Galvanically Isolated Current Transmitter with Automatic Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting field devices to control facilities in explosion-proof areas require multiple barrier circuits, leading to high costs and potential malfunctions, and often rely on software-configured microcontrollers that complicate safety standards compliance.
Innovation Solution
A connection module with electronic detecting and adjusting means that automatically identifies properties and requirements of field devices and control facilities, using galvanic isolation through optocouplers or current transformers, and adjusts electrical parameters to ensure safe and reliable operation without programmable devices, enhancing safety and reducing the need for specialized modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple barrier circuits are used for different field devices, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single barrier circuit that can serve multiple field devices with different functionalities (analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output) by dynamically reconfiguring its operation mode based on detected device types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated barrier circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where operating parameters and circuit topology are adjusted in real-time based on the detected field device type, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different functional requirements without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If microcontrollers are used to configure multifunctional I/O-boards, then adaptability is improved, but safety standards compliance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes microcontrollers and programmable devices from the intrinsically safe barrier circuit, extracting the intelligence to a non-safe side while maintaining simple, deterministic safety-critical circuitry that is easier to certify according to safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary that allows configuration and control functions to be performed externally without requiring intelligent devices within the intrinsically safe barrier circuit itself, separating safety-critical functions from programmable functions
3Reliability
If different barrier circuits are used for each field device, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal barrier circuit that can reliably serve multiple different field devices by dynamically adapting its operation mode based on detected device types, eliminating the need to purchase and deploy multiple specialized barrier circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (current limits, voltage levels, circuit topology) dynamically based on the detected field device type, allowing one barrier circuit to maintain reliability across multiple different device configurations without requiring multiple dedicated circuits
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The module provides a universal, cost-effective, and reliable galvanically isolated connection for various field devices, improving safety standards by eliminating the need for multiple barrier circuits and reducing reliance on microcontrollers, thus enhancing operational reliability and compliance with safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer for providing a galvanic isolation between a control and the hazardous area
Implementation Method 2
using galvanic isolation through optocouplers or current transformers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to a connection module (101) for a galvanically isolated connection of field devices to a control facility, comprising a primary side (110) with primary connections (117, 118; 217, 218) for the connection to the control facility, a secondary side (111) with secondary connections (129,..,132; 229,..,232) for the connection to the field device (134, 136, 148,..,152) and coupling means (103,..,109) for operationally connecting the primary side (110) to the secondary side (111) and galvanically isolating the primary side (110) from the secondary side (111). The connection module is characterized in that electronic detecting and adjusting means (260, 261, 262, 270, 275, 276) are provided for automatically detecting properties and/or requirements, particularly electrical signal properties and/or electrical signal requirements, of a control facility and a field device when the control facility is connected to the primary side (110) and the field device is connected to the secondary side (111) and both, the control facility and the field device, are operative and for automatically adjusting electrical parameters, in particular the electrical transfer characteristics, of the connection module to comply with detected properties and/or requirements of the control facility and the field device. The invention is furthermore directed to a method for a establishing a galvanically isolated connection of a field device to a control facility.