Field Device Operation via Protocol Driver Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating field devices require specific protocol drivers on the operating device, making it difficult to operate field devices without a communication stack or when drivers are not available, and are inflexible with different display units and operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a higher-order unit to send commands to a field device via a first and second bearer protocol, eliminating the need for protocol drivers on the operating device, and allows operation through a client and server application, enabling communication via diverse interfaces and protocols, and adapting the operating menu structure for different display units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific protocol driver is installed on the operating device to operate a field device, then the field device can be operated reliably, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol driver functionality is extracted from the operating device and relocated to the higher-order unit. The operating device no longer needs to contain field device-specific protocol drivers, instead receiving commands from the higher-order unit that handles protocol conversion and communication logic centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The higher-order unit serves as a universal communication hub that can operate multiple types of field devices through a single interface. By centralizing protocol drivers at the higher-order unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring each operating device to support multiple protocols locally.
2Reliability
If the communication stack is intermeshed with the firmware to ensure stable communication, then communication reliability improves, but the adaptability to different protocols and devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into distinct layers: the stable firmware layer at the operating device and the flexible protocol driver layer at the higher-order unit. This segmentation allows the firmware to maintain stable, proven communication routines while the protocol drivers can be updated or modified independently to support new protocols without affecting firmware stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, firmware-embedded communication stack to a dynamic architecture where protocol drivers can be selectively loaded and configured at the higher-order unit. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to different protocols and field devices while maintaining the stability of the underlying communication infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If a protocol driver is required on the operating device to operate field devices, then communication precision is maintained, but the ease of operation and deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The higher-order unit acts as an intermediary between the operating device and field devices. It receives generic commands from the operating device, translates them into protocol-specific commands using appropriate drivers, and manages communication with the field device. This intermediary approach maintains communication precision while simplifying the operating device to a basic command interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol drivers are installed on the operating device to support different field devices, then the versatility increases, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protocol drivers are merged and consolidated at the higher-order unit instead of being distributed across multiple operating devices. The higher-order unit maintains a library of protocol drivers for different field devices, while each operating device uses a single, simplified interface to access these drivers remotely, achieving versatility without local complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a field device, wherein at least one command that is in line with a communication protocol for operating a field device is sent from a higher-order unit to a field device by sending the command to an operating unit by means of a first bearer protocol and by transmitting the command from the operating unit to the field device by means of a second bearer protocol.