RF adapter for field device

Abstract

An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to industrial process control or monitoring systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to field devices in such systems which are capable of Radio Frequency (RF) communication.

In industrial settings, control systems are used to monitor and control inventories of industrial and chemical processes, and the like. Typically, the control system performs these functions using field devices distributed at key locations in the industrial process and coupled to the control circuitry in the control room by a process control loop. The term “field device” refers to any device that performs a function in a distributed control or process monitoring system, including all devices currently known, or yet to be known, used in the measurement, control and monitoring of industrial processes.

Some field devices include a transducer. A transducer is understood to mean either a device that generates an output signal based on a physical input or that generates a physical output based on an input signal. Typically, a transducer transforms an input into an output having a different form. Types of transducers include various analytical equipment, pressure sensors, thermistors, thermocouples, strain gauges, flow transmitters, positioners, actuators, solenoids, indicator lights, and others.

Typically, each field device also includes communication circuitry that is used for communicating with a process control room, or other circuitry, over a process control loop. In some installations, the process control loop is also used to deliver a regulated current and/or voltage to the field device for powering the field device. The process control loop also carries data, either in an analog or digital format.

Traditionally, analog field devices have been connected to the control room by two-wire process control current loops, with each device connected to the control room by a single two-wire control loop. Typically, a voltage differential is maintained between the two wires within a range of voltages from 12-45 volts for analog mode and 9-50 volts for digital mode. Some analog field devices transmit a signal to the control room by modulating the current running through the current loop to a current proportional to the sensed process variable. Other analog field device can perform an action under the control of the control room by controlling the magnitude of the current through the loop. In addition to, or in the alternative, the process control loop can carry digital signals used for communication with field devices.

In some installations, wireless technologies have begun to be used to communicate with field devices. For example, completely wireless installations are used in which the field device uses a battery, solar cell, or other technique to obtain power without any sort of wired connection. However, the majority of field devices are hardwired to a process control room and do not use wireless communication techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a process control monitoring system including a field device configured for wireless communication.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a process controller monitoring system in which multiple field devices transmit information to a remote meter.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cut away view of a field device including wireless communication circuitry for communicating with a remote device such as a hand held unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a process controller monitoring system which includes a field device for wireless communication which scavenges power from the process control loop.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic diagram of circuitry shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a graph of voltage versus time as measured across a capacitor shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of circuitry for providing wireless communications in a process controller monitoring system.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams showing a wireless communication adapter coupled to a process variable transmitter through a two wire process control loop.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram showing circuitry of a wireless communication adapter.

FIG. 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing a wireless adapter coupled to a transmitter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a field device and/or adapter configured to couple to a process control loop which further includes a wireless communication module for one way or bidirectional wireless communication. The wireless communication module can transmit and/or receive an RF signal from a remote device or location. The module can be directly powered with power received from the two-wire process control loop, or can be powered with power received from the process control loop and stored for subsequent use. The module can be a removable module in which the module need only couple to those field devices in which wireless communication is desired. The module can be configured as an adapter to retrofit an existing transmitter.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a process control or monitoring system 10 in which a control room or control system 12 couples to a field device 14 over a two-wire process control loop 16. The field device 14 includes I/O power circuitry 18, actuator/transducer 20 and wireless communication circuitry 22. The wireless communication circuitry 22 is configured to send and/or receive an RF signal 24 using an antenna 26.

Currently, industrial instrumentation often includes a local display or “meter” which can be used for local monitoring of process information. The meter can be quite useful in many installations, however, such a local display configuration does have several limitations. A local display requires direct visual access to the field device. Further, typically an operator can only view a single meter at a time. The instruments which contain the meter are often not at a convenient location or viewing angle. One technique which has been used to address such a configuration is the use of a meter which is wired to a process transmitter. This allows the meter to be mounted at a more convenient location. Another technique is shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/128,769, filed Apr. 22, 2002, entitled PROCESS TRANSMITTER WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION LINK.

With the present invention, an RF communication module is included in a field device, or configured as an adapter to retrofit a field device which can be used in addition to the connection to a process control loop such as loop 16. The wireless communication module 22 can be configured to be compact and lower power such that it can be easily included in existing field device configurations. The module can be used for wireless transmission of information for use in monitoring control and/or display of data. Such a radio transmitter can make the field device information available in a local area. For example, a single local display such as display 32 can be provided and used to display information from the field device 14. The display 32 can be configured to display information from several devices, either simultaneously, sequentially, or through commands provided to the display, for example using a manual input such as buttons available to an operator. The display 32 can be placed at a fixed location or can be a portable device such that it can be carried throughout the process control system to monitor and observe operation of various field devices. Depending on the strength of the RF signal 24 and the sensitivity of the transmit and receive circuitry, the area covered by the RF transmission can be controlled as desired. For example, FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a process control system 50 in which a number of field devices 14 are coupled to the control room 12 through individual process control loops 16. Each field device 14 transmits an RF signal 24 for receipt by display 32. In this example, display 32 is capable of displaying four process variables (PV1, PV2, PV3 and PV4) which are received from the field devices 14 using antenna 52. As mentioned above, the display 32 can be a fixed display or can be a portable display, such as a hand held unit. In this particular configuration, the display 32 is illustrated as showing two process variables which relate to process pressure and two process variables which relate to process temperature. This allows the field devices 14 to provide information over the RF connection within a desired range, for example, within a local area. For example, if the display 32 is within 40 meters of a field device 14, it will be capable of receiving an displaying information from that field device. An optional user input 48 can be used to, for example, select the format of the display, the process variable displayed, or used to interrogate a field device 14.

FIG. 3 is a simplified cutaway partially exploded view of a pressure transmitter 60 which is one example of a field device. Pressure transmitter 60 couples to two-wire process control loop 16 and includes a transmitter housing 62. Process control loop 16 couples to terminals 56 carried on terminal board 58. A pressure sensor 64 provides one example of a transducer and is configured to couple to a process fitting to measure a differential pressure occurring in a process fluid. The output from the sensor 64 is provided to measurement circuitry 66 which couples to field device circuit 68. The field device circuit 68 implements aspects of the I/O power supply 18 shown in FIG. 1. The wireless communication circuitry 22 couples to field device circuit 68 and may, in some embodiments, couple to process control loop 16.

The housing 62 includes end caps 70 and 72 which can be screwed into the housing 62. End cap 72 includes an RF transparent window 74 configured to align generally with an antenna 26 carried on wireless communication circuit 22. When attached, the end caps provide a intrinsically safe enclosure for circuitry within transmitter 60. The materials typically used in end caps, for example metal, are not transparent to RF signals. However, RF transparent window 74 allows RF signals to be sent from or received by antenna 26. One example RF transparent material for use with window 74 is glass or the like. However, any appropriate material can be used. The window and housing configuration can help to meet intrinsic safety requirements and provide flame proof (explosion proof) capability. Further, the cavity within housing 62 can be configured to provide a desired radiation pattern of RF signals generated by antenna 26. For example, it may be desirable to have the RF transmission be directional in some implementations, or omnidirectional in others. In other implementations, the cover 62 can be lengthened to provide an additional interior cavity for placement of wireless communication circuit 22.

The wireless communication circuitry 22 can be selected as desired. One example circuit is the “I-Bean” transmitter device available from Millennial Net. However, other circuitry can be used. Analog or digital signals carried on process control loop 16 can be read and transmitted using the wireless communication circuit 22 without disrupting operation of the process control loop 16 or field device circuitry 68. The circuitry used for wireless transmission should be sufficiently small and low powered to fit within the physical and power constraints of process field devices. Some prior art transmitters are configured to receive an optional display arranged generally in the position shown for wireless communication circuit 22 in FIG. 3. In such a configuration, the wireless communication circuit 22 can be used in place of the local display. In such a configuration, the communication wireless circuitry 22 simply transmits an RF signal which couples directly to the process control loop 16 and transmits an RF signal which corresponds to any analog and/or digital signals carried on the loop 16.

In general, the process control loop discussed herein can comprise any type of process control loop for use in industrial process control and monitoring systems. Such loops include 4-20 mA current loops in which a analog current level is varied between 4 and 20 mA to transmit information. The same control loop can be used to provide power to the field device. Another type of process control loop is in accordance with the HART® communication protocol in which digital transmissions are superimposed on the 4-20 mA signal for transmission of additional information. Another example two-wire process control loop uses a protocol set forth by the Instrument Society of America (ISA) which is called the Field Bus SP50 protocol. However, end signaling protocol can be used. Some process control loops are configured to connect to multiple field devices such that the field devices can communicate with one another or monitor transmissions from another field device. In general, any type of information transmitted on such process control loops, or available or generated internally or received by a field device, or otherwise used to control a field device or other type of information, can be transmitted using the wireless communication techniques of the present invention. In another example, a hand held unit or device used to configure field devices can be carried into the field by an operator. The operator uses the hand held device to send or receive information to a field device when the hand held device is within proximity of the field device. This allows the operator to gather information or program a field device without having to physically couple to the device or the physical process control loop.

In some embodiments, it is also desirable for communications from a field device, or to a field device, to carry addressing information. The addressing information can be indicative of the source of the transmission or the intended recipient of the transmission. The wireless communication circuitry can transmit continuously or on a periodic or intermittent basis, as desired. In another example, the wireless communication circuitry only transmits when activated or “polled”. The activation can be from a source internal to the field device, received through the process control loop, received from a wireless source, or received or generated by another source. In environments in which multiple field devices may transmit simultaneously, the transmission protocol should be selected to avoid or address any type of collisions which might interfere with the transmissions. For example, different frequencies or frequency skipping techniques can be used, random or semi-random transmission windows can be used, repeated transmissions or token based techniques can be implemented or other collision avoidance techniques as desired. If the transmission includes error detection or correction information, this information can be used to detect an error in the transmission and/or correct any errors in the transmissions. If an error is not correctable, the receiving unit can request a re-transmission of the corrupt data or, can indicate an error, or can wait for a subsequent transmission of the data, or take other steps as desired.

FIG. 3 also shows an example hand held device 80 for communication with circuitry 22 over RF connection 82. Hand held device 80 includes a display 84 and user input 86. Other types of inputs and outputs can be included in hand held device 80. Preferably, the hand held device 80 is battery operated and can be carried into the field by an operator for communication with field device 60. Information from the field device 60, or from other sources, is displayed on display 84 and the hand held device is controlled using input 86. Commands or other information can be transmitted by the hand held device 80 to field device 60.

In one configuration, the wireless communication circuitry requires power which is within the power constraints available in the field device. For example, one display currently used within field devices uses 3.6 volts at 0.5 mA. If a transmitter which is capable of operating an LCD meter is employed, the wireless communication circuitry can replace the LCD meter and use the same power source that is used to drive the LCD meter. In another example, the wireless communication circuitry is powered directly from the process control loop, for example using the voltage developed across a diode drop connected in series with the process control loop. In embodiments in which no battery is used with the communication circuitry, the circuitry can more easily meet intrinsic safety or other safety approval requirements and provide an indefinite field life without battery replacement or maintenance. In configurations in which the wireless configuration is only for sending information, power requirements can be reduced. In another example, if a greater transmission range is desired, a stationary device such as display 32 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can include an RF repeater for re-transmission of data received from, or sent to, a field device. The RF repeater can be loop powered, or can derive its power from other sources. Further, once the RF data is received, it can be reformatted for transmission over other medium, for example an Ethernet connection, into existing data transmission structures used within process control systems, over an extended range RF communication link such as a cell phone, or relaying using another technique.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of a process controller or monitoring system 100 which illustrates another aspect of the present invention. In system 100, a field device 14 connects to a control system 12 through process control loop 16 through junction box 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a field device 104 couples to the process control loop 16 and includes wireless communication circuitry 122. The wireless communication circuitry 122 is configured to send an RF signal 106 and to be completely powered by power received from the process control loop 16.

Process device 104 includes a power regulator 110, a shunt or bypass 112, and a super capacitor 114. During operation, the super capacitor 114 is slowly charged (trickle charged) using a power regulator 110 by using excess voltage tapped from the process control loop 16. The bypass 112 allows loop 16 to operate normally and is connected in series with loop 16. Communication circuit 122 includes circuitry for receiving analog and/or digital information carried on process control loop 16. The circuit 122 can responsively transmit an RF signal 106 based upon the received information. If operated as a receiver, circuitry 122 is capable of modulating data onto the electrical current carried in the loop 16. This can be either analog or digital information. This configuration allows data to be relayed over a wireless communication network. The network can be configured in accordance with any type of topology, including point to point, spoke and hub and mesh topologies. Process device 104 can be positioned at any location along the loop including configured as an individual device such as that illustrated in FIG. 4. In some installations, the field device 104 should be field hardened and configured for intrinsically safe operation. The device 104 can also be positioned within another field device 14, as part of a junction box 102, or even located within the control room which houses control system 12. The field device 104 can connect to more than one RF circuit 122 and/or more than one process control loop 16, either simultaneously or through the use of multiplexers or other techniques.

The use of a super capacitor allows the device to operate without internal batteries or other techniques. The use of a capacitor allows quick charging and the storage of sufficiently large energy potentials. When used in a hazardous environment, large energy storage may not be acceptable in order to meet intrinsic safety standards. However, the process device 104 can be moved away from the hazardous environment, such as at the junction box 102, where intrinsic safety is not required.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of field device 104 showing super capacitor 114 in greater detail. In this example, super capacitor 114 comprises two 10 Farad capacitors configured to each carry a 2.5 volt potential. This yields an equivalent capacitance of 5 farads with a 5 volt potential drop. Assuming that the wireless communication circuit 122 is capable of operating at a voltage of between 4 and 5 volts, the available energy from each of the 5 Farad capacitors is ½*C(V_i²−V_F²) which is ½*5*(5²−4²)=22.5 J.

FIG. 6 is a graph of voltage versus time measured across super capacitor 114. In this example, 600 mW wireless transmitter which transmits a burst signal for a period of t_d of 1 second will require 0.6 J/S*1 s=0.6 J of energy. Thus, there is ample energy available for operation of such a communication circuit 122.

A typical power supply used to provide power to a process control loop provides 24 volts DC. However, in a 4−2 mA system, a transmitter may only require 12 volts to operate. Wiring losses in the process control loop may cause 2 to 4 volts of voltage drop. Assuming only 5 volts is available for charging the super capacitor 114, and that the process control loop is operating at a low current level (i.e., 4 mA), there is still 20 mW available to charge the super capacitor 114. Because only 0.6 J was consumed during the transmit cycle, the available 20 mW will charge the super capacitor to full capacity in a time t_c=0.6 J/0.02 W=30 s. Therefore, such a configuration will be capable of transmitting a signal having a 1 second duration every 30 seconds. Assuming that the bandwidth of the communications signal is 200 Kb/s and a packet size of 200b, the burst time is reduced to one millisecond and the resulting transmit time is 0.03 seconds. In such a configuration, diagnostic data can easily be transmitted because it is not of a time critical nature. However, if sufficiently fast charge times are available, control and process variable signals can also be transmitted wirelessly.

Although a super capacitor is described, any energy storage device can be employed including a battery, or other. The energy that is used to charge the storage device can be electrical or magnetic and can be derived or collected from any source.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of process controller monitoring system 150 which includes a control room 152 coupled to a field device 154 through two-wire process control loop 156. Process control loop 156 extends across an intrinsic safety barrier 158. The control room 152 is modeled as including a power supply 160 and a load resistance 162.

The field device 154 can be of any configuration and is not limited to the specific schematic shown in FIG. 7. RF communication circuitry 170 is shown coupled in series with loop 156. Circuitry 170 can be implemented in a terminal block of a field device. For example, circuitry 170 can be configured as an add on module such that the two-wire process control loop 156 can connect to existing transmitter circuitry.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, the communication circuitry 170 enables wireless communication abilities to be added to a new or existing process control loop or field device. The circuitry is configured to be powered by the process control loop and can be installed anywhere in the loop ranging from the control room, anywhere along the loop itself, in the intrinsic safety (IS) barrier or junction box 158, as a stand alone field device, or included in another field device. The circuitry can be configured for any type of communication. However, in one simple configuration, the circuit 170 is configured to measure the current carried in process control loop 156 and transmit an output related to the measured current to a wireless receiver.

Turning now to one specific embodiment of circuitry 170 shown in FIG. 7, a sense resistance 180 and a power supply diode 182 couple in series with process control loop 156. The sense resistance 180 can be, for example, 10 ohms and is used in sensing the current level I carried in the process control loop 156. A test diode 184 is also coupled in series with the loop 156 and provides a test point 186. This can be used to calibrate or characterize a field device coupled to circuitry 170. An intrinsic safety protection circuit 190 is provided which includes diode 192 connected as shown across diode 182 and isolation resistors 194 connected at opposed ends of sense resistance 180. Diode 182 is part of a power supply 196 which includes capacitor 198, input filter 200, regulator 202, capacitor 204 and secondary filter 206. Secondary filter 206 includes capacitor 208 and resistor 210. The power supply circuitry 196 generates a power supply voltage V_DD relative to a circuit ground for use by circuitry in measuring the loop current and wirelessly transmitting a resultant signal. Although a specific power supply implementation is shown, any appropriate power supply configuration or embodiment may be used as desired.

In this embodiment, input circuitry 218 includes sense resistance 180 and is configured to measure the current I flowing through loop 156. Input circuitry 218 also includes a filter 220 which provides a differential connection to an OP amp 222. The OP amp provides an amplified input signal to an analog to digital converter 226 which is illustrated as part of a microprocessor 224. A clock circuit 228 is provided and used to provide a clock signal to, for example, microprocessor 224. Optional HART® transmit and receive circuit 230 connects to microprocessor 224, loop 156, clock circuit 228 and an RF transmit/receive circuit 232. The optional HART® circuit 230 is configured to receive a digital chip select signal (CS1) from microprocessor 224. The RF circuit 232 is configured to receive a separate digital chip select signal (CS2) from microprocessor 224. Both the HART® circuit 230 and the RF circuit 232 are configured to communicate with the microprocessor 224 on an SCI bus, depending on which chip select is active. Microprocessor 224 is also configured to provide a shut down signal to operational amplifier 222. Microprocessor 224 includes a memory 236 which is used for storing programming instructions, temporary and permanent variables and other information and may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory can include, for example, an EEPROM and can contain addressing information which uniquely identifies circuitry 170. RF circuit 232 couples to an antenna 240 which can be configured as an internal antenna, external antenna, or combination, as desired. Circuitry 170 is configured to couple across the two-wire process control loop 156 such that the loop 156 can terminate at another field device such as a process transmitter or process controller.

The circuitry 170 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be implemented on a single printed circuit board such that RF antenna 240 is formed integral with the board. This configuration allows the circuitry 170 to be easily implemented in existing field devices and does not require the use of an external antenna. This reduces installation complexity.

The optional HART® transmit/receive circuit 230 can be used to monitor digital signals, such as a process variable, carried on the process control loop 156. Based upon the sensed digital signal, the HART® circuitry 230 can control operation of the RF transmit/receive circuit 232 for transmission of information related to the sensed process variable, or other information. If the HART® circuitry is implemented in accordance with the complete HART® protocol and appropriate RF protocol stacks, the circuitry can implement gateway level functionality which will allow a HART® master to communicate in a bi-directional manner through the RF HART® gateway device with a HART® capable field device on the process control loop 156. This allows wireless communication with a field device for monitoring, configuration, diagnostics, or exchange of other information or data.

Frequently, in process control or monitoring installations, an operator is required to physically access a field device or the process control loop in order to exchange information with the field device. This allows the operator to repair equipment and do preventive maintenance on the equipment. The wireless communication configuration set forth herein allows the operator to interrogate field devices which may be in locations which are difficult to access. Further, even in configurations in which the field devices are easily accessible, the wireless communication circuitry does not require an operator to remove covers on equipment such as transmitters or junction boxes in order to expose loop wiring for physical connection to the process control loop. This can be particularly beneficial in hazardous locations where explosive gases or vapors may be present. A digital or analog process variable can be sensed by the wireless communication circuitry and transmitted to a wireless meter or hand held device as discussed above.

During operation, circuit 170 is placed in series with the process control loop 156 where it utilizes the 4-20 mA current flowing through the loop to power itself. For field devices that employ a common electrical ground, circuitry 170 can be inserted on the high voltage side of the loop connection. This configuration allows access to other bus circuitry within the field device such as a CAN interface. The configuration includes a test connection 186 for use in measuring loop current during testing. The sense resistance 180 is preferably configured to provide an equivalent capacitance of zero as measured at terminals 181 which connect to loop 156 in accordance with intrinsic safety standards. Circuitry 170 is configured for nominal operation at between 3 and 4 volts and the zener diode 182 along with sense resistance 180 sets this operating voltage. The excess voltage available on typical 4-20 mA current loop is sufficient to operate circuitry 170. Further, power management techniques can be employed to limit the current drawn from the loop to about 3 mA. This allows any field device connected to the process control loop to send an alarm level signal of 3.6 mA without collapsing the circuit by drawing more than the available current level.

Zener diode 182 acts as a shunt element which is placed in series with the loop 156 to develop a preregulated voltage on the input filter stage. Any portion of the loop current which is not used by circuitry 170 is shunted through zener diode 182. The input filter 200 can comprise capacitive, inductive and resistive elements and is used to isolate the loop from any noise or load fluctuation generated by circuitry 170. This also suppresses noise in the HART® extended frequency band in order to conform with HART® standards.

The voltage regulator 202 can be any appropriate voltage regulator such as, but not limited to linear or switch mode regulators and is used to supply the voltage V_DD to the circuitry. Filter 206 is used to store energy and further decouples circuit loads from the regulator 202. The output voltage of the secondary filter 206 is allowed to sag by several hundred millivolts during circuit load changes. This allows peak current draws by the circuitry 172 to be averaged from the 4-20 mA current loop.

In this embodiment, the microprocessor 224 including A/D converter, along with the RF circuitry 232 and input circuitry 218 can be placed into a sleep mode or low power mode during periods of idle operation in order to reduce power drain. For example, at a selected interval such as every 10 seconds, an internal timer in the microprocessor can enable the measurement of the loop current by the A/D converter. The measurement circuitry is allowed to settle before the A/D conversion occurs. After the A/D conversion is completed, both the loop measurement circuitry and the A/D converter are turned off to conserve power. The microprocessor passes the measured value to the RF circuitry 232 for transmission. Upon completion of the transmission, the microprocessor and RF circuitry return to the low power mode until the next cycle. The microprocessor may even put itself to sleep temporarily to save power. Using these power management techniques, the microprocessor is able to manage overall current requirements of the circuit by staggering the load demands on the regulator stage.

Loop current measurement is achieved using the 10 ohm sense resistor 180 coupled in series with the 4-20 mA current loop 156 to measure the analog current level. The voltage developed across the sense resistor 180 is filtered to remove fluctuations due to HART® digital communications as well as any loop noise. An operational amplifier stage 222 provides further signal conditioning and the signal is passed to the A/D converter 226 of microprocessor 224.

The RF circuitry 232 can be any appropriate circuitry or configuration as desired. In one simple form, the RF circuitry 232 simply transmits a measured variable to a wireless receiver. The antenna 240 can be used to broadcast the RF signal and can be formed integral with the circuitry 170, for example in the form of traces routed around an outside edge of a circuit board. The RF circuitry 232 can, in some embodiments, include a wireless receiver such that the circuitry 232 can be configured as a transceiver. The same antenna 240 can be used for both transmission and reception if desired. A typical low powered transceiver may have a communication range of about 200 feet, however other ranges can be achieved using different power requirements, circuit sensitivity, antenna configuration, and the like. If the circuitry 170 is mounted in a metal enclosure, such as a field housing compartment of a transmitter, an RF transparent portion of the housing should be used to allow transmission and reception of signals from antenna 240. For example, as discussed above, a glass window can be used. Other example materials include any material which is sufficiently transmissive to RF signals including plastic, or other materials.

The addition of the optional HART® circuitry 230 allows the circuitry 170 to selectively listen to a HART® message on the 4-20 mA signal carried on the current loop 156. Information such as measured process variables, diagnostic information, or other information can be transmitted to a wireless receiver. Further, if the HART® circuitry 230 is configured to modulate a digital signal onto the process control loop, it can be used to remotely command or interrogate a field device coupled to the loop 156. For example, the HART® circuitry 230 can be configured to act as a secondary master on the 4-20 mA current loop. This, in conjunction with RF circuitry 232 configured as a full transceiver, enables bi-directional communication and configuration of field device from a wireless master unit, for example a hand held device 80 shown in FIG. 3.

Microprocessor 224 can also preferably be used to implement diagnostics functionality. Microprocessor 224 is configured to monitor the voltage and current characteristics of the process control loop 156, improper or problematic variations in current and voltage can be identified using diagnostic techniques and can be transmitted to a remote location, either wirelessly, or using the HART® transmission capabilities provided by circuitry 230, or by setting the current level carried on loop 156 to an alarm value or other pre-determined value.

Circuitry 170 is preferably configured to allow operation in hazardous locations and to meet the appropriate approval and specifications, such as intrinsic safety standards. For example, the intrinsic safety protection 190, along with intrinsically safety rated resistor 180 is used on the input to the circuitry 170. Using appropriate components and circuit layout, the addition of a redundant zener diode 192 in parallel with zener 182 provides a level of redundancy and limits the amount of voltage that can enter this circuit in an intrinsic safety protected system. Similarly, the sense resistor 180 can be used to limit the maximum current that can enter the circuit 170 and snub any discharge of stored energy from the circuit through its external terminals. This provides an equivalent capacitance of substantially zero. The loop measurement circuitry is further protected by two intrinsic safety rated high value resistors 194 connected between the two ends of the sense resistor 180 and the filter 220. Other circuit components can be protected from any outside energy sources by the use of potting material or the like which also prevents hazardous gases and vapors from reaching any internal storage elements and nodes in the circuitry 170. For other non-hazardous locations, intrinsic safety components may not be required.

There are a growing number of applications in industrial process plants that utilize the benefits of wireless communications in process transmitters. These transmitters may be monitoring process temperature, pressure, level, or flow. Reasons for providing wireless communications to these devices include the cost savings of installing hundreds or even thousands of feet of wire or to ease the task of “connecting” to and communicating with the process transmitter. For a wired communications system, any host whether it be a process control system, or a portable handheld communicator, must physically connect to wires that are connected to the process transmitter in order to communicate with it. In contrast, with a wireless communications system, the host may wirelessly “connect” to a desired process transmitter from any location in the process plant within communication range. Further, in a wired system, the user must remove the cover from the device in order to gain access to the terminals for connecting a handheld communicator to perform diagnostics or commissioning of the process transmitter. Removing the cover may require the user to take several safety precautions to ensure that the safety features of the process transmitter, or the facility, are not compromised. Further, removing the cover from a process transmitter may require special work procedures, or even process or partial plant shutdowns, if the transmitter is used in a potentially hazardous area in the process plant. A process transmitter with wireless communications capability does not require the removal of the cover, and the related procedures, in order to communicate either locally or from a distant location.

There are a large number of installed process transmitters that have “wired” HART® communications capability. In some instances, it may be desirable to add wireless communications capability to these devices without having the expense of purchasing and installing a new process transmitter with wireless communications built in. Preferably the device interfaces the existing HART® enabled process transmitter to a wireless network. This device can act as a communications translator, communicating via HART® to the existing process transmitters, and communicating over a wireless network to a wireless host. Further, it is preferable that another power source for this communications module is not required. The module should operate from the same power that is already provided to the process transmitter, while not negatively impacting the power available for the process transmitter. This communication device may operate from solar power, but that is not practical in many installations. It may also operate off a battery. However, batteries have special safety drawbacks when used in process plants adding to their expense, and also require periodic replacement, making them undesirable.

Since process transmitters may be scattered across a process plant, it is convenient for the users if they can communicate on a wireless mesh network. A mesh network is one in which each wireless device may serve as a router for the other wireless devices. This ensures that each device in the network has the most reliable communications path back to the host. These communication paths are established when the network is initially established, as well as whenever a new device joins the network. In many instances, it may be desirable that a process control transmitter which is coupled to a two-wire process control loop be also able to communicate information on a wireless network. It may also be desirable that the device function as a router in a “mesh network.” Further, in many instances it is preferable that the device operate using power from the process control loop rather than requiring a separate source of power.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show two example wiring configurations for a wireless adapter 300 in accordance with one example embodiment. Wireless adapter 300 is shown coupled to a process control loop 302 which is powered by a DC power supply 304. The loop is illustrated as including a load resistance 306 and also couples to a process variable transmitter 308. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the wireless adapter 300 includes two loop connections (Loop+ and Loop−) which connect in series with the process control loop 302. One of the loop connections couples to the power supply 304 while the other loop connection couples to a loop connection of the process transmitter 308. The wireless adapter 300 includes a third connection (labeled HART®) which couples to the other loop connection of the process transmitter 308. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8A, the Loop-connection of adapter 300 couples to the plus connection of transmitter 308 while the HART® connection of adapter 300 couples to the minus connection (labeled “Test+ or −Power”) connection of transmitter 308. The arrangement in FIG. 8B is slightly different in which the Loop+ connection of the adapter 300 couples to the minus connection of transmitter 308 while the Loop-connection of transmitter 300 couples to the power supply 304 and the HART® connection couples to the plus connection of transmitter 308. The adapter 300 is also illustrated with an antenna 310. In the configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the adapter 300 is configured a three terminal device through which all of the loop current I flows. The separate HART® connection is used to provide digital communication on the two wire process control loop 302. Although the Figures are labeled HART®, the adapter is not limited to operating in accordance with the HART® communication protocol and may use any appropriate protocol including Fieldbus protocols.

The adapter 300 is powered using power received from the process control loop 302. The loop 302 is also used to provide power to the transmitter 308. In one configuration, the adapter 300 regulates its voltage to a small value, for example 1.0 volts, such that it will have a minimal impact on the process control loop 302. The adapter 300 operates using the current available from the loop 302. For example, if the transmitter 308 sets the loop current to a value of 5 mA, the adapter 300 will operate on this 5 mA. If the voltage drop across the adapter is 1 volt, a total of 5 mW will be used by the adapter 300. In the case of a typical process variable transmitter, the loop current is varied between 4 mA and 20 mA based upon a measured process variable. Thus, the minimum power available to the adapter 300 will be about 4 mW and the maximum value available will be about 20 mW. The adapter 300 must utilize this power to perform all desired functions, including, communications on the loop 302 as well as wireless communications. A typical wireless radio may require up to a 3 volt supply and draw between 15 mA and 50 mA during communications (the specifics depend on many parameters related to the wireless network). As this current draw does not occur at all times, it is possible for the adapter to store power until it is needed to support the wireless communication. As discussed above, a super capacitor can be used to store power. These are relatively inexpensive and have relatively long life times. Super capacitors may supply current as high as 1 amp for short periods of time and may therefore be used to power the wireless communication circuitry.

FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of the adapter 300 which shows various circuitry blocks. A super capacitor 320 is illustrated and the device 300 is configured for HART® communication as well as wireless communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, adapter 300 includes a microcontroller 340 which also includes a memory and a modem for communication. The memory is used to store programming instructions, configuration data, variables, etc. HART® analog circuitry 342 is configured to couple to the process variable transmitter 308 through a DC blocking capacitor 346. A radio module 344 is provided to enable adapter 300 to communicate using RF communication techniques. A series connected regulator 348 is provided which is configured as a DC to DC converter. A current shunt circuit 350 is connected in parallel with regulator 348 and includes a bypass transistor 352 controlled by a OP amp 354. OP amp 354 operates based upon a difference between a reference voltage (V_ref) and the voltage applied to the regulator 348. Regulator 348 provides a 2.3 volt output to a low dropout (LDO) regulator 360. Low dropout (LDO) regulator 360 provides a regulated 2 volt power supply output to the microprocessor 340, HART analog circuits 342, reset circuit 382 and ADC 380.

The current through bypass transistor 352 is used to charge the super capacitor 320. The voltage across the super capacitor 320 is set using a voltage clamp 370. For example, the voltage clamp can be set to 2.2 volts. Another DC to DC converter 372 is configured as a step up converter and provides a regulated voltage output of 3 volts to a low dropout (LDO) regulator 374. The output of low dropout (LDO) regulator 374 is set to 2.8 volts and used to provide regulated power to radio module 344.

The microprocessor 340 is connected to a analog to digital converter 380 which is used to monitor the voltage of super capacitor 320. Microprocessor 340 is also connected to a reset circuit 382. Microprocessor 340 provides data to the radio module 344 through a level shifting circuit 384.

It is preferable that the circuitry be able to support the maximum amount of wireless communication activity while dropping a minimum amount of voltage in the loop 302. Therefore, the adapter 300 is preferably configured to use power from the loop 302 in a very efficient manner. In one specific configuration, this can be achieved by using a low power microcontroller 340, for example, Texas Instruments MSP430F1481 and by using low power analog circuit components. These components can be powered by a low supply voltage to also minimize the total circuit power consumption. Further, the microcontroller 340 can be configured to enter a “sleep” mode if desired when certain functions are not needed, for example communication functions. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, a separate modem is not utilized. Instead, the microcontroller 340 is used to provide modem functionality.

It is also preferable to provide the radio module 344 with a large amount of power. This allows more frequent communication and increased reliability. The additional power can be used to publish information from the transmitter 308, allow the adapter 300 to be used as a router for other process transmitters, for example in a mesh network and allow higher transmit power to be used. This can result in a more reliable mesh network, as the path from another wireless device through the adapter 300 to a host may be more reliable than the path which is directly from the device to the host.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the radio module 344 is powered by super capacitor 320. Therefore, in order to increase the power which is provided to the radio module 344, it is preferable to increase the power stored by super capacitor 320. In the configuration of FIG. 9, this is achieved by arranging the super capacitor 320 as a shunt element for the regulator 348 which regulates the voltage drop across the terminals which couple to loop 302 in conjunction with OP amp 354 and shunt transistor 352. In FIG. 9, the voltage across the loop terminals which couple to the process control loop 302 is regulated to one volt. This is achieved by adjusting the current going to the super capacitor using OP amp 354 and shunt transistor 352. In this configuration, regulator 348 operates in series with the loop 302 and is in the feedback loop formed by OP amp 354. In a less efficient configuration, a separate one volt shunt regulator and super capacitor charging circuit may be implemented. However, this requires additional components and additional power to operate. In contrast, in the configuration set forth in FIG. 9, any loop current which is not used by the circuitry of adapter 300 is directed into shunt capacitor 320 for increased efficiency. This results in the maximum amount of power being available for radio module 344. The voltage clamp 370 determines the voltage to which capacitor 320 is charged. Once the super capacitor 320 reaches the voltage set by the voltage clamp 370, the excess current flows through clamp 370 rather than into capacitor 320.

DC to DC converter 348 is configured as a low power “step up” switching regulator that operates with an input voltage of 1 volt. Regulator 348 increases the 1 volt input voltage to a sufficiently high voltage to power the remaining circuitry. In the example of FIG. 9, this is 2.3. volts. The converter can be a switched capacitor type converter, an inductor based boost converter, a transformer based converter or other appropriate configuration. The LDO regulator 360 regulates the 2.3 volt output from regulator 348 to 2.0 volts and removes any switching noise from the regulator 348. The output from the LDO regulator 360 is used to power the microprocessor 340, HART® analog circuits 342, memory, reset circuitry 382, and analog to digital converter 380.

HART® analog circuit block 342 can comprise, for example, a carrier detect circuit, a receive circuit and a transmit circuit. Preferably, these circuits are configured to have low power requirements while maintaining acceptable communications integrity. The memory in microprocessor 340 can be used to store programming code and temporary variables. Timers which are internal to microprocessor 340 can be used to provide a “software” modem functionality. The memory of the microprocessor 340 may include internal flash memory, RAM as well as EEPROM or other non volatile memory. The microcontroller 340 can be configured to monitor the voltage access super capacitor 320 using analog to digital converter 380 which provides a digital output to microcontroller 340 representative of the capacitive voltage. If desired, the microcontroller 340 can be used to determine whether the capacitor has a sufficient voltage to support radio transmission. Reset circuit 382 can be used to ensure that microcontroller 340 does not operate when the voltage is insufficient. For example, the reset circuit 382 can be configured to reset, or turn on, the microcontroller 340 when the supply voltage from LDO regulator 360 reaches a sufficient voltage level. The circuitry can also be used to reset the microcontroller 340 if a power “glitch” occurs.

Radio module 344 operates on a stable voltage of 2.8 volts provided by LDO regulator 374. As discussed above, if the super capacitor 320 is charged to 2.2 volts, the DC to DC converter regulator 372 steps up the voltage to 3 volts. During use, the voltage on the super capacitor will decrease and the step up converter is needed. The LDO regulator 374 is used to provide a stable 2.8 volts to the radio module 344. Preferably, regulator 372 is configured to operate off a minimum voltage of about 1 volt up to a maximum voltage of about 2.2 volts. In some configurations, microcontroller 340 is configured to turn off circuitry of radio module 344 is the voltage on the super capacitor 320 is less than 1 volt.

Microcontroller 340 can be configured to transmit information wirelessly using the radio module 344 by communicating over digital communication lines between the radio module 344 and the microcontroller 340. As the microcontroller operates from a two volt power supply while the radio operates from a 2.8 power supply, the digital communication lines between the two components must be level shifted using level shifting circuitry 384. For example, this can be performed using very low power level translator circuits such as Texas Instruments SN74LVC2T45DCU.

In one configuration, the microcontroller 340 can be configured to adjust the voltage drop across the loop terminals which couple to loop 302. For example, an optional control line 341 from the microcontroller 340 can be coupled to the inverting input of OP amp 354 of the shunt circuitry 350. In such a configuration, additional power may be made available to the radio by increasing the loop voltage drop under appropriate conditions. Similarly, if the impact on the process control loop of the circuitry of adapter 300 needs to be reduced, the voltage drop can be decreased. However, this will provide less power to the radio module and other circuitry of adapter 300 and may degrade performance.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment showing a process control transmitter 400 coupled to a wireless adapter 300. Transmitter 400 includes a sensor 64 and measurement circuitry 66 as discussed above. Measurement circuitry 66 couples to field device circuitry 68. Transmitter 400 couples to two wire process control loop 302 through a connection block 406 and the wireless adapter 300. Further, the wireless adapter 300 couples to the housing of transmitter 400. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the coupling is through a NPT conduit connection 409. A similar conduit connection 409 is also used to couple to conduit 411 for carrying the two wire process control loop 302 therethrough. The chassis of wireless adapter 300 couples to an electrical ground connection 410 of transmitter 400 through wire 408. The transmitter 400 includes a two wire process control loop connection block 402 which couples to connections 412 from wireless adapter 300. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the wireless adapter 300 can be threadably received in conduit connection 409. Housing 420 carries an antenna 426 to support circuitry of the wireless adapter 300. Further, an RF transparent end cap 424 can be sealably coupled to housing 420 and allow transmission of RF signals therethrough. Note that in the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, five electrical connections are provided to the RF adapter 300. These include four loop connections as illustrated in either FIG. 8A or 8B, along with an electrical ground connection.

The above configuration provides an adapter which enables wireless communication with a process variable transmitter. The circuitry can be configured to operate from power which is already available to the process variable transmitter. Increased efficiency can be obtained by placing the energy storage element as a shunt element in a loop shunt regulator. A “step up” regulator can be provided which is part of the feedback circuit for the shunt regulator control. This configuration increases efficiency while reducing the number of components required.

The term “field device” as used herein can be any device which is used in a process controller monitoring system and does not necessarily require placement in the “field.” The device can be located anywhere in the process control system including in a control room or control circuitry. The terminals used to connect to the process control loop refer to any electrical connection and may not comprise physical or discrete terminals. Any appropriate radio frequency communication circuitry can be used as desired as can any appropriate communication protocol, frequency or communication technique. The power supply circuitry is configured as desired and is not limited to the configurations set forth herein. In some embodiments, the field device includes an address which can be included in any RF transmissions such that the device can be identified. Similarly, such an address can be used to determine if a received signal is intended for that particular device. However, in other embodiments, no address is utilized and data is simply transmitted from the wireless communication circuitry without any addressing information. In such a configuration, if receipt of data is desired, any received data may not include addressing information. In some embodiments, this may be acceptable. In others, other addressing techniques or identification techniques can be used such as assigning a particular frequency or communication protocol to a particular device, assigning a particular time slot or period to a particular device or other techniques. Any appropriate communication protocol and/or networking technique can be employed including token-based techniques in which a token is handed off between devices to thereby allow transmission or reception for the particular device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As used herein, Radio Frequency (RF) can comprise electro-magnetic transmissions of any frequency and is not limited to a particular group of frequencies, range of frequencies or any other limitation. Any communication protocol can be used, as desired, including IEEE 802.11b, 802.154, or other protocols, including proprietary communication protocols. In the discussion above, the wireless adapter provides a digital signal communication connection for coupling to the two wire process control loop and, in some embodiments, communicating in accordance with the HART® communication protocol. This connection is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B as being a parallel connection with the process variable transmitter and which does not carry substantial loop current. The power connection is illustrated as being in series with the process control loop. As used herein, bypass circuitry includes the bypass configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shunt configurations shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, or other circuitry. The adapter can be configured to mount externally to a process control transmitter, for example, through a threaded coupling to NPT fittings in the transmitter housing.

Claims

1. An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process, the adapter comprising: I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and to communicate on the process control loop;wireless communication circuitry coupled to the two wire process control loop configured to transmit an RF signal;power supply circuitry coupled to the two wire process control loop configured to provide power to the wireless communication circuitry;bypass circuitry connected in parallel with the power supply circuitry; andwherein the power supply circuitry and the bypass circuitry are configured to connect in series with the two wire process control loop.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the I/O circuitry includes a digital signal connection configured to digitally communicate on the two wire process control loop.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the digital communication is in accordance with the HART® communication protocol.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the digital signal connection is coupled in parallel with the process control transmitter.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 including level shifting circuitry configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuitry.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 including a plurality of voltage regulators arranged to power circuitry of the adapter with power received from the two wire process control loop.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bypass circuitry includes an OP amp arranged to maintain a desired voltage level across loop connections of the adapter configured to couple to the two wire process control loop.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the voltage across the loop terminals is adjustable.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 including a capacitor coupled in series with a transistor of the bypass circuitry configured to store charge from the two wire process control loop.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 including circuitry arranged to monitor a voltage of the capacitor.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 including a step up converter coupled to the capacitor configured to provide an output voltage which is greater than a voltage stored on the capacitor.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 including a linear voltage regulator coupled to the output of the step up voltage regulator, the linear voltage regulator arranged to provide power to the RF communication circuitry.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 including a step up converter coupled to loop terminals of the adapter, the step up converter configured to provide an output voltage which is greater than a voltage across the loop terminals.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 including a linear voltage regulator coupled to the output of the step up regulator, the linear voltage regulator arranged to provide power to circuitry of the adapter.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 including a microcontroller arranged to control operation of the wireless communication circuitry.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 including level shifting circuitry arranged to couple the microcontroller to the wireless communication circuitry.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 including reset circuitry arranged to reset the microcontroller.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller controls operation of the I/O circuitry.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the microcontroller operates as a modulator/demodulator (modem) in controlling operation of the I/O circuitry.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 including a capacitor coupled in series with the bypass circuitry arranged to store power from the two wire process control loop and a voltage clamp coupled in parallel with the capacitor, the voltage clamp arranged to shunt loop current when a voltage across the voltage clamp and capacitor is greater than voltage clamp level.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 including a housing configured to mount to the process control transmitter.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the housing includes a RF transmissive region which allows the RF signal to pass therethrough.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is threadably received in a threaded coupling of the process control transmitter.

24. A method of providing wireless communication capabilities to an existing process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process, the method comprising: electrically coupling to the process control transmitter and to a two wire process control loop and communicating on the two wire process control loop;transmitting an RF signal based upon data carried on the two wire process control loop;providing power to the wireless communication circuitry with power received from the two wire process control loop, wherein the power supply circuitry is coupled in series with the two wire process control loop; andselectively bypassing a loop current of the two wire process control loop around the power supply circuitry.

25. The method of claim 24 including providing a digital signal connection configured to digitally communicate on the two wire process control loop.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the digital communication is in accordance with the HART® communication protocol.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the digital signal connection is coupled in parallel with the process control transmitter.

28. The method of claim 24 including level shifting a signal to communicate with wireless communication circuitry.

29. The method of claim 24 including providing a plurality of voltage regulators arranged to power circuitry with power received from the two wire process control loop.

30. The method of claim 24 wherein selectively bypassing includes setting a desired voltage level across loop connections couples to the two wire process control loop.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the voltage across the loop terminals is adjustable.

32. The method of claim 24 including providing a capacitor coupled in series with a transistor of the bypass circuitry configured to store charge from the two wire process control loop.

33. The method of claim 32 including monitoring a voltage of the capacitor.

34. The method of claim 32 including step up generating an output voltage which is greater than a voltage stored on the capacitor.

35. The method of claim 24 including generating an output voltage which is greater than a voltage across loop terminals.

36. The method of claim 24 including providing a microcontroller operating as a modulator/demodulator (modem) in controlling operation of I/O circuitry.

37. The method of claim 24 including providing a capacitor coupled in series with bypass circuitry arranged to store power from the two wire process control loop and a voltage clamp coupled in parallel with the capacitor, the voltage clamp arranged to shunt loop current when a voltage across the voltage clamp and capacitor is greater than voltage clamp level.

38. The method of claim 24 including coupling an adapter to a housing of the process control transmitter.