Auxiliary Current Input for Dual-Mode Automation Field Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices require different electronics for two-wire and three-wire operation modes, leading to manufacturing variances and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A field device with integrally formed electronics that can operate in both two-wire and three-wire modes, utilizing a three-pin configuration to allow for additional auxiliary current input when needed, incorporating diodes, galvanic isolators, and choppers to manage energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different field device electronics are integrated for two-wire and three-wire operation modes, then the field device can support both operation modes, but manufacturing variances increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device electronics are designed with a universal architecture that can operate in both two-wire and three-wire modes using the same integrated circuit. The electronics include a first energy supply path for two-wire mode and a second energy supply path for three-wire mode, both controlled by the same microprocessor and ADC unit, eliminating the need for separate electronics variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device dynamically switches between two-wire and three-wire operation modes based on detection of the connection type. The microprocessor detects whether a two-wire or three-wire connection is present and activates the appropriate energy supply path accordingly, allowing a single device to adapt to different wiring configurations without requiring hardware variants.
2Ease of manufacture
If field device electronics are designed for two-wire mode only, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy supply is insufficient when more energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The field device dynamically switches between two-wire and three-wire operation modes based on detection of the connection type. The microprocessor detects whether a two-wire or three-wire connection is present and activates the appropriate energy supply path accordingly, allowing a single device to adapt to different wiring configurations without requiring hardware variants.
3Use of energy by moving object
If field device electronics are designed for three-wire mode, then energy supply is sufficient, but the device cannot operate in two-wire mode and manufacturing variances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The field device electronics are designed with a universal architecture that can operate in both two-wire and three-wire modes using the same integrated circuit. The electronics include a first energy supply path for two-wire mode and a second energy supply path for three-wire mode, both controlled by the same microprocessor and ADC unit, eliminating the need for separate electronics variants.
4Use of energy by moving object
If additional auxiliary current is fed to the field device electronics in three-wire mode, then energy supply is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device combines multiple energy supply paths into a single integrated energy supply unit. The first energy supply path (for two-wire mode) and the second energy supply path (for three-wire mode with auxiliary current) are merged into one unified electronics system that shares common components including the microprocessor, ADC unit, and power management circuitry, reducing overall device complexity despite supporting multiple energy input configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces manufacturing variances by enabling a single set of electronics to handle both operation modes, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing heating, while maintaining data transmission and energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
the field device electronics further have a first and a second diode, wherein the first diode is integrated in the first data and/or energy supply path in such a way that a cathode of the first diode is directed to the electronics supply unit and wherein the second diode is integrated in the second energy supply path in such a way that a cathode of the second diode is likewise directed to the electronics supply unit
Implementation Method 2
incorporating diodes, galvanic isolators, and choppers to manage energy supply
Data Source
AI summary
An automation field device comprises a first, a second, and a third connection pin; and a field device electronics designed to be operated either in a two-conductor mode or in a three-conductor mode. The field device electronics have an energy supply unit designed to provide internal energy supply exclusively by means of the fed current in the two-conductor mode. In the three-conductor mode, an additional auxiliary current is to be fed to the field device electronics via an additional single-wire line connected to the third connection pin, and the energy supply unit is also designed to provide the internal energy supply via the fed current and the fed additional auxiliary current. Furthermore, the field device electronics are designed to use the additionally fed auxiliary current for internal energy supply only if the current fed by means of the two-wire line is not sufficient for the internal energy supply.