Passive Adapter Interface for Field Device Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices, such as sensors, require on-site communication and display capabilities for measurement data, state monitoring, and service tasks, but existing solutions lack efficient and portable methods for direct on-site access, especially in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a communication module and adapter with plug contacts, allowing connection to portable mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, and optionally integrated into the field device, enabling wireless communication using standards like ZigBee for instant and energy-efficient data transmission and display, even in explosive regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensors are connected directly to a fieldbus, then remote display capability is improved, but on-site access and display capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a communication module that interfaces with the fieldbus and a portable display device that provides on-site access. This segmentation allows the sensor data to be simultaneously accessible both remotely through the fieldbus and locally through the portable device, resolving the contradiction between remote display capability and on-site access.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable display device acts as an intermediary between the fieldbus-connected sensors and the technician. This intermediary device receives data from the fieldbus and presents it in a user-friendly format on-site, enabling both remote monitoring capabilities and local access without requiring direct sensor modification.
2Ease of operation
If a portable display device is used for on-site access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable display device is designed with universal functionality to interface with multiple types of field devices through the fieldbus protocol. Rather than requiring specialized equipment for each sensor type, a single multi-functional device can access various sensors, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If wired interface (Ex-i) is used for communication, then safety in hazardous environments is improved, but ease of operation and positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic positioning of the portable display device within the Ex-protected region since it is battery-operated and wirelessly capable. The device can be moved to different locations as needed for on-site access, providing positioning flexibility while maintaining safety through its intrinsic safety design and Ex-certification.
4Ease of operation
If wireless interface is used for communication, then positioning flexibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication operates in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The portable display device establishes communication with the fieldbus at scheduled intervals to retrieve and display sensor data, which reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous wireless transmission while maintaining positioning flexibility and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communication with a field device, comprising: an apparatus which includes a communication module and an adapter. The communication module includes a connection region and a communication area. The communication area includes at least one communication interface for communication for the field device. A first connecting structure is provided on the connection region, and a second connecting structure provided on an adapter, wherein the second connecting structure is embodied complementary to the first connecting. The adapter includes an interface, and the adapter is embodied passively A display/servicing device, wherein the interface is embodied for connection to the display/servicing device, wherein the display/servicing device is embodied as a portable mobile device, wherein the mobile device is embodied for single-use battery- or rechargeable battery operation, and wherein the first connecting, the second connecting structure and the interface are embodied as plug contacts.