Ethernet Telegram Data Extraction for Configuration-Free Process Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial systems face long transmission times due to low transmission rates in fieldbuses, making it difficult to efficiently transmit and configure process variables, especially with the increasing complexity of field devices.
Innovation Solution
A device that extracts user data from Ethernet telegrams by evaluating received data, determining process variables, and outputting them without needing to be announced in the Ethernet network, using an input and output interface, an electronic unit, and a storage unit with device descriptions to interpret user data portions, allowing for plug-and-play functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fieldbuses are used for data transmission, then device compatibility and power supply are ensured, but transmission rate is low leading to long transmission times
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary component that is transparently integrated into the Ethernet data line between the field device and higher-level unit. It taps into the existing Ethernet communication without disrupting the fieldbus power supply and compatibility, extracting user data from Ethernet telegrams while maintaining the original communication protocol integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts user data (process variable values, measured value status, diagnostic information) from the payload data portions of Ethernet telegrams that are already being transmitted on the data line. This extraction occurs without interfering with the main data transmission, effectively utilizing existing communication infrastructure to provide additional functionality.
2Speed
If Ethernet data lines are used for direct connection, then transmission rate increases, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously determines the structure of process variables by comparing payload portions of received Ethernet telegrams with device description data stored in its memory unit. It automatically adapts to different field device types without requiring manual configuration or announcement in the Ethernet network, achieving plug-and-play functionality through self-configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to work with multiple types of field devices by storing device description data for various field device types in its memory unit. This universal approach allows the same device to interpret payload portions from different field device protocols and formats without requiring device-specific configuration.
3Ease of operation
If process variables are transmitted only to control center, then network security is maintained, but data accessibility at field level is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as an intermediary that makes user data visible at the field level by extracting and outputting process variable values, measured value status, and diagnostic information from Ethernet telegrams. This allows local access to data without creating additional network pathways that would compromise security architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts user data from the passing Ethernet telegrams and makes it available locally through output units such as display units or radio interfaces. This extraction enables field-level accessibility to process variables without altering the original data transmission path to the control center.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for the extraction of user data out of Ethernet telegrams sent from a field device (FG1, FG5), comprising: an input interface (110) and an output interface (120) for connecting to an Ethernet data line (200), wherein the input interface (110) is designed to receive Ethernet telegrams (300) transmitted via the Ethernet data line (200); an electronics unit (130) which is designed to evaluate the received Ethernet telegrams (300) and to extract a value of at least one process variable out of the user data portions (310) of the received Ethernet telegrams (300); and an output unit (140) for outputting the determined process variables. The invention also relates to a system comprising the device (100) according to the invention.