Wireless Communication Stack Direct Access for Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems require significant configuration effort for wireless communication between portable devices and field devices, particularly when using virtual COM ports, which is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with protocols like HART or Fieldbus.
Innovation Solution
A software application on a portable device directly accesses the wireless communication stack using application programming interface (API) functions, eliminating the need for virtual COM ports and simplifying the configuration process by allowing direct manipulation of the communication stack, enabling seamless wireless communication with field devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual COM ports are used for wireless communication between portable devices and field devices, then compatibility with existing protocols (HART, Fieldbus) is maintained, but configuration complexity and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication gateway that acts as an intermediary between the portable device and field devices. The gateway handles protocol conversion and communication management, allowing the portable device to communicate with HART, Fieldbus, and other protocols without requiring complex virtual COM port configuration. The gateway mediates the communication, simplifying the portable device's interface while maintaining broad protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional virtual COM port software interface with a direct wireless communication interface. Instead of using virtual serial ports that require configuration of baud rates, data bits, stop bits, and parity settings, the system establishes direct wireless connections that automatically negotiate and manage communication parameters, eliminating the mechanical complexity of serial port configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual COM ports are used for wireless communication, then existing communication protocols can be supported, but the time required to establish connections and configure communication parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication gateway pre-configures communication parameters and establishes connection profiles for different field devices and protocols before actual communication is needed. When a portable device needs to connect to a field device, the gateway has already prepared the appropriate communication settings, eliminating the need for real-time configuration and significantly reducing connection establishment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic parameter negotiation and connection establishment between the portable device and field devices through the wireless gateway. The gateway autonomously manages communication parameters, authentication, and connection setup without requiring manual configuration by the operator, thereby reducing the time needed to establish communications while maintaining support for multiple protocols.
3Ease of operation
If virtual COM ports are used, then standard communication interfaces are maintained, but error-prone manual configuration of communication parameters is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication gateway automatically detects field device types and configures appropriate communication parameters without manual intervention. The system self-services by autonomously negotiating protocol settings, baud rates, and other communication parameters, eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining standardized interfaces through the gateway's uniform communication layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless gateway continuously monitors communication status and automatically adjusts parameters based on device responses. If initial configuration attempts fail or parameters are incorrect, the gateway receives feedback from the field device and automatically corrects settings, ensuring accurate configuration without requiring manual error checking by operators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in a communication device that implements a communication stack to wirelessly communicate with a remote device according to a general purpose wireless communication protocol, where the remote device operates in a process control environment, includes receiving a request from a software module to establish a wireless communication link with the remote device, establishing a direct connection between the software module and the communication stack, where the direct connection is free of intermediate services, and communicating process data between the software module and the remote device in accordance with an industrial automation protocol over the wireless communication link, where the wireless communication link utilizes the general purpose wireless communication protocol.