component, such as a diode, which can be connected in parallel with an inductor, for example.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the first device region of the field device has an internal power supply, which can be supplied with power by means of the electrical energy supplied to the first device region. By means of the internal power supply of the field device, at least one internal device or component present in the field device according to the design can be supplied with electrical energy. This can include, for example, a control device as further described below, such as a communication controller. The communication controller can be a monolithic or discrete communication controller.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first device area of ​​at least one field device has at least one output connection for connecting another power line as described above, so as to further conduct the electrical energy supplied to the first device area. At least one output connection can be electrically connected to an input connection of the associated first device area. With regard to this embodiment, the power line connected to the output connection of the field device can be connected to the input connection of another field device, so that the electrical energy can be further conducted from one field device to another field device.

[0025] Based on the above-described embodiments or in the case where a plurality or all field devices of the system have at least one output connection, the following configurations of the system are also conceivable.

[0026] In another embodiment, the feed device is connected to one of the field devices via a power line, and the field devices are connected to each other via another power line that connects every two field devices. This structure is characterized by a small amount of wiring work. The power line connecting the field device can be connected to the input connector and the output connector of the field device. The power line connecting the feed device to one of the field devices can be connected to the feed device output connector of the feed device and the input connector of the relevant field device.

[0027] In the aforementioned embodiment, the electric energy provided by the feeding device can be supplied to the field device and can be transmitted from there to other field devices, i.e. from one field device to another. The field devices can further distribute the electric energy provided to them in this way to other field components (sensors and / or actuators) via output lines connected to them.

[0028] At least one field device can be designed to have a plurality of output connections. In this design, the field device concerned can be used as an energy distributor and transmit electrical energy to a plurality of field devices via a plurality of power supply lines.

[0029] In another embodiment, a first device region of at least one field device equipped with at least one output connection has a switching device arranged between an input connection and at least one output connection, by means of which the transfer of electrical energy supplied to the first device region can be switched. If there is a configuration with a plurality of output connections, a switching device can be provided in a corresponding manner between the input connection and each output connection. This embodiment makes it possible to separate the input connection and the at least one output connection from each other and to control the transfer of electrical energy via the at least one output connection.

[0030] For example, the at least one switching device can be actuated by means of a communication controller described further below.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the first device region of the field device has an inrush current limiter, which is designed to limit the inrush current at the start of the power supply. In this way, it can be avoided that when the power supply is started, a high or excessive inrush current occurs in one or more field devices, as a result of which the power supply device erroneously cuts off the power supply, although no spark is generated.

[0032] The on-state current limiter may comprise components such as a transistor, a resistor connected in series with the transistor and a regulator. The current flowing through the resistor can be measured by means of the regulator, the transistor can be controlled accordingly, and the voltage drop across the transistor can be adjusted to avoid excessive currents.

[0033] The inrush current limiter can be arranged between the decoupling device and the input connection. In this embodiment, the inrush current limiter can be subject to safety requirements, for example, with regard to providing redundancy.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the inrush current limiter of the field device is arranged between the decoupling device and the power limiting device. In this way, less stringent requirements can be placed on the inrush current limiter, which can be achieved in this respect according to a simple embodiment.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the field device has a galvanic isolation. Thus, the electrical energy provided to the first device area can be directed to a separate circuit. This embodiment facilitates reliable and safe operation of the system. The galvanic isolation circuit can be formed at least partially by the field device or a component of the field device.

[0036] A galvanic isolation can be formed in the first device area and / or in the power supply connection of the first and second device areas. In this case, the power limiting device can be designed with galvanic isolation. Components such as a transformer, an inverter arranged upstream of the transformer, a rectifier arranged downstream of the transformer, and a smoothing capacitor can be used to achieve the galvanic isolation.

[0037] Galvanic isolation can be provided in the feeder device. In this way, the field device can be designed without galvanic isolation.

[0038] In combination with the above-mentioned application scenario in which the field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to the field devices via output lines are arranged in explosion-hazardous areas and the field devices are arranged in areas with lower explosion hazards, the following embodiments can also be considered to ensure that the system can operate safely. The connector of the first device area of ​​the field device, i.e., the input connector of the first device area of ​​the field device and at least one output connector of the first device area of ​​at least one field device (if any) are designed according to the first ignition protection type. In addition, the connector of the second device area of ​​the field device, i.e., at least one output line connector of the second device area of ​​the field device, is designed according to the second ignition protection type. The second ignition protection type corresponds to a higher level of protection than the first ignition protection type.

[0039] For example, the second ignition protection type may be an ignition protection type of intrinsic safety Ex ia, while the first ignition protection type may be an ignition protection type of intrinsic safety Ex ib. The satisfaction of different protection types can be achieved in the following way: in the area of ​​the corresponding joints of the first and second device areas of the field device, the existing components, such as internal components and electrical conductors, have a design corresponding to the ignition protection type, such as a design with respect to distance and redundancy. The monitoring function of the feed device also contributes to the intrinsic safety Ex ib of the joints of the first device area of ​​the field device. With respect to the joints of the second device area, power limitation based on a power limiting device can contribute to the intrinsic safety Ex ia.

[0040] In order to achieve a higher system safety, it is also possible to consider, for example, encapsulating the field device. In this case, the field device or its housing can be filled with a casting compound, which prevents explosive mixtures from entering the field device. In this way, the field device can be designed according to the ignition protection type Ex mb. The field device can also adopt other or equivalent protection types, such as a design with a pressure-resistant encapsulation. Therefore, the field device can be designed according to the ignition protection type Ex db.

[0041] The system or its field devices can be used not only to provide power to field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to the field devices, but also to communicate data and control these components. In this sense, the system can be configured as an automation system. In this case, the configuration explained below can be used.

[0042] In another embodiment, the field device is designed to perform data communication in that the first device area has at least one communication port for connecting a data line for receiving and / or sending data signals and a communication controller connected to the at least one communication port. In this way, the communication controller can receive and / or send data signals via the communication port. The communication controller is connected to a connection device of the second device area via a communication connection in order to receive and / or send data signals via the connection device. The communication connection between the communication controller and the connection device has a barrier device, which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted from the communication controller to the connection device during data communication and / or to cause galvanic isolation.

[0043] The above embodiments provide the possibility of using a field device or its communication controller to perform data communication with a field component (sensor and / or actuator) connected to a connection device or an output line connector via an output line. For example, sensor data or sensor signals can be read from a sensor and transmitted through the field device. In addition, control data or control signals can be transmitted to an actuator.

[0044] In this case, the system can also have a superordinate control device connected in a suitable manner to the field device, to which the field device or its communication controller can transmit such data signals and / or from which the field device or its communication controller can receive such data signals.

[0045] At least one field device or a plurality of or all field devices of the system may also have a plurality of or two communication ports connected to an associated communication controller. In this way, data communication may also be carried out (respectively) by two field devices connected by data lines or by a plurality of field devices connected by data lines.

[0046] In the case of a field device designed for data communication, the communication connection between the communication controller of the first device area and the connecting device of the second device area has a barrier device, as described above. With the help of the barrier device, it can be achieved that the electrical power that can be introduced into the second device area of ​​the field device during data communication is limited. This can ensure that, based on the data communication, no sparks or ignition sparks are caused in the area of ​​the connecting device or the output line connector of the second device area of ​​the field device, and therefore no sparks are caused in the area of ​​the output line and the field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to the field device via the output line. Therefore, the above-mentioned application scenario in which the field components connected to the field device are arranged in an explosion-hazardous area and the field device is arranged in an area with less explosion hazard can be used in a corresponding manner for a system with a field device designed for data communication.

[0047] In the first and second device areas of the field device, data communication can take place in particular via internal data connections or data lines with corresponding electrical conductors. This configuration can also be applied to communication connections of the first and second device areas, which can also include corresponding data lines or electrical conductors in addition to the barrier device. For example, the electrical conductors can be in the form of conductive tracks.

[0048] The barrier device for the communication connection of the first and second device areas of the field device can be implemented in the form of a digital isolator such as an optocoupler or a magnetic coupler. In this way, reliable power limitation and galvanic isolation through the barrier device can be achieved.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the connecting device of the second device area of ​​the field device has an input / output controller. The input / output controller can be designed to control receiving and / or sending data signals through the connecting device. In this way, reliable data communication can be performed with the field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to the output line connector of the connecting device or the field device via the output line. The input / output controller can communicate with the communication controller belonging to the first device area through a communication connection so as to send or receive corresponding data signals from the communication controller. The input / output controller can be additionally or alternatively designed to control the power transmission via the connecting device. Thus, the transmission and distribution of the power via the connecting device can be flexibly determined. This can be controlled, for example, by a communication controller, and the communication controller can transmit corresponding data signals or control data to the input / output controller for this purpose. In the above case, the communication between the communication controller and the input / output controller can be carried out, for example, according to a specified communication protocol, and by the corresponding ports of the communication controller and the input / output controller.

[0050] In another embodiment, the field device is designed to perform data communication via at least one communication port of the first device area according to a first communication protocol. The field device is further designed to perform data communication via a connection device of the second device area according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. As a result, the data communication between the field device and the field components (sensors and / or actuators) connected to them via output lines can be separated from the remaining data communication, that is, the data communication between the field devices and each other and between the field devices and the superior control device, which can be decoupled by the feeding device if necessary, so as to be designed for different requirements. For example, it can be provided that the data communication between the field device and the field components connected thereto is carried out at a lower data transmission rate than the remaining data communication.

[0051] Data communication according to different communication protocols can be carried out via corresponding ports or physical interfaces and possibly other internal devices or components, which can be arranged in the first and second device areas of the field device. Such components can be assigned to or included by a communication controller of the first device area and a connecting device or input / output controller of the second device area.

[0052] The first communication protocol can, for example, be an Ethernet communication with a data transmission rate of, for example, 100 MBit. This can be, for example, EtherCAT. The second communication protocol can, for example, be a communication according to HART or Profibus PA. It is possible that the second communication protocol also involves an Ethernet communication, in which a lower data transmission rate of, for example, 10 MBit is used compared to the first communication protocol. In this case, the internal device of the connection device or the input / output controller for data communication can also be designed according to, for example, the future APL standard (Advanced Physical Layer).

[0053] In a further embodiment, the physical interface is arranged between the communication controller and at least one communication port of the first device area of ​​the field device. With the help of the physical interface, which can also be called PHY and can be implemented in the form of a physical interface module, processing in the form of encoding or decoding of data signals can be performed. Additionally or alternatively, a barrier circuit is arranged between the communication controller and at least one communication port of the first device area of ​​the field device, which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted to the communication port of the first device area during data communication and / or cause current isolation. In this way, according to the above-mentioned barrier device, a high degree of security regarding data communication can be achieved. With the help of the barrier circuit, it can be achieved that due to data communication, no spark or ignition spark will be generated in the area of ​​the communication port, and therefore no spark or ignition spark will be generated in the area of ​​the data line connected to it. The barrier circuit can have electrical components, such as at least one diode and at least one resistor for power limitation and / or a transformer or capacitor for current isolation.

[0054] In embodiments of a field device having multiple or two communication ports, a physical port and / or a barrier circuit may be disposed between each communication port and the communication controller.

[0055] If the field device is designed to perform data communications in addition to delivering or distributing electrical energy as described above, the following configuration may also be used to keep the wiring complexity as low as possible.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the input connector of the first device area of ​​the field device is designed in the form of a hybrid connector including at least one communication port, to which a power line designed in the form of a hybrid line can be connected. In this design, the input connector can be used to feed in electrical energy for energy supply and to transmit data signals. Accordingly, the power line connected to the input connector can be used at the same time as a data line, through which electrical energy for energy supply and data signals can be transmitted.

[0057] As described above, the first device section of at least one field device of the system can have at least one output connector. Another embodiment provides that at least one output connector is designed in the form of another hybrid connector including a communication port, to which another power line designed in the form of a hybrid line can be connected. In this design, the output connector can be used to transfer electric energy for energy supply and transmit data signals. Accordingly, the power line connected to the output connector can be used as a data line at the same time, through which electric energy and data signals for energy supply can be transmitted.

[0058] The output line connection of the connecting device of the second device area of ​​the field device can also be in the form of a hybrid connection, through which power and data signals can be transmitted. Accordingly, the output line that can be connected thereto and can be used to connect the field device to the field component (sensor and / or actuator) can be designed as a hybrid line for transmitting power and data signals.

[0059] Regarding the power feeding equipment of the system, the following configurations can also be considered.

[0060] The feeder can have a power supply input via which the feeder can be electrically connected to a power supply or a DC power supply in order to be powered by the power supply in this way. The feeder can also have a feeder limiting device designed to limit the electrical power supplied to the feeder via the power supply input. In this way, the electrical power provided by the feeder for supplying energy to the field device can be limited at the same time. The feeder limiting device can be designed to cause current limitation and voltage limitation.

[0061] As mentioned above, the feeder can have a galvanic isolation. The galvanic isolation can be implemented in the feeder limiting device.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the monitoring device of the feeder device has a first detector, a second detector, a feeder device switch device and a control unit. The control unit can be connected to the two detectors and the feeder device switch device. The first detector can be designed to detect a change in current when a make-spark occurs. This spark may occur when the circuit is closed or short-circuited. The second detector can be designed to detect a change in current when a break-spark occurs. This spark may occur when the circuit is opened or disconnected. During operation, the detector can detect a change in current reflecting the generation of the spark, based on which the control unit can cut off the power supply to the field device by correspondingly manipulating the feeder device switch device.

[0063] The power feeding device may further include a power feeding device output connector for connecting to a power line. The power feeding device may be connected to one of the field devices via the power line.

[0064] Regarding data communication, the system may have a higher-level control device, as described above. In this case, it can be considered that the upper-level control device is connected to the field device through the feed device to communicate with them or exchange data signals.

[0065] To this end, the feeder can be designed to perform data communication. To this end, the feeder can have a communication input terminal, through which the feeder can be connected to the superior control device so as to receive data signals from the control device and / or send data signals to the control device. The feeder can also include a feeder communication controller, two physical feeder ports for encoding and decoding data signals, a feeder barrier circuit and a feeder communication port. The feeder can be connected to one of the field devices via the feeder communication port and the data line connected thereto so as to send data signals to the field device and / or receive data signals from the field device. The first of the physical feeder interfaces can be arranged between the communication input terminal and the feeder communication controller, and the second physical feeder interface can be arranged between the feeder communication port and the feeder communication controller. The feeder barrier circuit can be located between the feeder communication port and the second physical feeder interface. The feeder barrier circuit can be designed to limit the power that can be transmitted during data communication and / or cause current isolation.

[0066] Depending on the field device, the feeder output connector can be designed in the form of a hybrid connector including a feeder communication port, to which a power line designed in the form of a hybrid line can be connected. In this way, electrical energy and data signals for energy supply can be transmitted via the power line.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present invention, a field device for a system having a power feeding device is proposed. The power feeding device is designed to provide electrical energy to supply electrical energy to the field device and detect the occurrence of sparks in the electrical energy supply so as to cut off the electrical energy supply based on this. The field device has a first device area with an input connector for connecting a power line and a second device area. The electrical energy provided by the power feeding device can be fed to the first device area via the input connector and can be transmitted from the first device area to the second device area via an electrical energy supply connection. The second device area has a connection device having at least one output line connector for connecting at least one output line so as to transfer the electrical energy transmitted to the second device area. The electrical energy supply connection of the first and second device areas has a power limiting device, which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted from the first device area to the second device area during energy transmission.

[0068] The above-mentioned embodiments, features and details can be used in a corresponding manner for the proposed field device. When the field device is used in a system, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved in the same way. In this sense, the feeding device of the system can suppress the generation of sparks or ignition sparks with sufficient energy for ignition in the area of ​​the input connector of the first device area of ​​the field device and in the area of ​​the power supply line connected to the field device in the event of a fault. The power limiting device of the field device and the power limitation achieved thereby can ensure that in the event of a fault, no spark or ignition spark will occur in the area of ​​at least one output line connector of the connecting device or the second device area, and therefore also in the area of ​​at least one field component (sensor or actuator) of the connecting device connected to the field device via an output line.

[0069] With regard to the above-mentioned system including a plurality of field devices, and with regard to the above-mentioned field devices, the following is also pointed out. The structure of the field device with the first device area and the second device area explained above can be based on circuit technology considerations of the field device. From the perspective of explosion protection, the field device can adopt a three-zone design. In order to distinguish these areas, they are referred to as "device sections" hereinafter, namely the first device section, the second device section and the third device section. The first device section includes an input connector and at least one output connector (if present), and the second device section includes at least one output line connector of the field device. The third device section, which is respectively related to the remaining field devices or the remaining components of the field devices, includes circuits or circuit components connected to the corresponding connectors.

[0070] The first device section (input connector, output connector) can correspond to the first ignition protection type, the second device section (output line connector) can correspond to the second ignition protection type, and the third device section (the remaining field devices) can correspond to the third ignition protection type. The first, second and third ignition protection types can be different from each other. According to the above description, the field device and its connector can be designed so that the first ignition protection type is the ignition protection type intrinsic safety Ex ib, and the second ignition protection type is the ignition protection type intrinsic safety Ex ia. The monitoring function of the feeding device also contributes to the intrinsic safety Ex ib of the first device section, and the power limitation implemented in the field device can contribute to the intrinsic safety Ex ia of the second device section. Regarding the third ignition protection type, a design scheme of a field device having encapsulation or having another equivalent design, such as a pressure-resistant encapsulation, can be considered, so that the third ignition protection type can be an ignition protection type Ex mb or Ex db.

[0071] The advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention explained above and / or reproduced in the dependent claims can be used individually or in any combination with one another, except in the case of explicit dependencies or incompatible alternatives, for example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The above-mentioned characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the types and methods of achieving them, will become more clear and more clearly understood in conjunction with the description of the following exemplary embodiments, which will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the following drawings. In the drawings:

[0073] Figure 1 A system including a power feeding device, a plurality of field devices, and a plurality of field components is shown;

[0074] Figure 2 An application scenario of the system is shown, in which the feeding device, the field device and the field component are located in different areas;

[0075] Figure 3 A diagram showing a feeding device is shown;

[0076] Figure 4 A diagram of a field device according to one embodiment is shown, wherein the field device has an input connection and an output connection;

[0077] Figure 5 A decoupling arrangement for a field device is shown;

[0078] Figure 6 A switch-on current limiter for a field device is shown;

[0079] Figure 7 An isolation device for a field device is shown;

[0080] Figures 8 to 11 Different designs of power limiting devices for field devices are shown;

[0081] Fig.12 shows a diagram of a field device according to another embodiment, wherein the field device has an input connection;

[0082] Fig.13 shows a diagram of a field device according to another embodiment, wherein the field device has an input connection and a plurality of output connections; and

[0083] Fig.14 A further illustration of a field device with three device sections from the perspective of explosion protection is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Based on the following schematic diagram, a system configuration is described, by means of which field components such as actuators and sensors can be supplied with energy and communication with or control of field components can be carried out. The field components may here be located in an explosion-endangered area.

[0085] To further illustrate, Figure 1 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 50. The system 50 includes a feeding device 400, a plurality of field devices 100 electrically connected to the feeding device 400, and a plurality of field components 600 electrically connected to the field devices 100. With respect to the field components 600, only the connection associated with one of the field devices 100 is indicated. The feeding device 400 is designed in particular to provide electrical energy for supplying electrical energy to the field devices 100 and also to the field components 600. The electrical energy is direct current.

[0086] according to Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the system 50 includes a series or string of three field devices 100, which are connected in a Figure 1 The system 50 is provided with reference numerals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 and is also referred to as the first field device 100-1, the second field device 100-2 and the third field device 100-3 below. In addition, the system 50 may include a different or greater number of field devices 100 (not shown).

[0087] The electrical connection between the power feeding device 400 and the field device 100 or between the field devices 100 is established via the power line 500. Figure 1 As shown, the power feeding device 400 is connected to the first field device 100-1 via a power supply line 500. The first field device 100-1 is connected to the second field device 100-2 and the second field device 100-2 is connected to the third field device 100-3 via another power supply line 500, respectively.

[0088] The power line 500 is connected to the corresponding connectors of the power feeding device 400 and the field device 100. The power feeding device 400 has a power feeding device output connector 420, through which the power provided by the power feeding device 400 can be output. The field device 100 has an input connector 110 and an output connector 111. The input connector 110 of the field device 100 is used to feed power into the field device 100, and the output connector 111 is used to transfer the introduced power or a part thereof to another field device 100.

[0089] The power supply line 500 connecting the power feeding device 400 to the first field device 100-1 is connected to the power feeding device output connector 420 of the power feeding device 400 and the input connector 110 of the first field device 100-1. With regard to the connection between the first and second field devices 100-1, 100-2 and between the second and third field devices 100-2, 100-3, the corresponding power supply line 500 is connected to the output connector 111 of the first field device 100-1 and the input connector 110 of the second field device 100-2 or to the output connector 111 of the second field device 100-2 and the input connector 110 of the third field device 100-3. The power supply line 500 may have an electric conductor or wire for transmitting electric energy and a plug connector (not shown) having corresponding contacts at its end, by means of which the power supply line 500 may be inserted to be connected to the corresponding connector.

[0090] The field device 100 is also designed to establish an electrical connection with an external field component 600 of the system 50, such as Figure 1 In the illustration, only the first field device 100 - 1 is referred to. In this way, the field component 600 can be powered by the power provided by the power feeding device 400 and transmitted to the field device 100. The field component 600 can be a sensor and / or an actuator of the system 50.

[0091] The field device 100 has a plurality of output line connections 165 for connecting output lines 510. Figure 1 In addition to the configuration shown in which each field device 100 has four output line connectors 165, the field device 100 may be designed to have a different or greater number of output line connectors 165 (not shown). The field component 600 may be connected to the field device 100 via an output line 510. Corresponding to the power supply line 500, the output line 510 may have a wire and plug connector (not shown) including corresponding contacts at its end, by means of which the output line 510 may be inserted to connect to the output line connector 165 of the field device 100 and the corresponding connector of the field component 600.

[0092] The electric energy provided by the feeding device 400 can be introduced into the first feeding device 100-1 by connecting the feeding device 400 to the power supply line 500 of the first field device 100-1. From here, the electric energy can be transferred from the first field device 100-1 to the second field device 100-2, and from there to the third field device 100-3 via the power supply line 500 connecting the corresponding field devices 100. The electric energy introduced into the respective field devices 100 can also be transferred or further distributed to the field components 600 via the output lines 510 connected to the field devices 100. In this case, the field device 100 can be used as an energy distributor of the field components 600.

[0093] In addition to the feeding device 400, the field device 100 and the field component 600, the system 50 also has a superior control device 700 for controlling the system 50. The control device 700 is particularly used to control the actuator using control data or control signals, which is particularly performed based on sensor data or sensor signals from sensors. Accordingly, the system 50 is designed to perform data communication so that data can be exchanged between the control device 700 and the field component 600. Data communication can occur between the field device 100 and the field component 600 connected to them, between the field devices 100, between the first field device 100-1 and the feeding device 400, and between the control device 700 and the feeding device 400. In this sense, the feeding device 400 can act as a communication intermediary between the control device 700 and the field device 100, and the field device 100 itself can act as a communication intermediary between the feeding device 400 and the field component 600.

[0094] In order to keep the wiring workload low, data communication occurs between the feed device 400 and the field device 100, or between the feed device 400 and the first field device 100-1 and between the field devices 100, and the data communication between the field device 100 and the field component 600 is carried out via the same port and line as for the power supply. In this regard, the feed device output connector 420 of the feed device 400 and the input connector 110, the output connector 111 and the output line connector 165 of the field device 100 are used as hybrid connectors, and the power and data signals for energy supply can be transmitted through the hybrid connector. In a corresponding manner, the power line 500 and the output line 510 are used as hybrid lines for transmitting power and data signals. More details about this are explained in more detail below.

[0095] Figure 2Possible application scenarios that can be considered for the system 50 are described. In this case, the field component 600 connected to the field device 100 is located in the first area 10. The first area 10 is an explosion-hazardous area. A dangerous explosive atmosphere as a mixture of air and flammable gas, vapor, mist or dust can exist continuously, for a long time or frequently in the first area 10. According to the ATEX directive, the first area 10 can be, for example, zone 0 / 20. The field device 100 is arranged in the second area 11. Compared with the first area 10, the second area 11 is an area with a smaller explosion risk. In the second area 11, a dangerous, potentially explosive atmosphere is occasionally formed as a mixture of air and flammable gas, vapor, mist or dust. According to the ATEX directive, the second area 11 can be, for example, zone 1 / 21. The feeding device 400 is located in the third area 12. Unlike the other areas 10 and 11, the third area 12 is an area with little or no explosion risk. In the third zone 12, a hazardous explosive atmosphere as a mixture of air and flammable gases, vapors, mist or dust does not occur, or occurs only rarely and for a short period of time. According to the ATEX directive, the third zone 12 can be, for example, zone 2 / 22.

[0096] Figure 2 The application scenario shown in the figure can be realized on the one hand by monitoring the power supply of the field device 100 so as to extinguish the sparks that occur by quickly cutting off the energy supply in the event of a fault, and on the other hand by providing a power limiting configuration of the field device 100. In this context, the feeding device 400 and the field device 100 can be configured as follows.

[0097] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a feed device 400 of a system 50 according to a possible embodiment is shown. In terms of the supply of electrical energy, the feed device 400 has a power supply input 401, via which the feed device 400 can be electrically connected to a power supply or a DC power supply (not shown) and can be fed by the power supply in this way. Another component is a feed device limiting device 403. The feed device limiting device 403 is designed to transfer electrical power to the field device 100 (or according to the embodiment) via the feed device output connection 420 during the electrical energy supply. Figure 1 The electrical power supplied to the feed device 400 via the power supply input 401 is limited before it is supplied to the first field device 100-1 and via it to the further field devices 100 (as shown in the illustration in FIG. 1 ). Current limitation and voltage limitation can be achieved by means of a feed device limitation device 403. In addition, the feed device 400 can have a galvanic isolation, which can be formed in the feed device limitation device 403.

[0098] The feed device 400 also has a monitoring device 410, which is designed to detect the occurrence of sparks in the power supply of the field device 100 due to a fault and to shut down the power supply accordingly. In this case, the detection and shut-off are carried out with a short delay to prevent the possibility of sparks or ignition sparks being generated by the relevant energy or having sufficient energy for ignition.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, the monitoring device 410 has a first detector 411, a second detector 412, a feeder switch device 413, and a control unit 414 connecting the two detectors 411, 412 and the feeder switch device 413. The first detector 411 can be designed to detect a current change when a make-spark occurs. This spark may be caused by a circuit closure or a circuit short circuit. The current change that occurs here can be an increase in current over time (i.e., +di / dt). The second detector 412 can be designed to detect a current change when a break-spark occurs. This spark may be generated by opening or disconnecting a circuit. The current change that occurs can be a decrease in current over time (i.e., -di / dt).

[0100] During operation of the monitoring device 410, current changes characterizing spark generation and thus spark generation can be detected by means of the first and second detectors 411, 412. Based on this, the control unit 414 can cut off the power supply of the field device 100 by appropriately controlling the feeder switching device 413. This is related to the extinguishing of the spark, so that the spark duration is limited.

[0101] exist Figure 3 4 shows an inner electrical conductor 471 of the feed device 400, via which electrical energy can be transmitted within the feed device 400 and via which the components of the feed device 400 (including the feed device output connector 420) are connected to each other. For the feed device output connector 420, two inner conductors 471 are led and connected to two connector contacts 421 of the feed device output connector 420. The connector contacts 421 can be connected to the power supply line 500 (see FIG. 5 ) for connecting to the feed device output connector 420. Figure 1 ) contacts of a plug connector (not shown), so that the power provided by the feeding device 400 can be transmitted through the relevant power line 500.

[0102] Figure 4A diagram of a field device 100 of a system 50 according to a possible first embodiment is shown. The diagram and the following description can be applied to all field devices 100 of the system 50. The field device 100 has a first device area 101 and a second device area 102. The first device area 101 has the above-mentioned connectors for connecting the power line 500, namely the input connector 110 and the output connector 111. The electrical energy provided by means of the feeding device 400 can be introduced into the first device area 101 of the field device 100 via the input connector 110. The electrical energy can be output via the output connector 111 and transmitted to other field devices 100. In Figure 4 Also shown is an internal electrical conductor 171 of the field device 100, via which electrical energy can be transmitted or transferred within the field device 100 and via which components of the field device 100 are connected to one another, such as the input connector 110 and the output connector 111. The internal conductor 171 can be in the form of an electrically conductive track.

[0103] The input connector 110 has two connector contacts 115, which are connected to two internal electrical conductors 171. The output connector 111 also has two connector contacts 116, which are connected to the two internal electrical conductors 171. The connector contacts 115, 116 of the input connector 110 and the output connector 111 used in the field of power supply can be respectively connected to a power cord 500 (see Figure 1 ) contacts of a plug connector (not shown), whereby electrical energy can be fed in or transmitted via the corresponding power cord 500.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, the second device area 102 has a connection device 160, which includes an output line connector 165 for connecting the output line 510. The field device 100 can be connected to the field component 600 (see Figure 1 , 2 ). The connection device 160 also includes an input / output controller 161 connected to an output line connection 165, which can be used in the context of data communication as described further below. The first device area 101 and the second device area 102 are connected via an electrical energy supply connection 170, via which the electrical energy fed into the first device area 101 via the input connection 110 is transmitted to the second device area 102 and can thus be transmitted to the connection device 160 having the output line connection 165. Figure 4As shown, the electric energy introduced into the second device area 102 can be conducted to the output line connector 165 through the input / output controller 161 or through the input / output controller 161, or can also be conducted to the output line connector 165 through the input / output controller 161 or in parallel with the input / output controller 161 (not shown). Based on this, the electric energy can be transmitted to the field component 600.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown, in addition to the internal electrical conductor 171, the electrical energy supply connection 170 of the field device 100 also includes a power limiting device 300. The power limiting device 300, which is located between the input connection 110 and the connection device 160 or the input / output controller 161, is designed to limit the maximum electrical power 102 that can be transmitted from the first device area 101 to the second device area in terms of energy transmission. Current limitation and voltage limitation can be achieved with the help of the power limiting device 300. The power limitation is designed in such a way that it takes into account that all downstream energy storage devices (not shown) have insufficient available electrical energy to generate a spark or ignition spark in the event of a fault. Possible configurations of the power limiting device 300 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 11 Explain in more detail.

[0106] Regarding the power supply, the system 50 uses different protection mechanisms that each achieve a high level of safety, so Figure 2 The application scenario shown in is possible. With the help of the monitoring device 410 of the feeding device 400, sparks occurring due to faults in the electrical energy supply of the field device 100 in the area of ​​the input connector 110 and the output connector 111 of the first device area 101 of the field device 100 and in the area of ​​the power supply line 500 connected thereto can be reliably detected, and based on this, the electrical energy supply can be shut down with low delay to extinguish the spark. As described above, the spark duration limitation achieved in this way prevents the generation of sparks or ignition sparks with sufficient energy for ignition in the area of ​​the input connector 110, the output connector 111 and the power supply line 500. In this way, the field device 100 can be arranged in zone 1 / 21 (according to the ATEX directive) in accordance with the ATEX directive. Figure 2 of the second region 11).

[0107] With regard to the second device area 102 of the field device 100, the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted from the first device area 101 to the second device area 102 is limited by means of the power limiting device 300. This can ensure with high reliability that the available electrical energy is limited so that in the event of a fault, the area of ​​the connecting device 160 or the output line connector 165 of the second device area 102 of the field device 100, the output line 510 and the field component 600 connected to the field device 100 via the output line 510 will not generate sparks or ignite sparks with sufficient energy to ignite. As a result, the field component 600 can be arranged in zone 0 / 20 according to the ATEX directive (according to Figure 2first region 10).

[0108] Due to the monitoring of the electrical energy supply of the field device 100 and the power limitation within the field device 100, a simple and inexpensive design can also be provided for the power supply line 500 and the output line 510 as well as for the plug connectors arranged on the lines 500, 510. There is also the possibility of introducing relatively high electrical powers into the first device region 101 of the field device 100.

[0109] based on Figure 4 The illustrated field device 100 illustrates further features and details that may be considered for the field device 100 of the system 50. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first device area 101 has a switching device 180. An input connection 110 for introducing electrical energy into the first device area 101 and an output connection 111 for leading out or transmitting electrical energy are connected to each other via the switching device 180 and the internal electrical conductor 171. The transmission of electrical energy can be switched by means of the switching device 180. In this configuration, the input connection 110 and the output connection 111 can be disconnected and connected by correspondingly controlling the switching device 180 arranged between the input connection 110 and the output connection 111, thereby the transmission of electrical energy can be flexibly controlled through the output connection 111.

[0110] Figure 4 The first device region 101 of the field device 100 shown in the figure also has a decoupling device 200 arranged between the input connection 110 and the power limiting device 300. The decoupling device 200 is designed to provide a predetermined input impedance of the field device 100 with respect to the detection of the generation of sparks. As a result, the field device 100 can have known and predictable electrical characteristics, so that in the event of a fault, the generation of sparks can be detected by the feed device 400 with a high level of reliability and accuracy.

[0111] Figure 5 2 shows a possible configuration of a decoupling device 200. The decoupling device 200 comprises an LC low-pass filter having an inductor 230 and a capacitive component 240, the capacitive component being connected in parallel to one end of the inductor 230 and via which a line path comprising the inductor 230 is connected to another line path. At the end of the inductor 230 opposite thereto there is another component 210 connected in series with the inductor 230. Figure 5 In the configuration shown, the further component 210 comprises two diodes 211 connected in series and can therefore also be referred to as a diode component. Another component of the decoupling device 200 is a voltage limiting device connected in parallel with the inductor 230, according to Figure 5In the configuration shown, the device is implemented in the form of a clamping circuit 220 consisting of two series-connected diodes 211, wherein the series and the diodes 211 are connected in parallel with each other. The capacitive component 240 has two capacitors 241 connected in parallel with each other.

[0112] The preset input impedance is predetermined by the inductor 230 and the capacitor component 240 of the decoupling device 200. A further component 210 is used to preset the direction of current flow. The voltage limiting device or clamping circuit 220 is used to define the maximum voltage drop across the inductor 230 and, if the voltage is exceeded, for example due to an interruption of the internal electrical conductor 171 at one end of the inductor 230, to convert the excess voltage into heat.

[0113] Figure 5 Also shown is a diagram of a first device area 101. Figure 4 The field device 100 shown in FIG. 5 (and therefore all field devices 100 of the system 50) provides the possibility of a switch-on current limiter 250. The switch-on current limiter 250 can be arranged between the decoupling device 200 and the input connection 110, such as Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the position of the decoupling device 200 is located above or on the input side. As an alternative to this, the switch-on current limiter 250 can be arranged between the decoupling device 200 and the power limiting device 300, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 , according to the position of the decoupling device 200 at the bottom or on the output side.

[0114] The switch-on current limiter 250 is designed to limit the switch-on current at the start of the power supply. In this way, it is possible to avoid a high or excessive switch-on current in one or more field devices 100 at the start of the power supply, with the result that the monitoring feeder 400 erroneously cuts off the power supply, although no spark is generated. For example, with the help of the switch-on current limiter 250, a slow charging of any local capacitance (not shown) that may be present can be achieved.

[0115] If the switch-on current limiter 250 is arranged between the decoupling device 200 and the input connection 110 ( Figure 5 In the upper position of the decoupling device 200, the on-current limiter 250 may need to comply with safety requirements, for example, with respect to providing redundancy. In contrast, when the on-current limiter 250 is arranged between the decoupling device 200 and the power limiting device 300 ( Figure 5 In the case of a lower position in the embodiment, the requirements for the on-current limiter 250 may be less stringent and thus may be implemented according to a simple configuration.

[0116] Figure 6A possible design of the on-current limiter 250 is shown. The on-current limiter 250 has a resistor 251 and a transistor 252 connected in series with each other. The transistor 252 can be a normally closed n-channel FET (field effect transistor). Another component of the on-current limiter 250 is a regulator 253. The regulator 253 is designed to measure the current flowing through the resistor 251 and to adjust the voltage drop across the transistor 252 by controlling the gate of the transistor 252 accordingly, so that the occurrence of excessive current is avoided.

[0117] For the field device 100 of the system 50, a design with galvanic isolation can also be considered. For illustration, Figure 4 A possible embodiment of a first device region 101 of a field device 100 is shown with an isolating device 131, which is arranged between a decoupling device 200 and a power limiting device 300 and by which a galvanic isolation can be achieved. In this way, the electrical energy fed into the first device region 101 can be conducted on a separate circuit, thus promoting a reliable and safe operation of the system 50.

[0118] Figure 7 A possible configuration of the isolation device 131 is shown. The isolation device 131 has an inverter 335 arranged on the input side and an isolation component 330 arranged downstream of the inverter 335, the isolation component comprising a transformer 331 causing electrical isolation and a rectifier 332 connected downstream thereof and a smoothing capacitor 333 connected in parallel with the rectifier 332. With the help of the inverter 335, the electrical energy present as direct current can be converted into alternating current and fed to the transformer 331. The alternating current output by the transformer 331 can be rectified and smoothed with the help of the rectifier 332 and the smoothing capacitor 333, so that direct current appears again on the output side of the isolation device 131.

[0119] As mentioned above, galvanic isolation can also be implemented in the feeder 400, for example in the feeder limiting device 403 (see Figure 3 ). In this way, the field device 100 can also be implemented without galvanic isolation and therefore without the isolating device 131. In the case of the feed device 400 being equipped with galvanic isolation, this can be done according to Figure 7 The circuit diagram shown is shown.

[0120] Figure 4 The field device 100 or its first device region 101 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises an internal power supply 132, which can be powered by the electrical energy supplied to the first device region 101. The current branch leading to the internal power supply 132 and formed by the internal electrical conductor 171 can be as follows: Figure 4As shown, it is formed between the decoupling device 200 or the isolating device 131 and the power limiting device 300. The internal power supply 132 can be used to supply power to internal devices of the field device 100, such as the communication controller 150 used in the field of data communication and described below.

[0121] A possible configuration of the power limiting device 300 of the field device 100 connected to the connecting device 160 of the second device region 102 will be described with reference to the following. Figures 8 to 11 Description. It is pointed out here that the circuit diagrams shown are to be regarded as principle circuit diagrams. In this respect, it is possible to replace the components and devices shown in the individual circuit diagrams with other components and devices having the same effect and / or to provide a different configuration or arrangement for the components and devices shown.

[0122] Figure 8 A possible design of a power limiting device 300 is shown, such as may be considered for Figure 4 The field device 100 shown in (and all field devices 100 of the system 50). Current limitation and voltage limitation can be achieved with the help of a power limiting device 300. The power limiting device 300 has a protection device 310 arranged on the input side, a voltage limiting device 320 arranged downstream of the protection device 310, and a first current limiting device 311 arranged on the output side downstream of the voltage limiting device 320. The protection device 310 connected in series with the first current limiting device 311 includes an optional protection resistor 317 and a fuse 316 connected in series with the protection resistor 317. The protection resistor 317 can also be omitted. The first current limiting device 311 includes a resistor 315. The voltage limiting device 320 includes two voltage limiting components or semiconductor components connected in parallel to each other, and the line path including the protection device 310 and the first current limiting device 311 is connected through the voltage limiting device according to Figure 8 The illustration of comprises only a further line path connection of the inner electrical conductor 171. In the embodiment shown here, these are two Zener diodes 321.

[0123] exist Figure 8 In the power limiting device 300 shown, the resistor 315 of the first current limiting device 311 plays a role in current limiting. The protection of the voltage limiting device 320 or its Zener diode 321 can be achieved by the fuse 316 and the optional protection resistor 317 of the protection device 310. For voltage limiting, the Zener diode 321 in the power limiting device 300 works in reverse, so that the voltage applied to the two conduction paths is limited to the limit voltage preset by the Zener diode 321. If the voltage is exceeded, the Zener diode 321 is turned on, thereby converting the overvoltage into heat.

[0124] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a power limiting device 300 is shown, such as for Figure 4 The field device 100 shown in FIG. 5 (and all field devices 100 of the system 50 ) is a power limiting device 300 that is used to implement current limiting and voltage limiting, and also has galvanic isolation. Fig. 9 The configuration shown includes Figure 7 and Figure 8 The combination of the circuit diagram shown.

[0125] like Fig. 9 As shown, the power limiting device 300 includes an inverter 335 on the input side, followed by a protection device 310, an isolation component 330, and a combination of a second current limiting device 312 and a voltage limiting device 320. The protection device 310 has the above reference Figure 8 The structure explained above has an optional protection resistor 317 and a fuse 316 connected in series therewith. The isolation component 330 has the above reference Figure 7 The structure explained above has a transformer 331, a rectifier 332 connected thereto, and a smoothing capacitor 333 connected thereto in parallel. The second current limiting device 312 includes a fuse 316 and a resistor 315 connected in series with the fuse 316. Figure 8 In the configuration shown, the voltage limiting device 320 has two parallel-connected voltage limiting members, here again in the form of Zener diodes 321, via which the line path including the second current limiting device 312 is connected to the other line path. The Zener diode 321 is connected to the line path including the second current limiting device 312 in the region between the fuse 316 and the resistor 315 of the second current limiting device 312.

[0126] exist Fig. 9 In the power limiting device 300 shown, the galvanic isolation is achieved by the transformer 331 of the isolation component 330. With the help of the inverter 335, the electric energy present as direct current can be converted into alternating current and fed to the transformer 331 via the protection device 310. The alternating current output by the transformer 331 can be rectified and smoothed with the help of the rectifier 332 and the smoothing capacitor 333, so that the direct current is present on the output side of the isolation component 330 and thus also on the output side of the power limiting device 300. The resistor 315 of the second current limiting device 312 is used to cause current limiting. The transformer 331 can be protected via the fuse 316 of the protection device 310 and the optional protective resistor 317, and the voltage limiting device 320 can be protected via the fuse 316 of the second current limiting device 312. The voltage limiting device 320 in which the Zener diode 321 operates in reverse is used to achieve voltage limiting.

[0127] With the help of Figure 4The power limiting device 300 of the field device 100 shown can realize a common current limitation and voltage limitation with respect to the output line connection 165 of the connecting device 160. This can be achieved by means of Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The configuration of the power limiting device 300 shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the electric energy transmitted by the power limiting device 300 can be further conducted to the output line connector 165 through the input / output controller 161 connected to the power limiting device 300, so as to power the field component 600 through the output line 510 connected thereto (see Figure 1 , 2 ). To this end, the input / output controller 161 or the connection device 160 may have a suitable configuration with electrical conductors so as to conduct the electrical energy to the respective output line connectors 165 through the input / output controller 161. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical energy may be conducted to the output line connectors 165 via corresponding electrical conductors through the input / output controller 161 or in parallel with the input / output controller 161 (neither shown).

[0128] Furthermore, it is possible to envision a configuration of the power limiting device 300 with which a plurality of independent and possibly different current limits and / or a plurality of independent and possibly different voltage limits can be implemented. In this way, separate and possibly different current limits and / or voltage limits can exist for a single or multiple output line connections 165.

[0129] For example, it is possible to design the power limiting device 300 in such a way that there is a common voltage limit and multiple smaller or subdivided current limits for the output line connection 165. For illustration, Fig.10 A further possible configuration of the power limiting device 300 is shown, such as for Figure 4 The field device 100 shown in FIG. 5 (and therefore all field devices 100 of the system 50 ) are conceivable. The power limiting device 300 has a protection device 310 on the input side, followed downstream by a voltage limiting device 320 and a third current limiting device 313 .

[0130] The protection device 310 has the above reference Figure 8 The structure explained has an optional protective resistor 317 and a fuse 316 connected in series therewith. Figure 8In the configuration shown, the voltage limiting device 320 comprises two voltage limiting components, again in the form of Zener diodes 321, via which the line path comprising the protection device 310 is connected to another line path. With regard to the third current limiting device 313 comprising a plurality of resistors 315 connected in parallel, the line path comprising the protection device 310 is divided or subdivided into a plurality of further line paths, each having a resistor 315 of the third current limiting device 313, and each being provided for connection to one or more output line terminals 165 of the connection device 160.

[0131] exist Fig.10 In the power limiting device 300 shown, the resistor 315 of the third current limiting device 313 plays a role in current limiting, and the reverse operating Zener diode 321 of the voltage limiting device 320 plays a role in voltage limiting. The voltage limiting device 320 can be protected by the fuse 316 and the optional protection resistor 317 of the protection device 310. By means of the separate third current limiting device 313, separate and (if different sized resistors 315 are used in the third current limiting device 313) different sized current limits can be caused for single and / or multiple output line terminals 165 or groups of output line terminals 165.

[0132] refer to Fig.10 The power limiting device 300 shown can also be designed with additional galvanic isolation. Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in , additional components, such as an inverter 335 and an isolation assembly 330, may be used. In this case, the inverter 335 may be arranged upstream of the protection device 310, and the isolation assembly 330 may be arranged between the protection device 310 and the voltage limiting device 320. A fuse 316 (not shown respectively) may also be arranged upstream of the voltage limiting device 320.

[0133] As described above, the power limiting device 300 of the field device 100 can also be designed in such a way that, in addition to current limiting (i.e., common current limiting or multiple individual current limiting), multiple individual and possibly different voltage limiting can be achieved for single or multiple output line terminals 165. For this purpose, the power limiting device 300 can have multiple divided or subdivided line paths and multiple voltage limiting devices 320 that can achieve different voltage limiting, via which two line paths are respectively connected. In a corresponding manner, additional galvanic isolation can be provided, for example using Fig. 9 The components shown in (not shown respectively).

[0134] Reference is also made to the possibility of not providing galvanic isolation in the field device 100 or the feeding device 400 of the system 50. In this case, the field device 100 can be designed with a ground connection to enable safe operation. A ground connection can be provided in the area of ​​the power limiting device 300. For illustration, Fig.11 A further design of a power limiting device 300 is shown, which can be used Figure 4 The field device 100 shown (and all field devices 100 of the system 50). Fig.11 The power limiting device 300 basically corresponds to Figure 8 and additionally has a ground connection 325 on the inner electrical conductor 171 or on the line path. If a circuit having a circuit corresponding to Fig.10 A power limiting device 300 with a structure or a different structure may also construct a corresponding ground connection 325 (not shown) here.

[0135] As described above, in addition to supplying power to the field devices 100 and the field components 600 connected to them, the system 50 is also used to perform data communications, such as transmitting control data or control signals that can be output by the superior control device 700 to the actuators and receiving sensor data or sensor signals from sensors and transmitting them to the control device 700.

[0136] To this end, the field device 100 may have a Figure 4 The structure and components for one of the field devices 100 shown. In this case, the first device area 101 has a first communication port 120, a second communication port 121 and a communication controller 150. The communication controller 150 can be monolithic or discrete. Data signals can be sent and received through the first communication port 120, and can also be sent and received through the second communication port 121. The first communication port 120 is connected to the communication controller 150 via the first barrier circuit 140, the first physical port 145 and the internal data line 176 of the field device 100. The second communication port 121 is connected to the communication controller 150 via the second barrier circuit 141, the second physical port 146 and the internal data line 176 of the field device 100. Thus, the communication controller 150 can send and receive data signals through the first communication port 120 and the second communication port 121.

[0137] The internal data line 176 of the field device 100 can have a plurality of electrical conductors, for example in the form of conductive tracks (not shown). The first and second barrier circuits 140, 141 are designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted to the first or second communication port 120, 121 of the first device region 101 during data communication and / or to cause galvanic isolation. Sparks or ignition sparks with sufficient energy to ignite in the region of the communication ports 120, 121 due to the data communication can thus be avoided. In this way, a high degree of safety with regard to the data communication can be achieved, given that Figure 2 In the application scenario shown, the field device 100 can be arranged in zone 1 / 21 of the ATEX directive (according to Figure 2 The first and second barrier circuits 140, 141 may include electronic components, such as at least one diode and at least one resistor, for the purpose of power limitation. The galvanic isolation may be achieved by embodiments of the first and second barrier circuits 140, 141 having transformers or capacitors (neither shown). The first and second physical ports 145, 146, which may be embodied in the form of physical port modules, are used to process, i.e., encode or decode data signals. If desired, the first and second physical ports 145, 146 may each have an additional energy-limited barrier circuit (not shown).

[0138] Figure 4 It is also shown that the input connector 110 is implemented in the form of a hybrid connector including a first communication port 120. In a corresponding manner, the output connector 111 is designed in the form of another hybrid connector including a second communication port 121. In this configuration, the input connector 110 and the output connector 111 can be used both for feeding in and / or transmitting electrical energy for energy supply and for transmitting data signals. In a corresponding manner, the power supply line 500 (see Figure 1 ) can be used as data lines at the same time, through which electrical energy for energy supply and data signals can be transmitted. To match this, the power line 500 can have corresponding electrical conductors or core wires for data transmission, and the plug connector arranged at the end of the power line 500 can have a communication port (not shown) corresponding to the communication ports 120 and 121. This can keep the wiring complexity in the system 50 at a low level.

[0139] The field devices 100 of the system 50 or their communication controllers 150 can receive and send data signals via the input connector 110 and the output connector 111. In this way, data communication between the field devices 100 and between the field devices 100 and the feeding device 400 is possible. The latter can be carried out by the first field device 100-1 of the system 50, such as Figure 1 As shown, the power supply line 500 connected to the input connector 110 is connected to the power feeding device 400 .

[0140] Figure 4 It is also shown that the communication controller 150 of the first device region 101 is connected to the connection device 160 or the input / output controller 161 of the second device region 102 via the communication connection 175. Thus, the communication controller 150 can receive and send data signals via the connection device 160. In this way, data communication is possible between the communication controller 150 and the field component 600, which can be connected to the output line connection 165 of the connection device 160 via the output line 510 (see Figure 1 ). In this case, data communication may occur via the input / output controller 161 of the connection device 160.

[0141] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication connection 175 also includes a barrier device 155, which may include an electrical conductor in the form of a conductive trace (not shown), in addition to the corresponding internal data lines of the field device 100. The barrier device 155 is designed to limit the power that can be transmitted from the communication controller 150 to the connection device 160 during data communication and / or to cause galvanic isolation.

[0142] The use of a barrier device 155 in the field device 100 of the system 50 also serves to provide a high degree of safety with regard to data communication. With the aid of the barrier device 155, it is possible to limit the electrical power that can be introduced into the second device region 102 of the field device 100 during data communication. This ensures that, due to the data communication, no sparks or ignition sparks with sufficient energy to ignite are caused in the region of the connection device 160 or the output line connection 165 of the second device region 102 of the field device 100, the output line 510 and the field components 600 connected to the field device 100 via the output line 510. As a result, the field components 600 can be connected to the field device 100 according to the data communication. Figure 2 The application scenario shown is arranged in zone 0 / 20 of the ATEX Directive (according to Figure 2 The first zone 10) and the field device can be located in zone 1 / 21 of the ATEX Directive (according to Figure 2 of the second region 11).

[0143] The barrier device 155 of the communication connection 175 can be in the form of a digital isolator, such as an optocoupler or a magnetic coupler (not shown). In such a configuration, reliable and safe power limitation and galvanic isolation can be achieved through the barrier device 155.

[0144] Figure 4The input / output controller 161 shown in the figure, which enables the communication controller 150 to communicate with the field component 600, can be designed to control the sending and receiving of data signals via the connecting device 160 or via its output line connector 165. The input / output controller can receive such data signals from the communication controller 150 in advance via the communication connection 175, or pass them on to the communication controller 150 afterwards.

[0145] In this case, the data signal (e.g., control data) from the communication controller 150 and received by the input / output controller 161 can be further transmitted to the field component 600 (e.g., actuator) by means of the input / output controller 161. In addition, the data signal (e.g., sensor data) from the field component 600 (e.g., sensor) and received by the input / output controller 161 can be further transmitted to the communication controller 150 by means of the input / output controller 161. If necessary, the respectively received data signals can also be converted or processed by the input / output controller 161 before being transmitted.

[0146] The input / output controller 161 can also be designed to control the transfer of electrical energy to the field component 600 via the output line connection 165 in terms of the electrical energy supply. In this way, the distribution of electrical energy via the connecting device 160 can be flexibly determined. This can be controlled, for example, by the communication controller 150, which can transmit corresponding data signals or control data to the input / output controller 161 for this purpose. Such control data can be generated by a higher-level control device 700 of the system 50 or can be based on control data generated by the control device 700. In the above application, the communication between the communication controller 150 and the input / output controller 161 can, for example, be carried out according to a preset communication protocol and via ports (not shown) of the communication controller 150 and the input / output controller 161.

[0147] Furthermore, for example, the communication controller 150 can be used to control Figure 4 The switching device 180 shown in FIG. 1 is used to transmit electrical energy via the output connection 111 of the field device 100 . This can also be based on control data generated by the superordinate control device 700 and can be received by the communication controller 150 .

[0148] As mentioned above, the feeding device 400 of the system 50 is included in the category of data communication. For this purpose, it is possible to use Figure 3The structure of the feeding device 400 shown. Here, the feeding device 400 has a communication input terminal 405. The feeding device 400 can be connected to the superior control device 700 of the system 50 via the communication input terminal 405 realized in the form of a connector of the feeding device 400. In this way, the feeding device 400 can receive a data signal from the control device 700 and transmit it to the control device 700. The feeding device 400 also has a feeding device communication port 425, via which data signals can be sent and received, and the feeding device 400 communicates with the field device 100 via the feeding device communication port, that is, it can communicate with the first field device 100-1 and communicate with other field devices 100 via the first field device (see Figure 1 ). Another component of the feeder 400 is a feeder communication controller 450, which is connected to the communication input 405 via the first physical feeder port 445 and the internal data line 476 of the feeder 400. In addition, the feeder communication controller 450 is connected to the feeder communication port 425 via the second physical feeder port 446, the feeder barrier circuit 430 and the internal data line 476. In this way, the feeder communication controller 450 can send and receive data signals through the communication input 405 and through the feeder communication port 425.

[0149] The first and second physical feeder ports 445, 446 are used to encode and decode data signals, respectively. The feeder barrier circuit 430 is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted to the feeder communication port 425 during data communication and / or to achieve galvanic isolation. Thereby, the safe execution of data communication can be further promoted. The feeder barrier circuit 430 can have components such as at least one diode and at least one resistor for power limitation and / or a transformer or capacitor for galvanic isolation (not shown).

[0150] According to the field device 100, the feeder output connector 420 is implemented in the form of a hybrid connector including the feeder communication port 425. Therefore, the feeder output connector 420 can be used to transmit power and data signals. In addition, the power cord 500 in the form of a hybrid line can be connected to the feeder output connector 420, which can have a plug connector having a communication port (not shown) corresponding to the feeder communication port 425. In this way, the feeder 400 can be connected to one of the field devices 100 (or one of the field devices 100 according to the present invention). Figure 1 Connected to the first field device 100-1) so as to be able to transmit power and exchange data signals.

[0151] Figure 3The structure of the feeding device 400 shown in the figure enables communication between the feeding device 400 and the control device 700 and between the feeding device 400 and the field device 100 (via the first field device 100-1, see Figure 1 ) data communication becomes possible. The field devices 100 can also communicate with each other and with the field components 600 connected to them. In this way, data communication between the control device 700 and the field components 600 via the feeding device 400 and the field device 100 is possible.

[0152] Further possible variations and configurations are described below, which can be considered with reference to components of the system 50, such as field devices 100. Matching features and details and identical and identically acting components are not described in detail below. For details in this regard, see the above description. In addition, aspects and details mentioned with respect to one configuration can also be used with respect to another configuration and features of two or more configurations can be combined with each other.

[0153] Regarding the field device 100 of the system 50, it can be considered that Figure 4 Different configurations have different numbers of connectors for connecting the power cord 500 .

[0154] To illustrate, Fig.12 1 shows a diagram of a field device 100 according to a second embodiment. Figure 4 In contrast to the embodiment shown, Fig.12 The field device 100 shown does not have the output connector 111. Accordingly, components such as the switching device 180, the second communication port 121, the second barrier circuit 141 and the second physical port 146 are also missing. Figure 4 Configuration, Fig.12 The input connection 110 of the field device 100 can be used to feed electrical energy into the field device 100 or its first device region 101 and for data communication.

[0155] Fig.12 The field device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be used as a terminal device and can be used, for example, at the end of a row or line of field devices 100 to transfer only the energy provided to the field device 100 to the field component 600 and to perform data communication with the field component 600 via the field device 100. In this regard, for example, corresponding to Fig.12 The configuration can be used for Figure 1 A third field device 100 - 3 is shown.

[0156] Fig.13 1 shows a diagram of a field device 100 according to a third embodiment. Figure 4 In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig.13The field device 100 shown in has (at least) one other output connector 112. The other output connector 112 corresponds to the output connector 111 in the form of a hybrid connector and has a further communication port 122 in addition to the connector contact 117 used within the scope of the power supply. The other communication port 122 is connected to the communication controller 150 via another barrier circuit 142, another physical connector 147 and the internal data line 176 of the field device 100. In this way, the communication controller 150 can also send and receive data signals through another communication port 122. The other barrier circuit 142 is designed according to the first and second barrier circuits 140, 141 to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted to the other communication port 122 of the first device area 101 during the data communication process and / or cause current isolation. The other physical port 147 is used for processing, that is, for encoding or decoding data signals.

[0157] Fig.13 The field device 100 shown in the figure can be connected to two other field devices 100 (not shown) via the first output connector 111 and the other output connector 112 and using two power lines 500 connected thereto. The transmission of electrical energy and data communication can be achieved via the two output interfaces 111, 112 and the corresponding power lines 500. In this sense, Fig.13 The field device 100 shown can be used as a distributor for energy supply and data communication.

[0158] By using the Fig.13 One or more field devices 100 of the embodiments and having a Figure 4 A plurality of field devices 100 of the embodiment can thus establish a system 50 having multiple rows or strings of field devices 100. Fig.12 A field device 100 configured as described above can be used at the end of such a string (not shown respectively).

[0159] exist Fig.13 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first device region 101 also has a further switching device 181. The input connection 110 and the further output connection 112 of the field device 100 are connected to one another via the further switching device 181 and the internal electrical conductor 171 of the field device 100. In this way, the transmission of electrical energy via the further output connection 112 can be controlled.

[0160] refer to Fig.13 The field device 100 shown in FIG. 1 may provide a plurality of additional output connectors 112, each of which has an additional communication port 122, and provide a plurality of additional barrier circuits 142 and physical ports 147 in a corresponding manner for correspondingly connecting the additional communication ports 122 to the communication controller 150, such as Fig.13141, 142. In a corresponding manner, a plurality of further switching devices 181 can be provided, via which the input connection 110 and the further output connection 122 are respectively connected, in order to control the transfer of electrical energy.

[0161] Regarding data communication, references can also be provided Figure 4 , 12 13. The field device 100 may be designed to perform data communication according to a first communication protocol via the communication ports 120, 121, 122 and the physical ports 145, 146, 147 of the first device area 101, and to perform data communication according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol via the connection device 160 of the second device area 102. For this purpose, the connection device 160 or the input / output controller 161 may have corresponding ports or physical ports (not shown).

[0162] In this way, the data communication between the field device 100 and the field component 600 can be separated from the remaining data communication, which can include data exchange between the field devices 100 and between the field device 100 and the superordinate control device 700 via the feeding device 400. For example, this allows different designs to be made for different requirements. For example, the data communication between the field device 100 and the field component 600 can be carried out at a lower data transmission rate than the remaining data communication.

[0163] The first communication protocol can be, for example, an Ethernet communication with a data transmission rate of, for example, 100 Mbit, such as EtherCAT. The second communication protocol can be, for example, a communication according to HART or Profibus PA. The second communication protocol can also be an Ethernet communication, in which a lower data transmission rate of, for example, 10 Mbit is used compared to the first Ethernet communication protocol. In this context, the internal components of the connection device 160 or the input / output controller 161 for data communication can, if necessary, be designed according to the future APL standard (Advanced Physical Layer).

[0164] for Figure 2In the application scenario shown, the field device 100 of the system 50 may also use the following features. The connectors of the first device area 101 of the field device 100, i.e., the input connector 110 and (if present) the output connectors 111, 112, may be protected according to a first ignition protection type, and the output line connector 165 of the second device area 102 of the field device 100 may be designed according to a second ignition protection type, wherein the second ignition protection type corresponds to a higher level of protection than the first ignition protection type. The second ignition protection type may be an intrinsically safe Ex ia ignition protection type, and the first ignition protection type may be an intrinsically safe Ex ib ignition protection type.

[0165] In order to meet different ignition protection types, components present in the area of ​​the individual connections 110, 111, 112, 165 of the first and second device areas 101, 102, such as internal components and electrical conductors, can have a design that is sufficient to meet the ignition protection type, such as a design with respect to distance and redundancy. Figure 5 , 8 , 9, 10 and 11, there are also redundant configurations that can contribute to the ignition protection type or intrinsic safety Ex ib and Exia of the connections 110, 111, 112, 165. In this sense, the additional component 210 has two diodes 211, the capacitor component 240 has two capacitors 241, the clamping circuit 220 has two series of diodes 211, and the voltage limiting device 320 has two Zener diodes 321. The monitoring of the energy supply of the field device 100 implemented by means of the feeding device 400 can also contribute to the intrinsic safety Ex ib of the connections 110, 111, 112 of the first device area 101. With regard to the output line connection 165 of the second device area 102, the power limitation that can be achieved by means of the power limiting device 300 and the barrier device 155 can contribute to the intrinsic safety Ex ia.

[0166] In order to achieve a high level of safety for the system 50, the field device 100 can also be designed, for example, with a potting encapsulation (protection type Ex mb). In this configuration, the field device 100 or its housing can be filled with a potting compound, whereby explosive mixtures can be prevented from entering the field device 100. It is also possible to design components of the field device 100 according to the increased safety (protection type Ex eb). Another type of protection is also conceivable for the field device 100, for example an embodiment with a pressure-resistant encapsulation (protection type Ex db).

[0167] For the power supply device 400 , potting encapsulation (protection type Ex mb) or pressure-resistant encapsulation (protection type Ex db) is also conceivable, and partial configuration according to increased safety (protection type Ex eb) is conceivable.

[0168] The field component 600 may be an intrinsically safe field component and may be designed according to the intrinsically safe Ex ia ignition protection type.

[0169] The following is added to the field device 100 of the reference system 50. The structure of the field device 100 described above with the first device area 101 and the second device area 102 can relate to circuit technology aspects of the field device 100. From the point of view of explosion protection, three areas can also be assigned to the field device 100, which are respectively referred to as the first device section 801, the second device section 802 and the third device section 803 below. Fig.14 According to the illustrated field device 100, a first device section 801 comprises an input connection 110 and, depending on the design of the field device 100, one or more output connections 111, 112. A second device section 802 comprises an output line connection 165 of the field device 100. A third device section 803, which relates to the field device 100 itself, comprises components of the field device 100, such as circuits or circuit components, which are connected to the respective connections 110, 111, 112, 165.

[0170] The first device section 801 can correspond to the first ignition protection type structure, the second device section 802 can correspond to the second ignition protection type structure, and the third device section 803 can correspond to the third ignition protection type structure. The first, second and third ignition protection types can be different from each other. As described above, the field device 100 or its connectors 110, 111, 112, 165 can be designed so that the first ignition protection type is an ignition protection type of intrinsic safety Ex ib and the second ignition protection type is an ignition protection type of intrinsic safety Ex ia. Monitoring of the energy supply of the field device 100 by the feed device 400 can also contribute to the intrinsic safety Ex ib of the first device section 801. The power limitation in the field device 100 that can be realized by means of the power limiting device 300 and the barrier device 155 can contribute to the intrinsic safety Exia of the second device section 802. Regarding the third device section 803 and the third ignition protection type, the field device 100 may be designed with a potted encapsulation or an equivalent configuration, for example a flameproof encapsulation, so that the third ignition protection type may be the ignition protection type Ex mb or Ex db.

[0171] In addition to the embodiments described above and shown in the figures, other embodiments are conceivable which can include further modifications and / or combinations of features.

[0172] A possible variant includes, for example, a design such as Figure 4 and 13The field device 100 is shown without the switching devices 180 , 181 . In this way, the input connection 110 can be connected to the output connections 111 , 112 only via the inner electrical conductor 171 , and the electrical energy transfer cannot be controlled via the output connections 111 , 112 .

[0173] With reference to the connections shown in the figures, for example the input connection 110 and the output connections 111 , 112 of the field device 100 and the feeder output connection 420 of the feeder 400 , it is possible that these connections have an additional ground contact in addition to the two connection contacts 115 , 116 , 117 , 421 .

[0174] Instead of the Zener diode 321, a Figure 8 , 9 , 10, 11) Use other components or semiconductor components suitable for voltage limitation, such as thyristors.

[0175] for Figure 5 In the decoupling device 200 shown, the further component 210 and / or the diode 211 of the clamping circuit 220 may be replaced by other components or semiconductor components.

[0176] Combination Figure 3 It should be noted that the feeding device 400 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The feeding device limiting device 403 for energy limiting can be used in the same manner as Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The structure corresponding to the circuit diagram shown.

[0177] Regarding the power feeding device 400, Figure 2 Different, it can also be arranged in zone 1 / 21 according to ATEX directive ( Figure 2 The feeding device 400 may be designed to correspond to this. Further, for example, an explosion-proof plug connector may be used on a power line connected to the power input terminal 401 of the feeding device 400, and the feeding device 400 may be connected to a power source through the power line.

[0178] In the above and Figure 1 , 4 , 12 and 13, the data communication between the field devices 100 and the feeding device 400 is realized in the form of point-to-point connection. In addition, the field device 100 and the feeding device 400 can be realized in such a way that the data communication can also be carried out via a bus structure.

[0179] In a further variant, the field device 100 and the feeding device 400 can be designed in such a way that the power supply and data communication are not carried out using hybrid lines and hybrid connections, but using separate power lines and data lines and using separate connections for power supply and data communication.

[0180] In a further variant, a feeding device 400 may be used which is designed to supply electrical energy to the field device 100 and monitor the electrical energy supply but is not used for data communication and therefore is not used as a communication port between the field device 100 and the superordinate control device 700. In this case, the field device 100 or one of the field devices 100 may be connected to the control device 700 in a suitable manner in order to enable data communication with the control device 700.

[0181] For this purpose, for example, an additional device connected to the control device 700 can be used. The additional device can be connected to the feed device 400 via a power line designed only for supplying electric energy, and can be connected to one of the field devices 100 via a power line designed as a hybrid line. In this case, the power supply and data communication can be combined through the additional device. The electric energy provided by the feed device 400 can be transmitted to the field device 100 through the additional device, and data communication can be performed between the control device 700 and the field device 100. The field devices 100 can also be connected to each other via a power line designed as a hybrid line.

[0182] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0183] Reference numerals list

[0184] 10. First Area

[0185] 11. Second Area

[0186] 12 Third Area

[0187] 50 Systems

[0188] 100 Field devices

[0189] 101 First Equipment Area

[0190] 102 Second device area

[0191] 110 Input connector

[0192] 111 Output connector

[0193] 112 Additional output connectors

[0194] 115 Connector contacts

[0195] 116 Connector contacts

[0196] 117 Connector contacts

[0197] 120 First communication port

[0198] 121 Second communication port

[0199] 122 Additional communication ports

[0200] 131 Isolation device

[0201] 132 Internal power supply

[0202] 140 First Barrier Circuit

[0203] 141 Second Barrier Circuit

[0204] 142 Additional Barrier Circuits

[0205] 145 First physical port

[0206] 146 Second physical port

[0207] 147 Additional physical ports

[0208] 150 Communication Controller

[0209] 155 Barrier Device

[0210] 160 Connecting device

[0211] 161 Input / Output Controller

[0212] 165 Output line connector

[0213] 170 Energy supply connection

[0214] 171 Inner conductor

[0215] 175 Communication Connections

[0216] 180 Switchgear

[0217] 181 Additional switchgear

[0218] 200 Decoupling device

[0219] 210 Additional Components

[0220] 211 Diode

[0221] 220 Clamping Circuit

[0222] 230 Inductor

[0223] 240 Capacitor Assembly

[0224] 241 Capacitor

[0225] 250 Switch-on current limiter

[0226] 251 Resistor

[0227] 252 Transistors

[0228] 253 Regulator

[0229] 300 Power Limiting Device

[0230] 310 Protective device

[0231] 311 First current limiting device

[0232] 312 Second current limiting device

[0233] 313 Third current limiting device

[0234] 315 Resistor

[0235] 316 Fuse

[0236] 317 Protection resistor

[0237] 320 Voltage limiting device

[0238] 321 Zener diode

[0239] 325 Grounding connector

[0240] 330 Isolation Components

[0241] 331 Transformer

[0242] 332 Rectifier

[0243] 333 Smoothing capacitor

[0244] 335 Inverter

[0245] 400 Feeding equipment

[0246] 401 Power input terminal

[0247] 403 Feeder equipment limiting device

[0248] 405 Communication input terminal

[0249] 410 Monitoring Device

[0250] 411 First Detector

[0251] 412 Second Detector

[0252] 413 Feeder switchgear

[0253] 414 Control Unit

[0254] 420 Feeder output connector

[0255] 421 Connector Contacts

[0256] 425 Feeder communication port

[0257] 430 Feeder Barrier Circuit

[0258] 445 First physical feed device port

[0259] 446 Second physical feeder port

[0260] 450 Feeder Communication Controller

[0261] 471 Inner conductor

[0262] 476 Internal data line

[0263] 500 Power Cord

[0264] 510 Output Line

[0265] 600 Field Parts

[0266] 700 Control Equipment

[0267] 801 First device section

[0268] 802 Second device section

[0269] 803 Third Equipment Section

Claims

1. A system (50), comprising a feeding device (400) and a plurality of field devices (100) electrically connected to the feeding device (400), in, The power feeding device (400) is designed to provide electrical energy to supply electrical energy to the field device (100). The power feeding device (400) has a monitoring device (410), which is designed to detect the generation of sparks in the power supply and cut off the power supply based on the generation of sparks. The field device (100) comprises a first device region (101) and a second device region (102) each having an input connection (110) for connecting a power line (500). The electrical energy provided by the feed device (400) can be fed to the first device region (101) via the input connection (110) and can be transmitted from the first device region (101) to the second device region (102) via the electrical energy supply connection (170). The second device area (102) has a connection device (160) having at least one output line connector (165) for connecting at least one output line (510) so as to transmit electrical energy transmitted to the second device area (102). The electrical energy supply connection (170) of the first and second plant regions (101, 102) has a power limiting device (300) which is designed to limit the electrical power which can be transmitted from the first plant region (101) to the second plant region (102) within the scope of the energy transmission. The first device region (101) of the field device (100) has a decoupling device (200), which is designed to provide a predetermined input impedance for detecting the generation of sparks. The first device region (101) of the field device (100) has a switch-on current limiter (250), which is designed to limit a switch-on current at the start of the electrical energy supply, and The switch-on current limiter (250) of the field device (100) is arranged between the decoupling device (200) and the power limiting device (300).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The power limiting device (300) of the field device (100) is designed to effect current limitation and voltage limitation.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A first device region (101) of the field device (100) has an internal power supply (132) which can be supplied with power via electrical energy supplied to the first device region (101).

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A first device region (101) of at least one field device (100) has at least one output connection (111, 112) for connecting a further power supply line (500) in order to transmit electrical energy provided to the first device region (101).

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: A first device region (101) of the at least one field device (100) has a switching device (180, 181) arranged between the input connection (110) and the at least one output connection (111, 112), by means of which the transmission of electrical energy supplied to the first device region (101) can be switched.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The field device (100) has galvanic isolation, so that the electrical energy supplied to the first device region (101) is conducted on a separate circuit.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A galvanic isolation is formed in the electrical energy supply connection (170) of the first plant region (101) and / or the first and second plant regions (101, 102).

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The input connection (110) of the first device area (101) of the field device (100) is constructed according to a first ignition protection type, wherein at least one output line connection (165) of the second device area (102) of the field device (100) is constructed according to a second ignition protection type, and wherein the second ignition protection type corresponds to a higher protection level than the first ignition protection type.

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The field device (100) is designed to perform data communication in the following manner, That is, the first device area (101) has at least one communication port (120) for connecting a data line to receive and / or send a data signal and a communication controller (150) connected to the at least one communication port (120), wherein the communication controller (150) is connected to a connection device (160) of the second device region (102) via a communication connection (175) in order to receive and / or send data signals via the connection device (160), and The communication connection (175) between the communication controller (150) and the connection device (160) has a barrier device (155), which is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted from the communication controller (150) to the connection device (160) during data communication and / or to cause galvanic isolation.

10. The system according to claim 9, in, The connecting device (160) of the field device (100) has an input / output controller (161), which is designed to control at least one of the following: receiving and / or sending data signals via the connection device (160); and Electrical energy is transmitted via the connection device (160).

11. The system according to claim 9, in, The field device (100) is designed to perform data communication via at least one communication port (120) of the first device area (101) according to a first communication protocol, and Therein, the field device (100) is designed to perform data communication via a connecting device (160) of the second device area (102) according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the following is arranged between a communication controller (150) and at least one communication port (120) of a first device area (101) of a field device (100): Physical port (145); and A barrier circuit (140) is designed to limit the electrical power that can be transmitted to the communication port (120) of the first device area (101) during data communication and / or to cause galvanic isolation.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The input connection (110) of the field device (100) is designed in the form of a hybrid connection including at least one communication port (120), to which a power supply line (500) designed in the form of a hybrid line can be connected.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The first device area (101) of at least one field device (100) comprises at least one output connector (111, 112) for connecting an additional power line (500) so as to transmit the electrical energy provided to the first device area (101), and wherein the at least one output connector (111, 112) of the at least one field device (100) is constructed in the form of an additional hybrid connector including a communication port (121, 122), to which the additional power line (500) constructed in the form of a hybrid line can be connected.

15. The system according to claim 1, in, The feeding device (400) is designed to perform data communication.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein: The power feeding device (400) is connected to one of the field devices (100) via a power supply line (500), and the field devices (100) are connected to each other via another power supply line (500) that connects every two field devices (100).

17. The system of claim 4, wherein: The input connection (110) of the first device area (101) of the field device (100) and the at least one output connection (111) of the first device area (101) of the at least one field device (100) are constructed according to a first ignition protection type, wherein the at least one output line connection (165) of the second device area (102) of the field device (100) is constructed according to a second ignition protection type, and wherein the second ignition protection type corresponds to a higher protection level than the first ignition protection type.

Images