Remotely Configurable Analog Digital Input Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process monitoring and control systems require physical access to sensors for reconfiguration, which can be difficult or dangerous, especially in hazardous environments, due to the need for manual addition or removal of current shunt resistors or electromechanical switches.
Innovation Solution
A remotely configurable analog/digital input circuit using a diode and resistor in series, coupled with switches that can be opened and closed remotely to adapt to different input types, eliminating the need for physical access and allowing configuration from a control room or portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual addition or removal of current shunt resistors is used to reconfigure sensors, then input type compatibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring physical access to field wiring terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually adding/removing physical shunt resistors with an electronic switching system. Solid-state switches (transistors) are used to electronically connect or disconnect the shunt resistor from the sensor circuit, allowing reconfiguration without physical access to the sensor. The control system can remotely activate these switches to change input types between voltage and current modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that remotely manages the sensor configuration. This control system communicates with the sensor device and activates internal switches to reconfigure the input circuit, acting as a mediator between the operator and the physical sensor, eliminating the need for direct physical access to the sensor terminals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical switches are used to break the circuit to the shunt resistor, then reconfiguration capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring physical access to operate the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with solid-state electronic switches (transistors). These electronic switches can be activated remotely through electrical signals without requiring physical access to the sensor location. The transistor-based switching system provides the same circuit breaking functionality but can be controlled from a remote control room or portable device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical access to sensors is required for reconfiguration, then configuration flexibility is improved, but safety deteriorates in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service reconfiguration system where the sensor device automatically reconfigures its input type through internal electronic switches controlled by a remote system. The sensor performs its own reconfiguration without requiring human intervention or physical access, eliminating the safety risk of sending personnel into hazardous environments for configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote intermediary control system that manages sensor reconfiguration from a safe location. This control system sends commands to the sensor device, which then self-reconfigures its internal circuitry, allowing configuration flexibility to be maintained while eliminating the need for personnel to physically access hazardous environments.
4Reliability
If conformal coating is applied to protect electronic components, then reliability in corrosive environments is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to making resistor replacement impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical resistor replacement with an electronic switching system. Solid-state switches are integrated into the circuit board along with the shunt resistor, and reconfiguration is achieved by electronically activating/deactivating these switches rather than physically removing or replacing resistors. This maintains the conformal coating for protection while enabling easy reconfiguration through software control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes first and second input terminals configured to be coupled to one of multiple types of input sources. The apparatus also includes a diode and a resistor coupled in series between the first and second input terminals. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches each coupled to at least one of the diode and the resistor. The switches are configured to be opened and closed to reconfigure the apparatus depending on the type of input source. The switches could include a first switch coupled to the first input terminal, a current source, and a first side of the diode. The switches could also include a second switch coupled to the current source, a second side of the diode, and a first side of the resistor. In addition, the switches could include a third switch coupled to the second input terminal and a second side of the resistor.