Field Device Token-Based Data Transmission for Industrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing industrial process networks face challenges in efficiently configuring and commissioning field devices due to the connection-based nature of Fieldbus systems, which requires costly host device configuration and makes it difficult to monitor process data from multiple field devices without a Link Active Scheduler.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where field devices automatically transmit process data in response to a communications token, rather than a compel data message, allowing for out-of-the-box communications and reducing network overhead, and using a data monitoring device to receive and display this data without additional host device modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Fieldbus systems use connection-based communication with compel data messages, then data can be transmitted between host device and field devices, but configuration and commissioning become costly and complex requiring specialized host device configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Field devices are enabled to automatically transmit process data without requiring the host device to send compel data messages. The field devices self-initiate data transmission when they detect process variable changes, eliminating the need for complex host device configuration and commissioning while maintaining reliable data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the traditional model where the host device initiates data requests (compel data messages), the invention inverts the communication paradigm by allowing field devices to autonomously initiate data transmission. This reversal simplifies the host device role and reduces configuration complexity while preserving data transmission reliability
2Reliability
If Fieldbus systems require Link Active Scheduler for monitoring process data, then centralized control can be maintained, but network overhead increases and monitoring becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Field devices transmit data periodically or event-driven based on process variable changes rather than continuous polling by the Link Active Scheduler. This periodic transmission approach reduces network overhead and energy consumption while maintaining centralized control reliability through structured data publication
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional analog field devices are used with two-wire twisted pair current loops, then simple connection and power supply are achieved, but data transmission rate and diagnostic capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the simplicity of traditional two-wire twisted pair connections with the high-speed data transmission capabilities of Fieldbus digital communication. By integrating digital data transmission over the existing analog infrastructure, it maintains ease of connection while dramatically increasing data transmission rate and diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The Fieldbus system enables the two-wire twisted pair to serve multiple functions simultaneously: power supply, primary process variable transmission, and secondary diagnostic information exchange. This multi-functionality increases productivity without compromising connection simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device can transmit, over an industrial process network, data (e.g., including process data) to a host device configured to send and receive messages with one or more field devices. The field device can transmit the data in response to receiving a communications token that delegates time to the field device to transmit data over the industrial process network. A data monitoring device can monitor the data transmitted over the industrial process network, and can output at least a portion of the data for display at a display device operatively coupled to the data monitoring device.