Boot-Loader Memory Check for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices used in industrial installations face energy consumption and time inefficiencies due to the need for a lengthy boot process and memory checks, especially when powered by batteries, as they require a full system start-up for each measurement, which includes a time-consuming CRC check to verify system software integrity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing system software into a boot part and an operating part, allowing the field device to start by activating the boot part, which checks for a valid operating part only when necessary, and using counters to determine if a memory check is required, thereby reducing energy consumption and accelerating the start-up process. Additionally, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is performed only when necessary, and counters are used to track successful starts, allowing the operating part to be started immediately if no errors are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full memory check (CRC check) is performed during each boot process, then system reliability is improved by detecting corrupted software, but start-up time increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A watchdog function is activated during normal operation to continuously monitor system stability and detect errors. This preliminary monitoring allows the system to determine whether a full memory check is necessary during the next boot process, avoiding unnecessary checks and reducing start-up time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete memory check every time, the system performs a partial check only when the watchdog detects an error condition. This selective approach applies the full checking action only when necessary, reducing overall start-up time while maintaining software integrity verification
2Reliability
If a full memory check (CRC check) is performed during each boot process, then system reliability is improved by detecting corrupted software, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The watchdog function performs preliminary monitoring during operation to detect errors before the next boot. This allows the system to skip full memory checks when no errors are detected, significantly reducing energy consumption during start-up while maintaining reliability through the watchdog's continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies the energy-intensive full memory check only partially - specifically, only when the watchdog detects an error condition. This selective application of the checking action reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining software integrity verification when needed
3Productivity
If the field device is activated frequently for measurements, then measurement availability is improved, but cumulative energy consumption and start-up time losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The watchdog function performs preliminary error detection during operation, allowing frequent activations without incurring the full cost of repeated memory checks. This enables high measurement availability while minimizing cumulative energy consumption through intelligent selective checking
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves carrying out a boot function. A determination is performed to check whether a memory check of the operating memory region is to be carried out. A memory check of the operating memory region is carried out based on determination that a memory check is carried out. The operating function is carried out. The boot function is carried out when the field device is activated. The memory check step is performed when a signal of a watchdog has a defined signal level. A watchdog is activated in the case of an error of a field device (12). Independent claims are included for the following: (1) computer program storing medium for starting field device for pressure measurement, flow measurement and fill level measurement; and (2) field device for pressure measurement, flow measurement and fill level measurement .