Field Adapter Dual Power Layout for Wireless HART Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems rely on two-wire field devices for data transmission, primarily using the HART protocol, which limits data transmission to wired connections, hindering wireless communication and integration with cloud databases or mobile units.
Innovation Solution
A field device adapter with dual supply circuits powers a HART modem and a radio module independently, enabling translation between two-wire signals and radio signals, allowing existing field devices to communicate wirelessly using protocols like Bluetooth, 6LoWPAN, WirelessHART, and 6TiSCH.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single supply circuit is used to power both HART modem and radio module, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of wireless communication deteriorates due to potential power conflicts and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent supply circuits: a first supply circuit powered by the loop current for the HART modem, and a second supply circuit powered by a local battery for the radio module. This segmentation eliminates power conflicts between the two communication interfaces while ensuring each has dedicated, stable power supply, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing two-wire field devices are used without adaptation, then device compatibility is maintained, but wireless data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A field device adapter is introduced as an intermediary device that connects to existing two-wire field devices via standard connection elements. The adapter contains both HART modem and radio module, translating between the wired HART protocol and wireless communication protocols. This intermediary approach enables wireless capability without modifying the original field devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HART protocol is used for data transmission, then compatibility with existing two-wire systems is ensured, but wireless transmission and cloud database integration are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with multi-functionality to handle both HART protocol for wired communication and multiple wireless protocols (Bluetooth, 6LoWPAN, WirelessHART, 6TiSCH) simultaneously. This universal design allows the same device to serve both traditional wired automation systems and modern wireless/cloud-based systems, eliminating data accessibility losses by providing multiple communication pathways.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a field device adapter (6) for wireless data transfer, comprising at least: - an adapter housing (7); - adapter electronics unit (14) arranged in the adapter housing (7), the adapter electronics unit (14) comprising a first supply circuit (15a), which is introduced into the first connection line (25), for providing a first supply voltage from a loop current (I) flowing in the first connection line (25), and a second supply circuit (15b), which is introduced into the second connection line (26), for providing a second supply voltage from the loop current (I) flowing in the second connection line (25), wherein the adapter electronics unit (14) further comprises a HART modem (17) and a wireless module (19) with an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving, and the adapter electronics unit is configured such that the first supply circuit (15a) supplies the HART modem (17) with the first supply voltage, and the second supply circuit (15b) supplies the wireless module (19) with the second supply voltage.