Field Interface Electronics for Switchable Analog and Binary Current I/O
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field measuring devices face complexity and inflexibility in implementing various interface options, requiring different hardware variants for different functionalities.
Innovation Solution
The interface electronics of the field measuring device include a current controller and current measuring device connected in series, with a voltage source that can be switched into the connection current path, enabling the implementation of four different interface functionalities: outputting and reading analog and binary current signals without the need for multiple hardware variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different hardware configurations are used to implement various interface options, then the field measuring device can support multiple interface functionalities, but the device complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface electronics design where a single hardware configuration supports multiple interface functionalities (analog current output, analog current input, HART protocol, and pulse/frequency output) through software-controlled switching of the voltage source and current controller, eliminating the need for separate hardware variants for each interface type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching of the voltage source and current controller based on the selected interface mode. The measuring and control device activates or deactivates these components depending on whether analog current output, analog current input, HART, or pulse/frequency interface is selected, allowing a single hardware design to adapt to different operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware variants are produced for different interface options, then each variant can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal basic electronics design that can produce a single standardized hardware variant capable of supporting all interface options through software configuration and controlled switching of common components (voltage source, current controller, current measuring device), thereby simplifying manufacturing and eliminating the need to produce multiple specialized hardware variants
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A field measuring device (1) comprising a sensor (2), a transmitter (3), and interface electronics (4) is shown and described. The interface electronics (4) include a measuring and control device (5) and at least one first connection (6) and one second connection (7) for connecting an external electrical device (7). A flexible solution for the usability of the interface electronics (4) is achieved by connecting a current regulator (9) and a current measuring device (10) in series in a connection current path between the first connection (6) and the second connection (7) of the interface electronics (4). The interface electronics (4) also includes a voltage source (11), and the voltage source (11) can be switched on and off in the connection current path.so that the voltage source (11) can drive a current in the connection current path when switched on and in the case of a connected external electrical device (8), and that the measuring and control device (5) controls and reads the current regulator (9), the current measuring device (10) and the voltage source (11) in such a way that, with an external device (8) connected, either an analog current signal or a binary current signal is selectively output or read via the first terminal (6) and the second terminal (7).