Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7844365?dq=5,966,702
Timestamp: 2017-11-18 08:57:00
Document Index: 456942613

Matched Legal Cases: ['application No. 200680026507', 'application No. 200680025970', 'application No. 200680026376', 'application No. 2008106473', 'application No. 200680025970', 'application No. 200680026507', 'application No. 2008106473', 'application No. 06788153', 'application No. 2008106473']

Patent US7844365 - Field-mounted process device - Google Patents
A field-mounted process device with multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device can be wholly powered through its communication I/O port. The process device...http://www.google.com/patents/US7844365?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7844365 - Field-mounted process device
Publication number US7844365 B2
Application number US 11/184,714
Also published as CN101223487A, EP1904904A1, US20050288799, WO2007011487A1
Publication number 11184714, 184714, US 7844365 B2, US 7844365B2, US-B2-7844365, US7844365 B2, US7844365B2
Inventors John P. Brewer, Eric D. Rotvold, Robert J. Karschnia, Marcos Peluso
Patent Citations (69), Non-Patent Citations (54), Referenced by (2), Classifications (35), Legal Events (2)
Field-mounted process device
US 7844365 B2
A field-mounted process device with multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device can be wholly powered through its communication I/O port. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands.
a power over Ethernet module coupled to a port, the module being adapted to wholly power the process device with power received through the port, and to communicate in accordance with Ethernet communication;
a controller coupled to the power over Ethernet module and configured to measure or control industrial processes;
a first connection operably coupled to the controller and the power over Ethernet module through a power isolator and a communication isolator, the first connection being wired to at least one sensor through a plurality of first terminals;
a second connection operably coupled to the controller and the power over Ethernet module through a power isolator and a communication isolator, the second connection being wired to at least a second process interface element through a plurality of second terminals;
a first multiplexer coupled to the plurality of first terminals; and
a first analog-to-digital converter coupled to the controller and the first multiplexer, the first converter being adapted to convert an analog signal from one of the plurality of first terminals, into a digital value and to convey the digital signal to the controller.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second process interface element is a sensor, and the device further includes:
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second process interface element provides a digital output, and the process device further includes a second multiplexer coupled to the plurality of second terminals to receive a plurality of digital inputs and convey signals to the controller based upon at least one of the digital inputs.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second process interface element is an actuator, and the process device further includes a second multiplexer coupled to the controller and the second plurality of terminals to provide a plurality of digital outputs on the plurality of second terminals based upon a command signal from the controller.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is a microprocessor.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the microprocessor is a low-power microprocessor.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the microprocessor has a clock speed that is user selectable.
8. The device of claim 1, and further comprising memory coupled to the controller and adapted to store a user-generated control algorithm.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the control algorithm comprises a sequence of logic conditions.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the memory is low-power memory.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the memory is stacked memory.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein the controller is adapted to continuously execute the control algorithm.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is housed within an explosion-proof enclosure.
14. The field-mounted process device of claim 1, wherein the port is an RJ-45 port.
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/760,793, filed Jan. 20, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,624 entitled Two-Wire Field-Mounted Process Device, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/400,148, filed Mar. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,446 entitled Two-Wire Field-Mounted Process Device, which application is a continuation of and claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/570,268, filed May 12, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,515.
One way to reduce the requisite wiring is by using two-wire process devices. These devices couple to the control room using a two-wire process control loop. Two-wire devices receive power from the process control loop, and communicate over the process control loop in a manner that is generally unaffected by the provision of power to the process device. Techniques for communicating over two-wires include 4–20 mA signaling, the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART®) Protocol, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, Profibus-PA and others. Although two-wire process control systems provide wiring simplification, such systems provide a limited amount of electrical power to connected devices. For example, a device that communicates in accordance with 4–20 mA signaling must draw no more than 4 mA otherwise the device's current consumption would affect the process variable. The frugal power budget of two-wire process devices has traditionally limited the functionality that could be provided.
A field-mounted process device is provided. In one embodiment, the process device includes multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output connection can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered through its communication interface. In one embodiment, the communication interface is in accordance with the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) protocol. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the communication interface. In another embodiment, the field-mounted process device includes a controller that is adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands.
FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of a field-mounted process device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Loop 14 can be a two-wire process control loop. A number of two-wire process communication protocols exist for communicating on loop 14, and any suitable protocol can be used. For example, the HART® protocol, the FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus protocol, and the Profibus-PA protocol can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Loop 14 provides power to connected process devices while providing communication between the various devices.
FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of a field-mounted process device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Device 116 bears many similarities to device 16 (shown in FIG. 2) and like components are numbered similarly. Device 116 employs Power Over Ethernet (PoE) module 120, which is coupled to I/O port 122. PoE module is adapted to communicate in accordance with the known Ethernet protocol. In addition, PoE module 120 provides a source of power for the remaining components within device 116. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, unused pairs of wires in a traditional unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling, such as Category 5 cable, can be used to provide power. However, it is also contemplated that the same wire pairs that provide communication can also be used to obtain power for the device. Embodiments described above have provided field devices that are powered by their communication interfaces. Similarly, device 116 is powered by its communication interface. Preferably, port 122 is a traditional RJ-45 port. However, port 122 may be adapted for field mounting with additional insulation, overmolding, heat sinking et cetera. PoE module 120 provides controlled power (around 13 watts) to the components within device 116. In fact, providing analog input connections, device 116, in some embodiments, is able to drive one or more 4–20 mA loops with the power received via PoE module 120.
By providing Ethernet compliant communication, communication speeds of 10 or 100 megabits can be realized for process information. Additionally, the ubiquity of Ethernet communication may be advantageous in installations where Fieldbus, or other process communication protocols are not available.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments of a process device having four connections, 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, which are defined by the appended claims. For example, although various modules have been illustrated and described separately, it is expressly contemplated that some such modules can be physically embodied together, such as on an Application Specific Integrated Circuit. Further, although controller 40 is described as a single module, its functions can be distributed upon multiple microprocessors such that one microprocessor could provide low-level I/O interaction, such as calibration, linearization and the like, while a second microprocessor executes the user-generated control algorithm. Additionally, although the description has focussed upon inputs and outputs being provided through the disclosed connections, it is expressly contemplated that some process inputs or process outputs could be communicated from/to other process devices through the communication interface.
US4665393 * May 21, 1984 May 12, 1987 Wilder Peggy L Vibration monitoring system and apparatus
US5051867 * Jun 19, 1990 Sep 24, 1991 Marelco Power Systems, Inc. Transformer assembly with exposed laminations and hollow housings
US5426697 * Aug 23, 1993 Jun 20, 1995 Electronic Techniques (Anglia) Limited Duplex communication coupler system
US5761208 * Oct 4, 1996 Jun 2, 1998 Brooktree Corporation Expansible high speed digital multiplexer
US6104895 Jul 2, 1998 Aug 15, 2000 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Developing cartridge side cover, mounting method thereof and developing cartridge
US6490177 * Jun 30, 2000 Dec 3, 2002 Salvador Figueroa Resonant power converter with primary-side tuning and zero-current switching
US6757725 Apr 6, 2000 Jun 29, 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. Sharing an ethernet NIC between two sub-systems
US6961624 * Jan 20, 2004 Nov 1, 2005 Rosemount Inc. Two-wire field-mounted process device
US7016741 * Oct 14, 2003 Mar 21, 2006 Rosemount Inc. Process control loop signal converter
US20060218422 * Feb 13, 2006 Sep 28, 2006 Akros Silicon, Inc. System and method to balance power signals from a network attached power sourcing device
GB2329039A Title not available
JPH07162345A Title not available
JPS52108194A Title not available
WO2000064099A2 Apr 14, 2000 Oct 26, 2000 Invensys Systems, Inc. Powered ethernet for instrumentation and control
1 "A Revolution in Industrial Networking?" http://www.industrialnetworking.co.uk/mag/v9-3/f-poe.html.
2 "ACE pc," Arcom Control Systems, 1 page dated Feb. 23, 2000, downloaded from http://www.arcom.co.uk/products/iep/systems/ace/default.htm.
3 "Article: Powered Ethernet Spells Out Change For Field Devices," http://ethernet.industrial-networking.com/articles/i17fielddevices.asp.
4 "Fieldbus Interface Module," Emerson Process Management , Product Data Sheet, Jul. 2004.
5 "Fieldbus Interface Module," Emerson Process Management, Product Data Sheet, Jul. 2004.
6 "IEEE802.3af Power Over Ethernet: A Radical New Technology," wwww.PowerOverEthernet.com, pp. 1-10.
7 "Invitation to Pay Additional Fees," PCT/US2006/028065, filed Jul. 19, 2006.
8 "ISIHART(TM)-Distributed HART Multiplexer", http://www.fint.no/fint-products-hart-mux.html.
9 "Model 848T Eight Input Temperature Transmitter with FOUNDATION(TM) Fieldbus," Product Data Sheet 00813-0100-4697, Mar. 2003.
10 "New FieldConnex Fieldbus Power Hub Provides Multiple Power Suppli Fieldbus Devices via Digital Data Lines," http://www.am.pepper1-fuchs.com/news/news.asp., pp. 1-5.
11 "POE-Power Over Ethernet," http://www.altair.org/labnotes-POE.html.
12 "Power Over Ethernet Specification Approved IEEE 802.3af Gives Hope to Device-Level Ethernet," http://www.manufacturing.net/ctl/article/CA318961?text=poe&spacedesc=news.
13 "Power Over Ethernet," http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power13 over-Ethernet.
14 "Smart Head and Rail Mount Temperature Transmitters," Models 644H and 644R, FISHER-ROSEMOUNT Managing the Process Better, pp. 37-52 (1998).
15 "Smart Transmitter (HART Protocol) Interface Products," 1770 Communication Products, 2 pages dated Apr. 26, 1999, downloaded from http://www.ab.com/catalogs/html/b112/io/smart.html.
16 "The Rosemount 3420 Fieldbus Interface Module allows Fieldbus Process Monitoring in ANY Plant!" http://www.rosemount.com/products/accessories/m3420.html.
17 "The Study on Power Over Ethernet (POE)) Technology," Process Automation Instrumentation, Jan. 2005, vol. 26, No. 1, p. 5-8.
18 "Traditional Temperature Monitoring Applications," http://www.rosemount.com/products/temperature/m848arc.html#mounts.
19 "A Revolution in Industrial Networking?" http://www.industrialnetworking.co.uk/mag/v9-3/f—poe.html.
20 "ISIHART™—Distributed HART Multiplexer", http://www.fint.no/fint—products—hart—mux.html.
21 "Model 848T Eight Input Temperature Transmitter with FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus," Product Data Sheet 00813-0100-4697, Mar. 2003.
22 "POE—Power Over Ethernet," http://www.altair.org/labnotes—POE.html.
23 "Power Over Ethernet," http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power13 over—Ethernet.
24 1st Amendment to EC-Type Examination Certificate for FD0-VC-Ex4.Pa dated Dec. 22, 1999 (German Language document and apparent English translation).
25 Communication for European patent application 06 773 602.5, dated May 26, 2009.
26 Communication report from European patent application 06 787 883.5, dated Feb. 11, 2009.
27 D5000 Series Users Manual, 23 pages, Revised Jan. 1, 1998.
28 EC-Type Examination Certificate for FD0-VC-Ex4.Pa dated Dec. 18, 1998 (German Language document and apparent English translation).
29 First Communication for European Patent Application 06 788 153.2, filed Jul. 20, 2006.
30 First Examination Opinion for Chinese patent application No. 200680026507.8, dated Apr. 10, 2009.
31 First Office Action for Chinese patent application No. 200680025970.0, dated Aug. 21, 2009.
32 First Office Action for Chinese patent application No. 200680026376.3, dated Aug. 28, 2009.
33 First Office Action for Russian patent application No. 2008106473, dated May 28, 2009.
34 First Office Action issued in U.S. Appl. No. 11/489,931, dated Dec. 30, 2008.
35 Harry Forbes, ARC Insights, "Ethernet Devices Power Up," Insight #2002-46M, Oct. 9, 2002.
36 International Search Report and Written Opinion for patent application No. PCT/US2006/028429, dated Nov. 16, 2006.
37 International Search Report and Written Opinion from application No. PCT/US2006/023942 filed Jul. 20, 2006.
38 Office Action from Chinese Patent Office in related Chinese application.
39 Office Action from U.S. Appl. No. 11/184,730, dated Mar. 31, 2009.
40 PROFIBUS-PA Sensor Interface Field Box, 2002 IS Catalog, 2002.
41 PROFIBUS-PA Valve Coupler Filed Box, 2002 IS Catalog, 2002.
42 Rejection Decision issued by the Chinese Patent Office for Chinese patent application No. 200680025970.0, dated Feb. 5, 2010.
43 Second Examination Opinion for Chinese patent application No. 200680026507.8, dated Aug. 21, 2009.
44 Second Office Action for Russian patent application No. 2008106473, dated Oct. 6, 2009.
45 Summons to attend oral proceedings for European patent application No. 06788153.2, dated Dec. 8, 2009.
46 Supplement to EC-Type Examination Certificate for FD0-VC-Ex.Pa dated Sep. 18, 2000 (German Language document and apparent English translation).
47 Supplement to EC-Type Examination Certificate for FD0-VC-Ex4.Pa dated Sep. 21, 2000 (German Language document and apparent English translation).
48 Third Office Action for Russian patent application No. 2008106473, dated Jan. 18, 2010.
49 U.S. Appl. No. 10/760,793, filed Jan. 2004, Kirkpatrick et al.
50 Universal temperature multiplexer for Foundation Fieldbus, Universal converter, analogue, F2D0-TI-Ex8.FF, 2003.
51 Valve Coupler for Foundation Fieldbus, Manual FD0-VC-Ex4.FF, Nov. 22, 2000.
52 * wikipedia definition for multiplexer and de-multiplexer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiplexer.
53 * wikipedia definition: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless-LAN).
54 * wikipedia definition: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless—LAN).
U.S. Classification 700/270, 379/406.15, 307/1, 379/406.02, 307/2, 307/11, 379/413, 307/10.1, 709/250, 379/405, 713/300, 379/398
International Classification H05K7/00, G05B15/00, H04M7/04, H05K5/00, H05K7/14, G06F15/16, G06F1/16, G06F1/18, G06F3/05, H02J3/00, G06F1/00, H04M9/08
Cooperative Classification G05B19/05, G06F3/05, H05K7/1472, G06F1/182, Y10T307/25, H05K7/1484
European Classification G06F1/18E2, G05B19/05, G06F3/05, H05K7/14P8D, H05K7/14P20
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BREWER, JOHN P.;ROTVOLD, ERIC D.;KARSCHNIA, ROBERT J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016970/0682;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050829 TO 20050831
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BREWER, JOHN P.;ROTVOLD, ERIC D.;KARSCHNIA, ROBERT J.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050829 TO 20050831;REEL/FRAME:016970/0682