Field Device Signal Error Detection via External Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices cannot remotely detect incorrect measurement signal outputs, leading to potential severe consequences due to the complexity of their structure and the inability to remotely check for errors in analog signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for remote detection of incorrect measurement signal outputs by outputting measurement values as both analog and digital signals through different interfaces, enabling the detection system to compare and determine signal deviations, thereby identifying errors without requiring expensive components within the field device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a checking circuit is added to the field device to detect measurement errors, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate detection system as an intermediary component that performs error detection externally. The detection system receives measurement signals from the field device via cable interface and compares them with reference values, eliminating the need for complex checking circuits within the field device itself while maintaining error detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The error detection function is segmented from the field device and implemented as a separate detection system. This divides the overall system into the field device (measurement component) and the detection system (verification component), allowing each to remain simple while achieving reliable error detection through their collaboration
2Ease of operation
If analog signal transmission is used for simplicity and power supply integration, then ease of operation is improved, but error detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system implements a feedback mechanism where measurement signals transmitted via the two-wire cable are continuously monitored and compared with expected reference values. When deviations are detected, the system generates error signals that trigger alerts or corrective actions, enabling remote error detection while maintaining the simplicity of analog transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system acts as an intermediary between the field device and the control system, intercepting and analyzing measurement signals on the two-wire cable without disrupting the simple analog transmission. This intermediary performs verification functions that would otherwise require complex embedded circuits in the field device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the detection of incorrect measurement signal outputs of a field device, comprising: outputting of a measurement value by the field device as a first measurement signal, outputting of the measurement value by the field device as a second measurement signal, receiving by a detection system the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal or values derived therefrom, determining a measurement signal deviation between the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal by the detection system, and checking by the detection system whether a case of error is present, taking into account the measurement signal deviation and, optionally, taking into account at least one further error condition. The invention further relates to a detection system that can be used for carrying out the above-described method. According to another aspect of the invention, a field device is proposed that is suitable for carrying out the above-described method.