Ethernet-APL Field Device Configuration With Browser-Based HMI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not provide comparable bandwidth configuration capability for intrinsically safe edge devices, and they face power and reliable bandwidth limitations, especially in environments where traditional Ethernet protocols are not sufficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) technology enables direct web-based configuration of field devices with full Human Machine Interface (HMI) capability, allowing for low-power device communication and configuration over a simple browser connection, supporting entity relational data models without pre-knowledge of data schema, and operating safely in intrinsically safe environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Ethernet protocols are used for field device configuration, then device configuration capability is provided, but power consumption increases and bandwidth reliability decreases in intrinsically safe environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional Ethernet protocols to Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) which modifies the physical layer parameters including voltage levels, current consumption, and communication bandwidth characteristics. This enables intrinsically safe operation by reducing power consumption to safe levels while maintaining reliable communication capability for field device configuration and diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the Ethernet-APL interface to support multiple functions including configuration, diagnostics, and control operations through a single standardized physical layer connection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate communication channels, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining comprehensive device management capability in intrinsically safe environments.
2Reliability
If Ethernet-APL technology is implemented for direct web-based configuration, then power efficiency and reliable bandwidth are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary layer between the Ethernet-APL physical interface and the field device configuration functions. This mediator handles the complexity of protocol translation, data formatting, and configuration management, allowing the physical layer to remain relatively simple while providing sophisticated configuration capabilities through standardized web protocols that can be accessed via standard web browsers.
3Ease of operation
If full HMI capability is provided in field devices, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical HMI interfaces (physical buttons, displays, and local configuration interfaces) with web-based graphical user interfaces accessible through standard web browsers. This substitution leverages the computing power of connected devices rather than requiring full HMI capabilities in the field device itself, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving ease of operation through sophisticated graphical interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of configuring a field device for monitoring and/or controlling an operation(s) of a process or plant. The method includes conducting web-based communication between a networked computer device and the field device over an Ethernet-APL to allow the networked computer device to access and interact with a web page(s) or program(s) that is hosted on a web server running on the field device. The method also includes configuring at the field device an operation parameter(s) and/or setting(s) of the field device based on user input received across the Ethernet-APL by the field device from user interaction with the web page(s) or program(s) through the networked computer device.