BLE Adapter for Wireless Field Instrument Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing industries, technicians face challenges accessing field instruments in remote or hazardous locations due to the need for physical connection with handheld communicators, leading to operational delays, higher costs, and safety risks, especially since current devices lack wireless connectivity and camera capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system and method for in-field wireless access to smart instruments using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which includes a BLE adapter to convert native field instrument protocols into BLE communication protocols, enabling wireless communication with external devices without physical connection or exposure to hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld communicator is used to access field instruments, then wireless communication capability is provided, but physical connection and exposure to hazardous locations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the technician and the field instrument. Instead of directly connecting to the instrument at hazardous locations, the technician uses a wireless communicator that receives data from the instrument via the existing 4-20mA signal, eliminating the need for physical connection at dangerous sites while maintaining access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The handheld communicator traditionally requires physical connection to the instrument terminals, but the invention substitutes this with wireless transmission, replacing the mechanical connection process with electromagnetic communication that does not require technician presence at hazardous locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handheld devices are carried for different functions, then camera and communication capabilities are available, but device complexity and carrying burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the handheld communicator a multi-functional device that combines traditional field instrument access capabilities with camera and wireless communication functions. Instead of requiring separate devices for each function, the communicator integrates multiple capabilities into a single tool, reducing the number of devices technicians must carry while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If wireless connectivity is added to field instruments, then remote access is enabled, but current consumption exceeds the 3.8mA budget
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial wireless functionality by having the field instrument transmit data intermittently or on-demand rather than maintaining continuous wireless communication. The instrument provides data to the wireless system when queried, rather than continuously broadcasting, thus consuming power only when necessary and staying within the 3.8mA budget while still enabling remote access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides various ways to enable a BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE) communication capability for a field instrument. An apparatus is configured to perform a method for providing BLE communication capability to a legacy field instrument in an industrial control system. The method includes receiving, by a BLE adapter coupled to the field instrument, information from the field instrument according to a protocol that is native to the field instrument. The method includes converting, by the BLE adapter, the information into a BLE communication protocol. The method includes transmitting, by the BLE adapter, the converted information to an external device over a BLE communication link.