Wireless Interface for Industrial Process Transmitter Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Process variable transmitters in industrial settings are prone to errors due to electrical noise interference from electromagnetic fields, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential ignition risks in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A process variable transmitter with reduced electrical noise sensitivity is achieved through a wireless communication link between sensor circuitry and output circuitry, where the sensor circuitry is directly coupled to the transmitter housing, utilizing a sensor circuitry common connection to shunt electrical current noise away from measurement circuitry, and employing wireless communication technologies such as RF, IR, or RFID for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wired interconnections are used to connect internal components, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical noise sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical/electrical interconnection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor circuitry communicates with the housing circuitry via wireless signals (RF, acoustic, or optical) rather than physical wires, eliminating the noise susceptibility of wired connections while maintaining system connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary medium between the sensor circuitry and housing circuitry. This intermediary allows data transmission without direct electrical contact, thereby blocking the pathway for electrical noise to enter the measurement circuit while still enabling communication.
2Measurement precision
If sensor circuitry is isolated from housing to reduce noise, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication to achieve electrical isolation between the sensor circuitry and housing circuitry. This substitution provides natural noise isolation for improved measurement precision while the wireless technology itself integrates seamlessly into the housing, avoiding the need for complex additional isolation components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless communication is implemented, then electrical noise sensitivity is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system operates in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The sensor circuitry transmits data at scheduled intervals or when threshold changes are detected, significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous wired communication while maintaining noise isolation benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances measurement reliability by isolating measurement circuitry from electrical noise, reducing errors and ensuring accurate process variable monitoring while maintaining operational safety in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor circuitry wirelessly communicates with the output circuitry
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a sensor circuitry common connection to shunt electrical current noise away from measurement circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
A process transmitter (12) is configured to measure a process variable of an industrial process. The process transmitter (12) includes a process variable sensor (20) which senses the process variable and responsively provides a process variable sensor output. Sensor circuitry (22) is coupled to the process variable sensor (20). A housing (34) encloses the sensor circuitry and the output circuitry (24). The sensor circuitry (22) electrical couples to the housing (34). The sensor circuitry (22) wirelessly communicates with the output circuitry (24).