Field Adapter Bridging Two-Wire HART and Wireless Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in automation technology are limited to purely wired data transmission, making it difficult to adapt to increasing digitization demands for wireless communication, such as transmitting data to cloud databases or mobile control units.
Innovation Solution
A field device adapter that mechanically connects to existing field devices and converts two-wire signals into radio signals using adapter electronics, including a HART modem, communication resistor, and radio unit, enabling wireless data transmission via protocols like Bluetooth, 6LoWPAN, WirelessHART, or 6TiSCH.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field devices are designed for purely wired data transmission using two-wire lines, then reliability and compatibility with existing automation systems are improved, but adaptability to wireless communication standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The field device adapter incorporates multiple communication interfaces (two-wire line interface and wireless radio interface) within a single device, enabling it to function both as a wired HART protocol communicator and a wireless data transmitter. This multi-functionality allows the adapter to maintain connection with legacy two-wire field devices while providing wireless connectivity to modern systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the legacy two-wire field device and wireless communication systems. It receives two-wire signals from the field device, processes them through the HART modem, and transmits the data wirelessly via radio signals, thereby mediating between incompatible communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing field devices are retrofitted for wireless communication, then adaptability to modern digital systems is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a modular device with distinct functional segments: a mechanical connection interface for the field device, a two-wire line interface, a HART modem section, a radio unit, and power supply electronics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter electronics are housed within a compact adapter housing that integrates multiple functional layers. The HART modem is nested within the adapter electronics, which in turn are contained within the adapter housing that interfaces with both the field device and the two-wire line, creating a nested structural arrangement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a field device adapter (6) for wireless data transfer, at least comprising: an adapter housing (7) having a first and a second end (8, 9), the first end being designed in such a way that the field device adapter can be mechanically connected to a field device (1) and the second end being designed in such a way that a two-wire cable (12) for data transfer can be electrically connected to the field device adapter, the adapter housing also having an adapter chamber (10) between the first and second ends; a supply electronics unit (15), which is arranged in the adapter chamber and which is designed to provide a supply voltage by means of a voltage tap; at least one adapter electronics unit (14), to which the supply voltage is fed; an adapter connection cable (16) located at the first end for electrically connecting the adapter electronics unit to a field device electronics unit (4) of the field device; the adapter electronics unit being designed to communicate the two-conductor signals between the field device electronics unit electrically connectable to the first end by means of the adapter connection cable and the two-conducting-wire cable connectable to the second end and the adapter electronics unit also being designed to convert the two-conductor signals into radio signals or vice versa and to transmit or receive the same by radio.