CH707592A2 - Management System Transducer Modular (MTS). - Google Patents

Abstract

The system allows the use of "conventional" transducers (ie not TEDS, which do not comply with the IEEE 1451 standard), maybe even already installed, being able to manage them in an intelligent, integrated, modular and protected way. Through a single data communication and power supply bus, it is possible to completely manage the transducers in real time, as well as having all the related data plate, maintenance, operating hours, diagnostics and special pre-alarm information and Alarm, application specific.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to sectors where electrical transducers of physical quantities are required.

State of the art

[0002] Transducers are devices that convert a physical quantity into an electrical quantity (sensors) or vice versa (actuators). In the present discussion the term transducer will always be mentioned to indicate both cases.

[0003] The use of transducers (whether these sensors or actuators) is currently implemented in one of the following ways. For mere clarity of exposure, reference is made to the case of sensors; the case of actuators will be similar and simply deductible: 1. The transducers (1) (see fig. 1) are directly connected to a data acquisition unit (5) with star connection type. The acquisition unit supplies the transducer with an electrical source (4) and receives the electrical signal (6) generated by the transducer itself. Each type of transducer (1) (of pressure, temperature, force, ...) generates a specific type of electrical signal (voltage, current, resistance, impedance, capacity, ...) which must be "conditioned" by specific circuitry electronic (2) typically resident within the signal acquirer. After this conditioning, all the signals will be homogeneous in their type and can therefore be digitized and processed as required by the digital part (3) of the data acquisition system (5). 2. The transducers can have a conditioning unit (1) of the electrical signal directly inside (FIG.2), providing a homogeneous signal (6) but which can be of various types: for example various types of levels voltage (0 ÷ 5V, 0.5 ÷ 4.5V, 0 ÷ 12V, 0 ÷ 24V, ± 5V, ± 10V) or current (0 ÷ 20mA, 4 ÷ 20mA) possibly produced by signal conditioners (1). Due to the variety of different types of output signals (even if they are conditioned), it is necessary to have a data acquisition device (5) which further accepts and conditions (2) the signals of the various transducers to make them homogeneous with its own digital processing ( 3). 3. In recent years there have been transducers with a further signal conditioning that has included the digitalization of the signal itself. This new type of construction has made it possible to obtain transducers directly interfaced with a data acquisition system via fast digital serial links (normally called BUS), such as RS232, RS485, RS422, SPI, l2C, Ethernet, CAN, WiFi, bluetooth. Obviously the option of digital signal conditioning has considerably increased costs by reducing the production and use of these types of transducers to a niche. To facilitate this technology, a standard has also been defined by the IEEE World Organization (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) called IEEE 1451 (Networked Smart Transducer Interface) which defines, relative to the family of transducers called TEDS {Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) how these can send, in digital format through the connection serial line, not only the value of the transduced signal, but also the type, construction and calibration data of the transducer itself by having inside a memory area and a microcontroller for intelligent data management in the sensor data sheet.

Detailed presentation of the invention

[0004] The IEEE standardization works have produced excellent results on paper with undoubted technological benefits, but they place an important distance between the technological level of the standard and most real applications, made of simple, known transducers, reliably used for years , reasonable costs, safe application procedures and immediate application times.

[0005] The present invention is being inserted in this space allowing the use of the usual excellent and simple transducers that we will define as "conventional" (ie not TEDS, not meeting the IEEE 1451 standard), maybe even already installed, but being able to manage them in intelligent, integrated, modular and protected way.

[0006] The invention will become clear with the following description. In fig. 3 you can see the simplified conceptual scheme of a single MTS module.

[0007] The single module of the MTS system has the function of: - Have 1 or more inputs (1) of the data communication network - Provide 1 or more inputs (3) of the power source (or electric power) - Have 1 or more outputs (2) of the data communication network - Have 1 or more outputs (4) of the power source - Provide 1 or more analogue and / or digital ports (7) for connection to conventional transducers together with the relative power supply. - Host a microcontroller electronic system (10) with: - Flash memory (13) for storing transducer data and their maintenance dates - Real Time Clock (9) for internal time and date management - Internal temperature measurement sensor (14) for correcting transducer performance based on system temperatures - A current measurement system (8) supplied to each transducer - A current measurement system (5) present on the line - A protection device (8) of the power supplied to each transducer - One or more analog input interfaces (7) for sensors - One or more analog output interfaces (7) for actuators - One or more digital interfaces (7) for sensor I / O with digital interface - One or more serial digital interfaces (7) for sensor I / O with serial interface

[0008] In fig. 4 an example of application of the MTS modules for the realization of a network of 6 transducers (1) can be seen. The specific example only wants to be a mere example and can be repeated for a network with any number of MTS units and transducers.

[0009] From the diagram the simplicity of the invention can be understood. A cascade network of MTS modules (2) allows the creation of a network of any number of conventional transducers (1).

[0010] These will also be all reachable by the acquisition and control unit (3) via a single network cable (4) and a power supply cable (5), which will enter and leave each network unit to make the physical connection of all the cascade modules.

[0011] All the data, via the communication bus, will flow into a data acquisition / control unit (3) where the sensor data will be stored and where the operations for actuator control will be performed.

[0012] A Personal Computer (6) will be present in a stable or occasional form with a software configuration program for the network modules installed, which can be called MTS Software Editor.

[0013] It should also be highlighted how (fig. 5) the acquisition and control unit (3) can also be simply a Personal Computer on which the software configuration program for the MTS modules is installed and an additional data acquisition and control program of all the transducers present in the network.

[0014] The MTS unit will be directly powered by battery, 12 or 24VDC.

Execution of the invention

[0015] For simplicity of exposition, reference should be made to figs. 3 and fig. 5 as a type of application example.

SINGLE DATA COMMUNICATION BUS

[0016] In fig. 5 shows how the whole system can be managed through a single data communication BUS (4) and power supply (5).

[0017] This can physically be a single CABLE (that is, integrate BUS of data and power communication) or, according to convenience, separate (communication BUS + power cable).

[0018] The serial data communication BUS may be of the standard CAN type ISO 11898-2 version 2.0 PartA & B or Ethernet IEEE802.3 at 10/100/1000 Mbit / s.

GALVANICALLY INSULATED INTERFACE

[0019] Each MTS module will have an interface (6) (see fig. 3) towards the communication network, GALVANICALLY isolated for adequate protection against electronics and transducers.

CONFIGURATION OF THE SYSTEM BY PERSONAL COMPUTER

[0020] Once the physical installation of the system has been completed, each MTS unit installed in the network can be configured using an appropriate software package (MTS Software Editor) operating on Personal Computer (3) fig. 5

[0021] The installer, at the time of physical installation, will have noted, for each module applied, its serial number and the transducers connected to it.

[0022] The Personal Computer will be physically connected to the BUS of the data communication network and the software will establish communication with all the modules; each, initially responding with its own serial number, will prepare to receive and store in its Flash memory (13) (fig. 3) the configuration previously set and saved on the Personal Computer, to start its correct operation.

STORAGE of TRANSDUCER DATA

[0023] The system configuration will then be performed by operating with the MTS-Software Editor software installed on Personal Computer, setting for each transducer applied in the system, a series of data of the transducer itself: - The plate data (those related to the Manufacturer, to the type, model, serial number, calibration, type of interfacing, ...) typically shown on the DATA SHEET of the transducer - The thermal compensation data (if existing and necessary), ie the thermal DRIFT data (or the changes in the behavior of the transducer due to the temperature) and the corrections to be made to the signal values to correct the errors for too high temperatures or too low - The application data of the transducer, ie the data of the transducer behavior during the specific application (mnemonic, nominal current absorbed, tolerance accepted, reference voltage, ...) - Data relating to the Pre-Alarm and Alarm status, typical of the application.

[0024] These data will be stored in the MTS-Software Editor and transferred from the Personal Computer (3) (fig. 5) to each individual module (2) which will store them on their own FLASH memory (non-volatile memory) (13 ) fig. 3 for storing indefinitely.

MEMORY STORAGE of MTS SYSTEM MODULES

[0025] Similarly to the transducer data, each module can be configured by sending it the following data: - Standard communication data, that is the data necessary to transmit correctly on the BUS data communication (baud rate, Message ID, transmission frequency, type of protocol, ...) - Communication data of Pre-Alarm and Alarm messages

[0026] These data will also be stored by the module on its own FLASH memory (permanent memory) (13) (fig. 3) and stored indefinitely.

[0027] Each MTS unit (2) (fig. 5), when it is switched on and once it has been configured, will spontaneously start controlling the transducers (1), ie sending the data read by the connected sensors or controlling the actuators connected according to the mode configured through the software operating on the Persona Computer (3).

STORAGE of TRANSDUCER MAINTENANCE DATA

[0028] In the operation of the system, it may happen that a transducer must be overhauled or replaced; the MTS-Software Editor software, will easily allow the insertion of such information and the transfer of the same to the single module for the conservation of the history of the transducer itself.

MEMORIZATION OF TRANSDUCER OPERATING HOURS

[0029] During normal operation, each module of the MTS system will detect and update the value of the total operating hours and relative to the last maintenance of each transducer. This information will be stored in the Flash memory (13) (fig. 3) of the module to which the transducer (12) is connected.

STORAGE of LOG TRANSDUCER EVENTS and of THE SAME FORM

[0030] The MTS unit will record internally a sequential table of the major events (called the LOG table) (high temperature, high current absorption, low supply voltage, pre-alarms and alarms) occurring to the module itself and to its own transducers. The table will be downloadable through the data communication network.

[0031] Important events can generate the automatic emission of a specific Pre-Alarm or Alarm message.

IDENTIFICATION OF POSSIBLE PROBLEMS on the TRANSDUCERS and on the MODULES and SYSTEM PROTECTION

[0032] The MTS module (11) (fig. 3) will check the correct operation of the transducer (12) according to its operating parameters and can carry out the following operations: - Identify the case of a short circuit on the line and interrupt the power supply - Identify the case of open circuit - Identify the case of absorption out of tolerance - Identify the case of an out-of-scale signal

[0033] It will also check its operating parameters: - Identify the case of own absorption and of the network out of tolerance - Identify an internal temperature that is too high - Identify a voltage that is too low or too high

[0034] The status of this information will also be sent to the data communication network (1) (2) via a specific Pre-Alarm or Alarm message.

SEND on the BUS of the MESSAGES RELATIVE TO PRE-ALARM STATES and TRANSDUCER and MODULAR ALARM

[0035] Each module of the MTS system will have the possibility of transmitting on the network a Pre-Alarm or Alarm message, either because of the transducers connected to it, or because of at least one of the operating parameters of the module, which has been deemed out of tolerance or dangerous.

[0036] The operational characteristics of the message are those configured through the MTS-Software Editor and stored in the flash memory of the module.

CALCULATION of TRANSDUCER SIGNAL CORRECTIONS for THERMAL EFFECT

[0037] Each module can make a calculation on the calibrated value of the signal, based on the data stored during the configuration phase, relative to the thermal compensation in order to appropriately correct the value by optimizing its accuracy.

OPERATION with the MTS SYSTEM MODULES

[0038] Each unit of the MTS system (2) (fig. 5), in addition to the normal operation of sending / receiving real-time messages related to the transducers (1), will recognize and manage the following information sent on the data network through requests made from the Personal Computer (3): - Setting current date and time - The request to provide the data stored in the Flash memory and related to the transducers - The request to change the transducer data (update the maintenance data or configure a new transducer or that replaces the previous one) - The request to modify the data stored in the Flash memory and relating to the module - The request to send the LOG table

Claims (10)

1. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. The data communication BUS may be standard CAN or ETHERNET 2. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. The interface between the data communication BUS and the single module can be galvanically isolated. 3. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to permanently store all the constructive, functional and maintenance data of the transducers connected to it. 4. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to permanently store all the operating hours of all connected transducers. 5. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to store all the LOG events occurring inside the same module and to the transducers connected to it. 6. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to be configured via the MTS-Software Editor operating on Personal Computer, in the mode of transmission of information to be sent in real time on the BUS. 7. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to activate specific messages to be sent on the BUS and related to Pre-Alarm and Alarm states of the connected transducers and of the module itself. 8. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to perform the diagnostics activities, ie the protection of the transducer and the network, checking for the presence of short circuit, open circuit, over-current, out-of-scale signal of each connected transducer and promptly intervening to maintain the functionality of the rest of the system. 9. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module will be able to perform the calculation related to the correction due to the thermal effects where the transducer and the application required it. 10. A system capable of managing a modular network of conventional or non-IEEE 1451 transducers, through a series of programmable devices all operating on the same BUS and where each specifically manages a limited number of transducers. Each module of the system can be interrogated remotely via BUS, for setting the date and time, querying the data of each connected transducer and the module, modifying the data for maintenance purposes through the protection of a password, the query of the events present in the LOG table.