Reprogrammable Logic Device for Flexible Field Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices for process automation are inflexible, costly to manufacture due to the multiplicity of hardware components, and require replacement of entire devices for functional changes, limiting compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable field device utilizing reprogrammable logic devices for signal processing and communication, allowing configuration of hardware and software to adapt to different functionalities, reducing the need for multiple hardware components and enabling easy switching between device types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware components are used to achieve different functionalities, then the field device can perform various tasks, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single reconfigurable logic device that can be programmed to perform multiple different hardware component functions. Instead of having separate physical components for signal processing, communication protocols, and data processing, one reconfigurable logic device is programmed to embody all these different functionalities as needed, allowing the field device to adapt to various applications without adding physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple distinct hardware components into a single reconfigurable logic device. The logic device combines what would traditionally be separate components for different communication protocols (Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, CAN-bus), signal processing functions, and data processing into one unified reconfigurable unit, thereby reducing component multiplicity while maintaining full functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components are used for specific functions, then processing speed is high, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the logic device reconfigurable rather than fixed. The logic device can be programmed and reprogrammed to change its hardware functionality dynamically based on the application requirements. This allows the system to adapt flexibly to different tasks while maintaining hardware-level processing speed, as the reconfiguration occurs at the logic level rather than requiring physical component changes
3Volume of moving object
If components are moved closer together on circuit boards to make field devices compacter, then the device size is reduced, but testing and reliability become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single reconfigurable logic device, which inherently reduces the number of interconnections and physical space required on the circuit board. This consolidation makes the device compacter while simultaneously improving reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points and simplifying the testing process, as fewer discrete components and connections need to be verified
4Adaptability or versatility
If sequential software processing is used, then flexibility is high, but processing speed becomes relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes software-based sequential processing with hardware-based parallel processing using a reconfigurable logic device. By implementing processing functions in hardware logic rather than software, the system achieves both the flexibility of programmability and the high-speed parallel processing capabilities of hardware, eliminating the speed limitation inherent in sequential software execution
Data Source
AI summary
In a field device for process automation, a reprogammable logic device is used, in order to achieve a high flexibility as regards hardware components.