Unified Gateway for Fieldbus Protocol Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control systems face interconnectivity issues and increased costs due to the use of different protocols, such as the Foundation Fieldbus protocol and other communication protocols, which require additional devices and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A control system that co-locates both the Foundation Fieldbus protocol and a second protocol within a single memory or network layer, allowing a central processor to communicate seamlessly with Foundation Fieldbus devices and other devices using a single network infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for gateway devices and reducing infrastructure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different protocols are used for Foundation Fieldbus devices and non-Foundation Fieldbus devices, then communication compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication protocols (Foundation Fieldbus and non-Foundation Fieldbus protocols) into a single gateway device. The gateway includes a processor that can execute different protocol stacks simultaneously, allowing it to communicate with both Foundation Fieldbus devices and non-Foundation Fieldbus devices through a unified network infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols. It can translate and route messages between Foundation Fieldbus protocol and other protocols (such as HSE, Ethernet IP, or proprietary protocols) through a single device, eliminating the need for separate gateway devices for each protocol type and reducing infrastructure requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateway devices are used to facilitate communication between different protocols, then interconnectivity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol handling capabilities into a single gateway device, reducing the total number of gateway devices needed in the system. By consolidating Foundation Fieldbus protocol support, non-Foundation Fieldbus protocol support, and network routing functions into one device, the system reduces hardware costs while maintaining full interconnectivity between different device types
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs multiple functions including protocol translation, message routing, and network management for both Foundation Fieldbus and non-Foundation Fieldbus devices. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized gateway devices, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining comprehensive interconnectivity
3Reliability
If separate network infrastructures are used for different protocols, then protocol-specific communication is optimized, but overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol communications onto a single network infrastructure. The gateway device enables Foundation Fieldbus devices and non-Foundation Fieldbus devices to communicate over the same network by translating protocols at the gateway level, thereby reducing network infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable protocol-specific communication through the unified network
Data Source
AI summary
Control systems and methods for controlling certain systems, devices, and apparatus are described. A control system may include a memory and at least one processor. The memory may be operable to store both a Foundation Fieldbus protocol that facilitates communication with one or more Foundation Fieldbus devices and a second protocol that facilitates communication with one or more control devices. The at least one processor may be operable to access both the Foundation Fieldbus protocol and the second protocol, and to control the one or more Foundation Fieldbus devices and the one or more control devices. A network may facilitate communications between the at least one processor and both the one or more Foundation Fieldbus devices using the Foundation Fieldbus protocol and the one or more control devices using the second protocol.