Transmitter Output Scalable Rangeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial process transmitters using analog control loops face reduced resolution issues when measuring a wide range of process variables, limiting the information available, especially in areas outside the normal operating range, due to proportional distribution of measurement ranges along the analog signal.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scalable rangeability techniques in industrial process transmitters, which disproportionate the range of process sensor data over the analog communication signal scale, allowing for variable data resolution and enabling higher resolution in normal ranges while maintaining lower resolution in extended and abnormal ranges, thereby enhancing information retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire measurement range of the sensor is distributed proportionally along the analog signal, then the transmitter can cover a wide range of process variables, but the resolution of transmitter output is reduced across the whole signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different portions of the analog signal range to different measurement ranges. Specifically, the first analog signal range (e.g., 4-12 mA) is dedicated to the first measurement range (normal operating conditions), providing high resolution, while the second analog signal range (e.g., 12-20 mA) is dedicated to the second measurement range (extended conditions), providing adequate indication. This non-proportional, localized allocation optimizes resolution where it matters most (normal operations) while still covering extended ranges.
2Device complexity
If proportional distribution is used, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with standard analog loops, but less information is available in particular areas of interest within the sensor range
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prioritizes information availability in areas of interest by allocating a disproportionate portion of the analog signal range to normal operating conditions, which constitute the primary area of interest for process monitoring. This ensures high-resolution data is available when the process is operating normally, while still providing reduced but sufficient information for extended conditions.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An industrial process transmitter includes a sensing system and transmitter electronics. The sensing system senses a process variable over a range. The transmitter electronics is connected to the sensing system and produces a scaled analog communication signal to communicate the process variable over an analog loop. The range is disproportionately distributed over the scale by the transmitter electronics.