NFC Access to Unpowered Automation Device Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems require powered automation devices for data retrieval and parameter changes during installation, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a near-field communication module integrated into automation devices for wireless data exchange with a mobile device, enabling data retrieval and changes without power supply, using NFC technology to facilitate identification and parameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automation device is powered off to save energy or during fault conditions, then energy consumption is reduced and fault isolation is achieved, but data retrieval and parameter changes become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the automation device into two independent parts: the main control unit that can be powered off for fault isolation, and the NFC module that remains independently accessible. This segmentation allows data retrieval without powering on the entire device, resolving the contradiction between fault isolation and data accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC module acts as an intermediary between the automation device and external devices. It provides a bridge for data exchange that operates independently of the main device power state, enabling technicians to retrieve data or change parameters even when the device is powered off or in fault state.
2Ease of operation
If a pluggable programming tool and user interface are used for data retrieval and parameter changes, then data access is achieved, but the device must remain powered on and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical connection required by pluggable programming tools with wireless NFC communication. This eliminates the need for physical tool connections and device power-on states, significantly reducing commissioning and maintenance time while maintaining full data access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC module is pre-configured with all necessary communication protocols and data structures during manufacturing. This preliminary setup enables immediate data exchange without requiring device power-on or complex initialization procedures, dramatically reducing operational time during commissioning and maintenance.
3Reliability
If the automation device is integrated into the fieldbus system during commissioning, then network communication is established, but considerable time and effort are required especially for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
Device parameters including network addresses are pre-configured in the NFC module during manufacturing. During commissioning, technicians can directly read or write these parameters using NFC without time-consuming configuration procedures, dramatically accelerating the integration of multiple devices into the fieldbus system.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC module contains a copy of all essential device parameters and identification data. This allows rapid parameter transfer and device configuration without requiring complex network setup procedures for each individual device, significantly improving commissioning productivity for large-scale deployments.
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
Enables flexible and efficient data retrieval and parameter changes for automation devices, even in a powerless state, simplifying installation, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting processes.
Implementation Method 1
A near-field communication module (short: NFC-module) integrated into the automation device is set up for a wireless exchange of the data of the automation device with a mobile device via a near-field communication connection
Implementation Method 2
the mobile device transfers energy, required for the exchange of the data of the automation device via NFC-connection, to the near-field communication module during a powerless state of the automation module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
To ensure simple and flexible parameterization and data retrieval of automation devices of an automation system - regardless of the current power supply and/or operating status of an automation device (2), a system (1) for querying and/or changing data (ID, PAR, DAT) of the automation device (2) and an associated method is proposed, wherein the system (1) comprises at least one automation device (2), which can be integrated into an automation system via a communication network (3), in particular a fieldbus system, and a mobile device (4), which is set up for establishing a near-field communication connection (5). A near-field communication module (6) is integrated into the automation device (2), which near-field communication module (6) is set up for storing the data (ID, PAR, DAT) of the automation device (2) and for wireless exchange of the data (ID, PAR, DAT) of the automation device (2) with the mobile device (4), the mobile device (4) interacting with the near-field communication module (6) integrated in the automation device (2) in such a way, that the mobile device (4) transfers energy to the near-field communication module (6), required for the exchange of the data (ID, PAR, DAT) of the automation device (2) via the near-field communication connection (5), during a powerless state of the automation device (2). Furthermore, the mobile device (4) is set up to read out the data (ID, PAR, DAT) of the automation device (2) stored in the near-field communication module (6), to display the data (ID, PAR, DAT) and change changeable data (PAR) of the displayed data (ID, PAR, DAT) via a user interface provided by the mobile device (4) and to transmit data changes to the near-field communication module (6) for storage via near-field communication connection (5).