Patent ID: 8271227

Claim:
A measuring transducer, comprising: a sensor for capturing a physical or chemical quantity and for generating a corresponding measurement signal, wherein the sensor comprises a microcontroller for signal preprocessing of the measurement signal; an analysis device for determining a measured value depending on the measurement signal and for outputting the measured value; an interface between the sensor and the analysis device for digital transmission of the measurement signal; a transmission device for transmitting energy required for operation of the sensor from the analysis device to the sensor; a switch for changing a supply current for indicating that the measurement signal of the sensor is available for transmission; and a circuit for capturing the changing of the supply current and analyzing the changing as an indicator signal, wherein the measuring transducer is used for process instrumentation, wherein the sensor is synchronized in relation to the analysis device such that the generating of the measurement signal by the sensor is coordinated with instants at which the measured value is output by the analysis device, and wherein operating states of the sensor are transmitted from the sensor via the interface to the analysis device for diagnosing the operating states of the measuring transducer, wherein an incorrect operating state is indicated at the analysis device.