Field Device Runtime Interpreter for Custom Process Control Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field devices in process control systems, such as transmitters, have fixed functionalities that limit their ability to meet specific customer needs, requiring lengthy and undesirable firmware modifications for custom solutions, which can lead to spare parts issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A downloadable mechanism that allows application-specific behaviors to be added to field devices without modifying their embedded firmware, using a runtime interpreter to execute custom code separate from the embedded firmware, enabling custom functions without affecting standard measurements and behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is modified to provide custom solution, then adaptability to specific application needs is improved, but device complexity and spare parts issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct parts: embedded firmware providing fixed functionality and downloadable application-specific code providing custom functionality. This segmentation allows the device to maintain its core standardized operations while enabling customization through separate, interchangeable code modules that can be downloaded and executed without modifying the underlying firmware.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device is designed with universal capability to execute both standard firmware functions and custom application-specific code through a runtime interpreter. This multi-functionality allows a single device platform to serve multiple applications by loading different downloadable code modules, eliminating the need for firmware modification for each specific application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is modified for custom functionality, then application-specific behavior is improved, but development time and testing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The runtime interpreter capability is built into the firmware in advance, allowing application-specific code to be downloaded and executed immediately without requiring lengthy development and testing cycles for firmware modifications. The preliminary preparation of the interpreter environment enables rapid deployment of custom functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the original firmware for each application, the system uses downloadable copies of application-specific code that are executed by the runtime interpreter. This copying approach allows multiple applications to run on the same firmware base, significantly reducing development and testing time compared to creating custom firmware for each application.
3Reliability
If fixed functionality is used, then reliability and ease of manufacture are improved, but adaptability to specific needs worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed functionality to dynamic adaptability by incorporating a runtime interpreter that can load and execute different application-specific code modules. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to specific application needs while maintaining the reliability of the underlying fixed firmware through separation of concerns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device for use in a process control system having embedded firmware stored in a nonvolatile memory. The firmware includes computer-executable instructions for performing fixed behaviors and/or standard measurements as well as a runtime interpreter. The interpreter executes application specific code downloaded to the field device. When executed, the application specific code performs custom field device functions.