Protocol Converter for Fieldbus Device Interconnectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Fieldbus devices into control systems poses interconnectivity challenges due to the use of different communication protocols, making it difficult for human machine interfaces (HMIs) to read and write values to Fieldbus devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that receives commands from an external computer formatted in a non-Fieldbus protocol, identifies the intended Fieldbus device, and generates a corresponding command in the Fieldbus protocol for communication with the device, acting as a gateway to facilitate seamless data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Fieldbus devices are integrated into control systems using Foundation Fieldbus protocol, then device functionality and control capabilities are improved, but interconnectivity problems arise due to protocol differences with other control system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a protocol converter as an intermediary device that sits between the HMI computer and Fieldbus devices. This converter translates commands from the HMI's protocol into the Foundation Fieldbus protocol, enabling communication between systems that would otherwise be incompatible. The intermediary resolves the interconnectivity problem by mediating the protocol translation without requiring changes to the existing Fieldbus devices or HMI computer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different communication protocols are used for Fieldbus devices and other control system components, then device-specific functionality is enhanced, but difficulty arises in reading and writing values to Fieldbus devices from HMI computer
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol converter acts as an intermediary that automatically translates data access operations between protocols. When the HMI computer reads or writes values using its native protocol, the converter intercepts these operations, translates them into appropriate Foundation Fieldbus protocol commands, and manages the data exchange with Fieldbus devices. This eliminates the operational difficulty while preserving device-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol converter creates a virtual representation or copy of the Fieldbus device's data structure that matches the HMI computer's expected format. This virtual copy allows the HMI computer to interact with Fieldbus devices using familiar protocols and data structures, while the converter handles the actual protocol translation and data mapping in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating communication with a Fieldbus device are described. A first command formatted in accordance with a protocol other than a Fieldbus protocol may be received by a controller from an external computer, such as a human machine interface computer. The controller may determine that the received command is associated with the Fieldbus device. Based upon the determination and information included in the received first command, the controller may generate a second command formatted in accordance with the Fieldbus protocol. The second command may be output by the controller for communication to the Fieldbus device.