Process Calibrator with Automatic Port Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld process calibration equipment fails to provide sufficient information to determine the source of errors, requiring users to carry multiple instruments and perform complex troubleshooting connections, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in monitoring dynamic changes and logging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable process calibrator with bidirectional electrical communication and automatic connection configuration, capable of measuring and displaying various electrical variables like current, voltage, resistance, and capacitance with a simple two-wire connection, and logging conditions for transient out-of-normal conditions, eliminating the need for digital multi-meters and reducing connection complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional calibrators display only the primary variable being tested, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs because sufficient information to determine the source of errors is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrator is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional calibration device displaying the primary variable and as a diagnostic tool that simultaneously monitors secondary variables (voltage, resistance, current leakage) to identify error sources. This multi-functionality allows the single device to provide comprehensive error source information without requiring separate diagnostic instruments.
2Measurement precision
If users carry multiple test instruments to determine error sources, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to the need to carry and connect multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test functions (voltage measurement, resistance measurement, current leakage detection) into a single calibrator device. This merging eliminates the need to carry and connect multiple separate instruments, reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining the ability to precisely identify error sources through integrated multi-parameter monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If conventional calibrators require complex troubleshooting connections, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the measurement precision may improve through proper connection setup
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrator automatically performs diagnostic measurements and identifies error sources without requiring the user to set up complex connection configurations. The device self-configures to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously and automatically processes the data to determine the source of errors, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex troubleshooting connections while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device determines values of various electrical variables associated with a device within a process system. The testing device provides bi-directional electrical communication with a device to be monitored and automatically provides a connection configuration between a processing unit and a set of input/output ports. The processing unit outputs a test signal and a configuration control signal to the input/output port control circuitry. The input/output port control circuitry provides a connection configuration to direct the test signal to the device to be monitored and directs a return signal from the monitored device to the processing unit. The processing unit measures an electrical characteristic of the return signal and determines at least two electrical variables associated with the monitored device based upon the measured electrical characteristic of the return signal.