Offline Field Device Configuration Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems can only configure field devices that are online, making it difficult to manage and validate configurations for field devices that are offline or not accessible, which limits the ability to generate valid configuration files before devices are installed or when they are not physically connected.
Innovation Solution
The use of device descriptions, such as EDDL DD/EDD files, allows for the generation of valid configuration files for field devices even when they are offline by simulating their presence and resolving interdependencies, enabling configuration creation and validation without direct access to the devices, using a client-server system with a configuration editor and resolution engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional process control systems are used to configure field devices, then configurations can only be created when devices are online and physically accessible, but this limits the ability to manage and validate configurations for offline devices or devices that are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the field device through device description files (DD/EDD files) that contain all necessary configuration information, parameters, and interdependency relationships. This virtual representation allows the configuration system to work with offline devices as if they were physically present, enabling configuration creation and validation without direct device access. The copy includes device-specific data structures that mirror the actual device's configuration space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces device description files as an intermediary between the configuration system and the physical field device. These files serve as a mediator that translates configuration operations into device-specific language, allowing the system to validate and create configurations for offline devices. The intermediary resolves interdependencies among parameters by evaluating device-specific logic without requiring the actual device to be online.
2Reliability
If device configurations are validated only when devices are online, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but this increases the time required for system deployment and device commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs configuration validation in advance during the configuration creation phase, before the field device is physically installed or connected to the system. By using device description files to simulate the device and validate all parameter interdependencies beforehand, the system ensures configuration accuracy is achieved prior to deployment. This preliminary validation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site configuration adjustments during commissioning.
3Productivity
If device description files are used to simulate offline devices, then configuration files can be generated before devices are installed, but this requires resolving complex interdependencies among parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration validation process into distinct phases: loading device description files, identifying parameter interdependencies, validating individual parameters against device-specific rules, and resolving conflicts. This segmentation breaks down the complex task of validating entire device configurations into manageable steps, allowing the system to efficiently process parameter relationships without being overwhelmed by complexity. Each parameter can be validated independently against its specific constraints and dependencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a first proposed value or attribute for a parameter associated with a field device. The field device is or will be used in a process control system. The method also includes determining whether the first proposed value or attribute is valid using a device description associated with the field device. The method further includes, if the first proposed value or attribute is not valid, receiving a second proposed value or attribute for the parameter associated with the field device and determining whether the second proposed value or attribute is valid. The determinations of whether the first and second proposed values or attributes are valid could occur when the field device is offline in the process control system. The method could further include receiving a configuration having multiple values or attributes for multiple parameters associated with the field device and validating at least some of those values or attributes.