Patent ID: 8725081

Claim:
A wireless process communication adapter for coupling to a handheld field maintenance tool, the wireless process communication adapter comprising: a plurality of plugs sized and spaced to mate with lead terminals of the handheld field maintenance tool, wherein the handheld field maintenance tool is adapted to allow an operator to communicate with a field device through the lead terminals, the field device measures and/or controls an industrial process; a loop communication module operably coupled to the plurality of plugs, the loop communication module being configured to communicate digitally with the handheld field maintenance tool in accordance with a process loop communication standard protocol through the plugs; a controller coupled to the loop communication module, the controller configured to transform at least one message received from the handheld field maintenance tool through the loop communication module to at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet; a wireless communication module coupled to the controller and configured to receive the at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet, generate a wireless signal based upon the at least one wireless protocol packet, and wirelessly communicate the signal to the field device; and wherein, the loop communication module, controller, and wireless communication module are disposed within a portion of the adapter that fits substantially between a width of a distance between the lead terminals.