Abstract:
A dual mode configurator operates in an off-line mode to configure Fieldbus devices and/or segments in a typical manner and operates in an on-line mode to reconfigure or set certain parameters of a device when the device is connected to a segment controlled by a different host, without interfering with the on-line operation of the segment. The dual mode configurator can be used to configure an entire segment by configuring both network settings and device settings and, alternatively, can be used to configure device settings without effecting or interfering with the on-line system configuration information such as the network settings of a segment when, for example, a different host device or configuration device is connected to the segment to implement process control activities or to make segment changes.
Abstract:
A system for providing remote diagnostic and maintenance services to a process plant includes a database and a server, both of which are located remotely from the process plant. The database includes a plurality of applications. The server includes a data collection unit, an analysis unit, and a control unit. The data collection unit collects data associated with the process plant via a communication link, such as the Internet. The analysis unit analyzes the collected data to detect a condition associated with the process plant. In response to the detected condition, the control unit automatically implements one or more of the applications by automatically executing one or more of the applications remotely and determining parameters to be communicated to the process plant, automatically downloading one or more applications to the process plant via the Internet, and/or activating a web page that provides information for guiding an operator located at the plant in correcting the detected condition.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a microprocessor-controlled standard field device (3null, 4null, 5null, 6null), such as a measuring sensor or an actuator, for connecting to a field bus system (1) that, in turn, is connected to, for example, a freely programmable controller (2null). According to the invention, the field device (3null, 4null, 5null, 6null) is equipped with a security layer (10) for carrying out a security proven communication. A secure and simultaneously cost-effective communication with a control device (2) via a field bus system (1) is made possible by implementing a security layer (10) in a conventional operationally proven or redundant standard field device (3, 4, 5, 6).
Abstract:
A process controller that is communicatively coupled to an external field device via a communication network uses a shadow function block disposed within a process controller to enable implementation of a control routine that uses both an internal function block disposed within the process controller and an external function block disposed within the external field device. The shadow function block includes a communication port that communicates with the external function block via the communication network to thereby receive data pertaining to the external function block, a memory that stores the received data according to a configuration protocol of the internal function block and an output that provides the stored external function block data to the internal function block according to the configuration protocol of the internal function block. The communication port of the interface function block may include an output that sends data generated by the controller or the internal function block to the external function block using the communication protocol associated with the external function block.
Abstract:
A powered Ethernet connection is provided between two devices connected by an Ethernet connection that provides data communication between the devices. Electrical power is applied to the Ethernet connection at the first device, and extracted from the Ethernet connection at the second device. The extracted power is used to power the second device.
Abstract:
A bus powered device includes a signal processing control circuit connected to and powered by a bus at a predetermined operating current and a bus current modulator circuit interconnected in series with a signal processing control circuit to the bus for providing a bipolar communication signal having an average current of substantially zero; the total series current of both the circuits is only the current required by the signal processing control circuit or the absolute value of the most negative current excursion during communication, whichever is greater.
Abstract:
A process control system includes a controller that executes a control routine which performs a series of unit procedures within a process. The control routine is written or created to specify the class of unit to be used for each unit procedure, but not the actual unit itself. At the start of each unit procedure of the control routine, a dynamic unit selection routine selects a particular unit as the unit to be used during operation of that unit procedure. When called, the dynamic unit selection routine determines a set of possible units to be used, determines if each of the set of possible units is suitable for use during that unit procedure of the control routine based on a suitability criterion, prioritizes the units that meet the suitability criterion based on a priority criterion and selects the particular unit from the prioritized list of suitable units in order of priority. The dynamic unit selection routine may determine if one or more of the units on the prioritized list of suitable units is capable of being acquired and may select the first unit on the prioritized list of suitable units that is capable of being acquired as the unit to be used by the control routine.
Abstract:
A field bus arrangement comprising at least one field bus station adapted to be connected with a serial field bus and furthermore at least one load controlled by way of a control output of the field bus station, the load being connected with a power supply line provided in addition to the lines of the field bus. The controlled switch is able to be actuated via the control output of the field bus station. The power circuits are completely decoupled, this meaning for example that the load can be switched off both by way of the field bus station itself and also by switching off the power supply line.
Abstract:
A method for secure communication between a master and a slave of a bus system includes exchanging a telegram between the master and the slave. The telegram has a first region and a second region. The first region contains a predefined instruction. The second region is filled at least in part with a free instruction. A communication system and a system or an industrial system are also provided.
Abstract:
An automation facility and method for expanding the automation facility with at least one field device, wherein expansion of the expansion of the automation facility with a further field device occurs in a simplified manner such that no disruptive influence on process control during the expansion occurs.