RTU Wireless Diversity for Multi-Protocol Industrial Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial process control systems require extensive hardware modifications to support wireless devices using alternative communication protocols, limiting the flexibility and compatibility of wireless device additions or replacements in industrial facilities.
Innovation Solution
A remote terminal unit (RTU) with wireless diversity that receives and transmits data using multiple wireless communication protocols, enabling communication with both ISA100.11a and WirelessHART protocols, and manages wireless resources across different networks, facilitating integration of diverse wireless field devices into a control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wireless network supports only a single wireless communication protocol, then the system maintains simplicity and stability, but the adaptability and compatibility with alternative communication protocols deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless communication protocols (ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, and other industrial wireless protocols) simultaneously. The gateway includes multiple protocol stacks and can translate between different protocols, enabling a single device to perform multiple protocol compatibility functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary device between wireless field devices using different protocols and the control system. It receives data from field devices using one protocol, translates it through appropriate protocol stacks, and forwards it to the control system in a compatible format. This mediator approach allows seamless integration of diverse protocols without direct peer-to-peer compatibility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive hardware modifications are made to support alternative communication protocols, then protocol compatibility improves, but the ease of manufacture and system simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is manufactured as a universal device with integrated support for multiple wireless protocols through software-based protocol stacks rather than requiring separate hardware modifications for each protocol. This allows a single manufacturing process to produce gateways capable of supporting multiple protocols, significantly reducing hardware modification complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical/hardware-based protocol support with software-based protocol stacks. Instead of modifying hardware circuits to support different protocols, the gateway uses configurable software layers that can be loaded or activated as needed, eliminating the need for physical hardware reconfiguration and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If new wireless devices are added or replaced in an industrial facility, then system functionality improves, but the ease of operation and compatibility with existing protocols deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a mediator that handles protocol translation and device compatibility management. When new wireless field devices are added or replaced, the gateway automatically manages the protocol translation between the new devices and the existing control system, reducing the operational burden on users and simplifying the integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway's multi-protocol capability allows it to work with various types of wireless field devices regardless of their specific protocol. This universality enables easier device addition and replacement, as the gateway can adapt to different protocols without requiring users to ensure strict protocol compatibility, thereby improving operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving first data from multiple wireless field devices at a remote terminal unit. The first data is received using multiple wireless communication protocols. The method also includes executing control logic at the remote terminal unit in order to control at least part of an industrial process. The method further includes communicating second data to the wireless field devices from the remote terminal unit. The second data is transmitted using the multiple wireless communication protocols. In addition, the method includes communicating at the remote terminal unit with a control system, where the remote terminal unit is at least partially controlled by the control system.