Patent Application
20080125175
The invention relates to the technical field of fill level measuring and pressure measuring. In particular, the invention relates to an interface adapter for a parameterisation- and data recording system for a field device, to a parameterisation- and data recording system for a field device, to the use of such a parameterisation- and data recording system, and to a method for transmitting a signal between a field device and a control device with such a parameterisation- and data recording system.
For the purpose of measuring the fill level of liquids and solids in containers, a fill-level measuring device is usually installed at or in the container wall. The fill-level measuring device subsequently transmits waves, either in a guided manner through a waveguide, or in a radiated manner through an antenna device, in the direction of the product. Finally, the waves reflected by the product are received back at the measuring device. From the transit time that can be developed therefrom, the distance between the sensor and the product can be derived, and from the knowledge of the relative position of the sensor from the container bottom, the sought fill height can be derived.
The measured data, if applicable after buffer storage and/or initial evaluation, is transmitted to a control- or evaluation device. The device can also simply be a display device. As a countermove to the above, the field devices can be parameterised or triggered to cause a measuring operation by way of the control device. This bi-directional data exchange requires data transmission paths, by way of which the field devices are coupled to the control devices, read-out devices or display devices.
As a rule, the individual components of the field device and evaluation-/display device or control device are installed so as to be fixed. The field device is, for example, located on the cover of a high product container and is connected, by way of a data cable, to an evaluation-/display device arranged in a control room. Device parameterisation or readout of the measuring data is thus only possible directly on the field device or in the control room.
It is an object of the present invention to provide quick and flexible communication between the field device and a mobile control device.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a parameterisation- and data recording system for a field device is stated, which comprises a connection box and an interface adapter with a field device interface for connection to the connection box, wherein the interface adapter and the connection box are designed to transmit data between the field device and a mobile control device, and wherein the field device is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure measuring device.
In other words, the parameterisation- and data recording system according to the invention can be connected directly to the field device or at least to a data line, which leads, for example, from the field device to the control room or to an external evaluation device that is arranged elsewhere, or said parameterisation- and data recording system can tap the radio link between the field device and the external evaluation device. The interface adapter of the system can be connected to the mobile control device so that by way of the parameterisation- and data recording system mobile communication with the field device becomes possible. For example, in this way data can be read from the field device, which data is then, for example, stored in the parameterisation- and data recording system and/or is transmitted to the mobile control device.
In this way the data line between the field device and external evaluation-/display devices or a control unit can be tapped in order to make it possible to communicate or exchange data with the field device on the spot. There is then no need for a service technician to first climb the product container or tank, or to go to the control room. Instead, by means of a small connection box and the interface adapter, which can be designed in various sizes and shapes and can, for example, easily be carried along in a shirt pocket, said technician can directly tap the data path between the field device and, for example, the control room in a simple manner.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter is designed to transmit data for conversion of a signal from the field device to a USB signal for the control device. The signal from the field device is a HART signal, an I2C signal, a Profibus signal, a Fieldbus foundation signal, a 4 . . . 20 mA signal, a VEGA VBUS signal or a switching signal.
The interface adapter can thus be used for converting the measured signal from the field device to a USB signal. This makes fast and flexible data exchange possible. Of course, depending on the design of the interface adapter, conversion to another signal format is also possible. In this arrangement it is important that the output signal can, for example, be received by a laptop.
Thus if the field device communicates with the outside world, for example by way of a HART signal or I2C signal, the parameterisation- and data recording system can be connected to the signal path (i.e. it can tap said signal path). The interface adapter then makes possible a continuing connection, for example to a PC or to a laptop, e.g. by way of the USB interface.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data to be transmitted comprises parameterisation data for parameterisation for the field device, wherein the system is designed to transmit the parameterisation data from the control device by way of the interface adapter and the connection box to the field device.
In this way the parameterisation- and data recording system can be used to pararmeterise the field device. Parameterisation from the control room or directly on the field device is no longer necessary.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data to be transmitted comprises measuring data of the field device, wherein the system is designed to transmit the measuring data from the field device by way of the connection box and the interface adapter to the control device.
In other words, the parameterisation- and data recording system can thus be used for reading the field device. To this effect the system can comprise a memory module which buffers the measured values. This memory module is, for example, affixed in the interface adapter. For read-out, the interface adapter can, for example, be removed from the connection box and (in the manner of a memory stick) can be connected to a computer at a later point in time.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter comprises a control device interface, wherein the control device interface is designed to connect the interface adapter to the control device, and wherein the connection box comprises a field device connection for connecting the box to the field device.
The control device interface is, for example, a USB interface.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection box comprises a first interface connection for direct connection of the box to the interface adapter. The box and the interface adapter can thus be directly interconnected. To this effect the box can comprise corresponding connection elements, which engage corresponding connection elements of the interface adapter so that simple attachment and detachment of the interface adapter to and from the box is ensured. This can, for example, be a screw-type closure mechanism or a click mechanism.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection box comprises a second interface connection for connecting the box directly to a display- and control device.
It is thus not only the interface adapter that can be connected to the box but also an additional display- and control unit, for example a so-called “PLICSCOM” made by VEGA. In this way the parameterisation- and data recording system can be used for data storage, for data read-out and for transmission to a PC or a laptop.
Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the field device connection can be designed to connect to a HART line.
Furthermore, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for connection to the HART line, the field device connection of the connection box comprises a HART cable with two connectors.
By means of the two connectors the HART cable can be tapped. As an alternative, the signal can also be tapped directly on the field device or directly on the evaluation unit in the control room.
In this way extremely flexible access to the signal line is provided for parameterisation or for read-out from the field device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the field device connection is designed to connect to an I2C bus.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for connection to the I2C bus the field device connection comprises an I2C bus cable.
For example, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the box can comprise both the HART cable and the I2C bus cable.
I2C or I2C or IIC (denoting Inter-integrated Circuit) is a serial bus for computer systems. It can, for example, be used to connect devices to an embedded system or to a main board.
The HART protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transmitter) can in particular be referred to as an open master-slave protocol for bus-addressable field devices. It can implement a method of transmitting data by means of frequency shift keying (FSK), superimposed on the 4 . . . 20 mA process signal in order to make remote configurations and diagnostic monitoring possible.
Both I2C and HART are suitable as protocols for communicating with a field device, e.g. with a fill-level measuring device or with a pressure measuring device.
A HART signal that corresponds to the HART protocol is a digital signal for transmitting measured values and/or parameters. The digital HART signal is modulated onto a 4 . . . 20 mA signal. Consequently the digital signal can be transmitted parallel to the analog 4 . . . 20 mA signal. If such parallel transmission of analog and digital signals takes place, only one field device can be connected to a HART bus.
On the other hand in a so-called multi-drop mode up to 15 digital field devices can be connected to a HART bus. In this arrangement the analog current is essentially set to 4 mA. In multi-drop mode the field devices exchange a digitally coded signal. The digital signal is a frequency-modulated signal, wherein the frequency-modulated signal can, for example, be at the two frequencies of 1200 Hz and 2200 Hz.
Any type of measuring devices, for example fill-level measuring devices, pressure measuring devices, level-detection measuring devices or temperature measuring devices, to name but a few examples, can be field devices in the sense of this application. Various physical effects can be exploited for acquisition. Measured-value acquisition can take place by means of radar rays, ultrasound, vibration, guided microwave (TDR, time domain reflection) or capacitive effects.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the field device connection comprises an adapter connector for connection to a series 50 device made by VEGA.
It is thus also possible to connect older devices to the box.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adapter connector is coded such that incorrect connection of the adapter connector to the series 50 device is prevented. For example, based on plug codification, the plug cannot be plugged in so as to be rotated by 180°. Corresponding codification can be located on the other side of the connector, which side connects the connector with the I2C cable of the connection box.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection box comprises an energy supply for self-sufficient supply of electrical energy to the interface adapter.
The energy supply can, for example, be a battery. Moreover, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a rechargeable battery can be provided which is either externally rechargeable or, for example, is coupled to a solar cell module of the connection box. In this way the accumulator can be charged when there is incoming light radiation, without this necessitating an external energy supply. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in areas in which for extended periods it is not possible to depend on an energy supply for charging the rechargeable battery.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection box comprises a hollow space, which is accessible from the outside, which hollow space is designed to accommodate a HART cable, an I2C bus cable, a USB cable and an adapter connector.
For example, the connection box is designed so that it can be hinged open; in its interior it comprises corresponding holding devices, for example hook and loop type fasteners or rubber bands by means of which the cables can be fixed. By hinging the connection box closed the cables are protected against external influences such as humidity and the like. On site, a service technician can then simply hinge the connection box open and take the corresponding cable out in order to tap the data line.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the parameterisation- and data recording system comprises a radio interface for the wireless transmission of the signal between the system and the field device.
Thus, the connection box comprises, for example, a radio module, by way of which radio module communication between the field device and the system is provided. For example, radio communication takes place by way of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), ISM (which provides an extended range of approximately one kilometre), Bluetooth or ZIGBEE. Other transmission protocols are also possible.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface connection comprises sliding contacts for connecting the box to the interface adapter.
In this way the interface adapter can be connected to the interface connection by means of a simple screw motion.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the parameterisation- and data recording system comprises a second interface connection for connecting the box to a control device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an interface adapter for a parameterisation- and data recording system is stated, which interface adapter comprises a field device interface for connecting the interface adapter to a field device. Furthermore, the interface adapter comprises a control device interface for connecting the interface adapter to a mobile control device, wherein the interface adapter is designed to transmit data between the field device and the mobile control device, and wherein the field device is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure measuring device.
Such an interface adapter makes possible fast and flexible communication between the field device and a mobile control device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter is designed to transmit data to convert a signal from the field device to a USB signal for the control device. The field device signal is, for example, a HART signal, an I2C signal, a Profibus signal, a Fieldbus foundation signal, a 4 . . . 20 mA signal, a VEGA VBUS signal, or a switching signal. In this way the interface adapter can be used to connect a laptop to the communication path between the field device and the control room.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter further comprises a memory for buffering the data to be transmitted.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter further comprises a display- and control unit that is integrated in the interface adapter.
On the one hand, the interface adapter can thus transmit measuring data to the laptop or, for example, also to a PDA. On the other hand, the data can be displayed to the user directly by way of the interface adapter, and can be stored in the interface adapter.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data comprises parameterisation data for the parameterisation for the field device, wherein the interface adapter is designed to transmit the parameterisation data from the control device to the field device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data comprises measuring data of the field device, wherein the interface adapter is designed to transmit the measuring data from the field device to the control device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter comprises a radio interface for the wireless transmission of the signal between the interface adapter and the field device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interface adapter comprises spring contacts for connection to the field device.
According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the use of a parameterisation- and data recording system for transmitting a signal between a field device and a control device is stated, wherein the field device is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure measuring device.
Furthermore, a method for transmitting a signal between a field device and a control device with a parameterisation- and data recording system is stated, in which method the interface adapter, which comprises a field device interface, is connected to a connection box, and data is transmitted between the field device and the control device by way of the interface adapter and the connection box.
Here again, the field device is a fill-level measuring device or a pressure measuring device.
Below, preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the figures.
The illustrations in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale.
In the following description of the figures the same reference characters are used for identical or similar elements.
The data line 112 between the field device 109 and the evaluation- and display device 111 is a so-called HART cable. To this effect the HART connecting cable 105 comprises, for example, two connectors or terminals, by way of which coupling to the data cable 112 becomes possible. The evaluation-/display device 111 is, for example, arranged in the control room and is used, among other things, to supply energy. At the top of the field device 109 an additional display device can be affixed. This is, for example, a so-called PLICSCOM device from the manufacturer VEGA.
Tapping or coupling the data line 112 can also take place on the supply device (parallel to the HART cable 112). By way of the connecting line 105, bi-directional data exchange is possible. The field device can thus on the one hand be parameterised. On the other hand, measuring values can be read out. Of course, connection to further field devices 110 is also possible.
Parameterisation of the HART sensor 109 takes place by way of the HART lines 112, 105, for example with PACTware. PACTware is manufacturer-independent and field-bus-independent software for operating field devices. The connection box 100 is used as a mechanical adapter between the HART line 112 and a control unit 104. The control unit 104 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), or a laptop, a PDA, a mobile phone, or some other communication device. The control unit 104 can be the only control unit, or it can serve as an alternative to the device 111. For communication between the field device 109 and the control unit 104 a USB line 113 is provided, which connects the control unit 104 to an interface adapter 103. The interface adapter 103 is connected to the interface connection 102 (see
Measured value transmission can take place either in an analog manner (in other words by way of a 4 . . . 20 mA loop) or in a digital manner in the so-called multi-drop method.
The interface adapter 103 is, for example, connected to the field device 201 by way of the connection box 100 and the I2C socket of the field device 201. The length of the I2C cable 201 can be up to 25 m. Of course, the cable can also be longer.
It is also possible to plug the interface adapter directly onto the sensor without the use of a data cable. However, the use of the data cable is advantageous, for example, in situations where the field device is not readily accessible or is accessible only with increased effort, for example because said field device is located up high or far away.
The device 111 is, for example, a MET by the manufacturer VEGA. The connection box 100 is connected to the supply- and control device 111 by way of the I2C line 202 and can on the one hand be used for the parameterisation of the supply- and control device 111, and on the other hand for accessing or querying the sensor 109.
Parameterisation of the sensor 109 is also possible. For this purpose the connection box 100 is connected to a laptop 104 or to some other communication device or input/output device by way of the interface adapter 103 and the USB line 113.
In the case of a self-sufficient energy supply of the display- and control device 401, for example by means of a battery within the connection box 100, connection to a HART output of the field device 109 is also possible.
Apart from the interface adapter 103 the connection box 100 comprises a data cable 113, by way of which said connection box 100 is connected to the laptop 104. Furthermore, the connection box 100 comprises a radio interface for wirelessly transmitting signals between the box 100 and the field device 109. In this way it is possible to access the radio link between the field device radio unit 502 and the radio unit 503 on the control side or evaluation side, for example in order to parameterise the field device 109.
Parameterisation of the sensor 109 takes place wirelessly by means of the connection box 100, in which a corresponding radio module has also been integrated.
As a result of the combination comprising a control unit and a communication unit, operation or control of the sensor can be effected from the connection box 100, with the option, at the same time, of connecting the connection box to a laptop, for example in order to read out data.
On the front, the adapter connector 108 comprises various contact regions 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605 for connection to a series 50 field device. In order to prevent the adapter connector 108 from being plugged into the field device the wrong way round, for example a lug 1601 is provided.
1610 shows a diagrammatic rear view of the adapter connector 108. Here again, four connection regions 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706 are provided for connecting the adapter connector to an I2C connector of the I2C cable 202 of the connection box 100. Furthermore, here again an anti-rotation device is installed in the form of four dovetail-type or otherwise formed indentations 1701 on a first side, and four outward curvatures 1702 on a second side of the adapter connector 108. The outward curvatures 1701, 1702 can also comprise other forms, but they have to correspond to matching inward curvatures of a counter socket.
Diagram 1701 shows the underside of the interface connection 102, 1901; diagram 1702 shows a lateral view; while 1703 shows a front view.
The eight contact pins 1704 to 1713 are each coupled to corresponding spring elements (not shown in
The spring contacts comprise, for example, spring elements, by means of which the contact pins 1802 to 1805 or 1807 to 1810 are pressed against the corresponding contact surfaces when the interface adapter 103 is screwed into the connection box 100.
Furthermore, the box 100 comprises a cable leadthrough 1902, through which the HART line 105 or the I2C bus cable 106 can be fed. The box 100 comprises a cover element 1903 and a base element 1904, which are interconnected by way of a hinge 1905 so that the box 100 can be hinged open.
Furthermore, a HART cable 105 (not shown in
Furthermore, a special HART module 128 is provided, which is used to convert the processor signals to FSK signals for HART. The hart module 128 is connected to the earth 126 and to the HART output 127. On the other side the HART module 128 is connected to the microprocessor 129, which controls the HART bus or I2C bus communication. The microprocessor 129 is also used to monitor both the voltage and the output, and controls storage of data (for example measuring data from the field device) in the flash NAND 130. The flash NAND 130 has, for example, a storage capacity of 256 megabytes. Of course, other storage sizes are also possible.
The PIC module 133 is used to convert serial signals (SIO) to I2C. For this purpose the PIC module 133 is connected on the one hand to the SIO output 138 of the microprocessor 129, and, on the other hand, to the SDA- or SCL connections 124, 125 of the I2C output of the interface adapter.
By way of the fast SIO 134, the processor 129 exchanges data with the processor 131 on the USB side (which processor 131 is located in the second region).
The data that is exchanged between the two fast SIO outputs 134, 135 of the two processors 131, 129 is, for example, data as supplied by standard interfaces.
The processor 131 on the USB side is connected to the three USB contacts 120 (VBUS), 121 (D+) and 122 (D−) by way of the USB connection 136. These three contacts 120 to 122, together with an earth contact 137, can be tapped from the outside on the USB socket 119.
Furthermore, potential separation 117 between the first region, on the I2C side or HART side, and the second region, on the USB side, is provided. Potential separation can be effected capacitively (as shown in
Furthermore, a DC/DC converter 118 is provided, which is connected on the one hand to the processor 131 on the USB side, and on the other hand to the circuit 132.
The circuit 132 is a circuit that ensures that in the case of a USB voltage supply (from the outside by way of the USB socket 119) the interface adapter is provided with energy exclusively by way of the USB connection 119. Furthermore, the component 132 ensures that when the interface adapter carries out a data logging function, energy is supplied only to those components that are required for the data logging function (which components are located in the first region 115). In this way energy can be saved.
The device 104 can be designed to provide redundant functions, which are, for example, also provided from the control room. Furthermore, the mobile device 104 can also be designed to provide non-redundant functions, which are not otherwise provided by any other device.
For this purpose the interface adapter 103 comprises an internal or external storage medium, for example in the form of a memory chip or an externally insertable USB memory stick.
As already mentioned, data recording can be arranged by way of the laptop 104 or the control device 401 in relation to the starting point, end point and recording intervals. During or after data recording the interface adapter 103 can be read out by way of USB 202.
In addition, it should be pointed out that “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and “a” or “one” does not exclude a plural number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that characteristics or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference characters in the claims are not to be interpreted as limitations.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2006 055 897.9 | Nov 2006 | DE | national |
| 10 2006 055 898.7 | Nov 2006 | DE | national |
| 10 2006 055 900.2 | Nov 2006 | DE | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60861232 | Nov 2006 | US | |
| 60861233 | Nov 2006 | US | |
| 60861234 | Nov 2006 | US |
