DE102014119429A1 - Configurable communication box - Google Patents

Abstract

Configurable communication box (1) for operating a field device (15) by means of a portable computer (12) comprising a housing (2): - a fieldbus interface (3) for connection to a fieldbus (13) to which the field device (15) is connected ; - Several communication modules (4a, 4b, 4c), which are used for communication with various fieldbuses (13), each communication module (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is adapted to a communication signal of each specific fieldbus (13) into a standard signal - a selector switch for selecting the communication module (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) matching the specific field bus (13); A computing unit (5) which converts the standard signal originating from the communication module (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) into a signal that can be processed by the portable computer (12), in particular a USB-compliant signal, so that the field device (15) uses the Communication box (1) is operable, and the at least one configurable functionality based on which at least one application-specific additional function is feasible; - An interface (6), in particular a USB interface, for connecting the communication box to the portable computer (12).

Description

The invention relates to a configurable communication box, a method for configuring such, and the use of a configured communication box for operating a field device.

In process technology as well as in automation technology, field devices are often used which serve to detect and / or influence process variables. Measuring devices, such as level gauges, flowmeters, pressure and temperature measuring devices, pH meters, conductivity meters, etc., which record the respective process variables level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH or conductivity, are used to record process variables. To influence the process variables, actuators are used, such as valves or pumps, via which e.g. the flow of a liquid in a pipeline or the level of a medium in a container is changed. In principle, field devices are all devices that are used close to the process and that provide or process process-relevant information. A large number of such field devices are offered and distributed by the Endress + Hauser Group. Under the term field device used in connection with the invention, all types of measuring devices and actuators are thus to be subsumed. Furthermore, the term field device also includes e.g. a gateway, a radio adapter or other bus users integrated / integrable into a bus system.

The control takes place here by a control system, which is connected to the individual field devices via a data bus. Via the data bus, also called field bus, all information necessary for the control is exchanged between the control system and the field devices. A frequently employed data or fieldbus operates according to the HART standard, the HART ^® Foundation. Field devices that work according to the HART standard are also referred to as HART devices.

In addition, Profibus ^® or Foundation Fieldbus ^® are used as fieldbuses in process automation technology. In addition, there are a number of other field buses.

In addition to the pure measured value transmission field devices also allow the transmission of various information stored in the field device such. B. configuration and / or parameterization data (zero point, measured value range, etc.), waveforms and diagnostic information. The parameters can be set by the control system or by an operator panel. This process is also referred to as configuration and / or parameterization of the field device, the data for this purpose are referred to as configuration and / or parameterization data. For each initial installation or device replacement, the field device must be configured and / or parameterized.

For this purpose, operating and / or monitoring software usually run on a portable computer, via a USB or serial COM port (eg RS232, RS485) with a device connected to the fieldbus for transmitting the configuration and / or parameter data, also Communication box called, is connected.

In order to operate a field device which is connected to a field bus, it requires a communication box designed specifically for this field bus. If, for example, a service technician wants to configure or parameterize a field device suspended from a HART bus, the communication box must be specially adapted to the HART signals. Due to the large number of different field buses, there are therefore also a multiplicity of differently configured communication boxes, each of which enables the communication with the field device via a specific fieldbus.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a flexible communication box that can be adapted to any fieldbus.

The task is solved by a configurable communication box, a method for configuring it, and a system for operating a field device.

• – eine Feldbusschnittstelle zum Anschließen an einen Feldbus an den das Feldgerät angeschlossen ist;
• – mehrere Kommunikationsbaugruppen, die zur Kommunikation mit verschiedenen Feldbussen dienen, wobei jede Kommunikationsbaugruppe dazu eingerichtet ist, ein Kommunikationssignal jeweils eines spezifischen Feldbusses in ein Standardsignal zu wandeln,
• – einen Wahlschalter zum Auswählen der zu dem spezifischen Feldbus passenden Kommunikationsbaugruppe;
• – eine Recheneinheit (5), die das von der Kommunikationsbaugruppe (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) stammende Standardsignal in ein für den tragbaren Computer (12) verarbeitbares Signal, insbesondere ein USB konformes Signal, umsetzt, sodass das Feldgerät (15) mittels der Kommunikationsbox (1) bedienbar ist, und die zumindest eine konfigurierbare Funktionalität ermöglicht anhand derer zumindest eine anwendungsspezifische Zusatzfunktion durchführbar ist;
• – eine Schnittstelle, insbesondere eine USB-Schnittstelle, zum Anschließen der Kommunikationsbox an den tragbaren Computer.

With regard to the communication box, the object is achieved by a configurable communication box for operating a field device by means of a portable computer, the communication box comprising in a housing:

• - A field bus interface for connection to a field bus to which the field device is connected;
• A plurality of communication modules which are used for communication with different fieldbuses, each communication module being set up to convert a communication signal of a specific fieldbus into a standard signal,
• A selector switch for selecting the communication module suitable for the specific field bus;
• A computing unit ( 5 ), that of the communication board ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ) standard signal in a for the portable computer ( 12 ) processable signal, in particular a USB compliant signal, converts, so that the field device ( 15 ) by means of the communication box ( 1 ) is operable, and the at least one allows configurable functionality by means of which at least one application-specific additional function is feasible;
• - An interface, in particular a USB interface, for connecting the communication box to the portable computer.

Thus, according to the invention, an individually usable communication box is proposed that is based on basic hardware that can be used for different fieldbuses. For this purpose the communication box can be adapted to the respective fieldbus or communication standard by exchangeable communication modules. The basic hardware recognizes the existing communication modules, which are designed, for example, as plug-in modules, automatically and thus enables communication between a portable computer connected to the communication box and the field device independently of the present fieldbus. In addition, the communication box according to the invention allows the configuration of at least one functionality.

The basic hardware thus includes all hardware modules, such as the fieldbus interface, the selector switch or the arithmetic unit. However, the basic hardware does not include the replaceable communication modules.

An advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that the communication box on the at least one functionality is configurable such that the communication box as an additional function tasks as bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as a communication interface to a Plant Asset Management system performs.

A bus monitor records the communication on a fieldbus for diagnostic purposes in order to detect possible errors in the communication.

An acyclic master device is a device which, in addition to the "normal" master (eg a programmable logic controller), can communicate undisturbed with one of the slave devices. For example, this is used for parameterization parallel to the communication actually running on the fieldbus.

In order to provide the plant operator with the most comprehensive information possible about the assets used in the investment, computer-assisted asset management systems (PAM systems in short where PAM stands for "plant asset management") are used in modern plants. As "assets" are generally referred to the parts of a system that represent a value of the system, so for example. All field devices described above. As a rule, PAM systems manage application-specific data about the assets of an asset in a database. In this case, in a PAM system, for example, the assets used in a system, an exchange of an asset or field device or multiple field devices, changes to assets or field devices, such as the replacement of sensors, the implementation of a new software version, operating instructions, calibration data from individual assets and so on. Furthermore, the corresponding chronological sequence is documented. In PAM systems, this information is typically stored on an application server in an application-specific data store, so that it can be recalled as needed. A PAM system is available, for example under the name Field Care ^® by Endress + Hauser and distributed.

A further advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that the arithmetic unit is an FPGA.

A further advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that the portable computer is a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet.

An advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that the communication modules are designed as replaceable communication modules.

An advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that the selector switch is designed as a multiplexer.

An advantageous embodiment of the configurable communication box according to the invention provides that at least one protocol stack is provided, which in the implementation of the standard signal in the for the portable computer ( 12 ) processable signal helps.

The communication between two communication users, for example the field device and the portable computer, typically takes place in the form of messages transmitted via the fieldbus. These messages must each be structured according to the requirements of the communication protocol used. A suitable component for this function is a so-called protocol stack, which ensures in a stand-alone manner for the protocol implementation. The protocol stack is used in particular for frame processing, error detection, error correction, addressing, reconstructing or restructuring the data transmitted by the signals.

• – Anschließen der Kommunikationsbox an einen tragbaren Rechner;
• – Ermitteln der sich in der Kommunikationsbox befindlichen Kommunikationsmodule;
• – Ermittlung der in der Kommunikationsbox befindlichen Kommunikationsmodule;
• – Ermittlung anhand der in der Kommunikationsbox befindlichen Kommunikationsmodule zur Verfügung stehenden Funktionalitäten;
• – Auswahl aus den zur Verfügung stehenden Funktionalitäten
• – Erstellung einer spezifischen Firmware;
• – Überschreiben der spezifischen Firmware in die Kommunikationsbox.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved by a method for configuring the configurable communication box as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

• - Connecting the communication box to a portable computer;
• Determining the communication modules located in the communication box;
• - Determining the communication modules located in the communication box;
• Determination by means of the functionalities available in the communication box;
• - Selection from the available functionalities
• - creation of a specific firmware;
• - Overwrite the specific firmware in the communication box.

An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the at least one functionality is configured such that the communication box can be used as a bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as communication interface to a plant asset management system.

With regard to the system, the object is achieved by a system for operating a field device, comprising a configurable communication box designed according to claims 1 to 7 and a portable computer to which the configurable communication box is connected.

An advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the protocol stack is in the portable computer and is executed by a computing unit of the portable computer.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings. It shows:

1 : a schematic representation of the communication box according to the invention,

2 : a schematic representation of the arithmetic unit of the communication box.

1 shows a schematic representation of the communication box according to the invention 1 , The communication box 1 includes in a housing 2 a fieldbus interface 3 via the example with Bus Terminals the connection to a specific fieldbus 13 is possible.

Furthermore, the communication box 1 in the case 2 three interchangeable communication modules 4a . 4b . 4c of which each communication module is for converting a communication signal of the specific fieldbus 13 (eg HART, Profibus, etc.) into a standard signal 8th and vice versa. By means of a selector switch 9 formed, for example, in the form of a multiplexer, which can be to the present specific fieldbus 13 suitable communication module 4a . 4b . 4c choose. About the different communication modules 4 can be, the specific communication signals present due to the different fieldbuses in a uniform standard signal 8th convert. Of course, this also applies to the reverse conversion of the signal, ie the conversion of the standard signal 8th into a specific communication signal, which is sent over the specific fieldbus 13 is transmitted. The communication modules 4 are designed as replaceable communication modules, so that an adaptation of the communication box by replacing the communication modules for a specific fieldbus is possible. In 1 this is exemplified by the communication module 4d indicated, which instead of one of the communication modules 4a . 4b or 4c can be introduced into the communication box.

Furthermore, the communication box includes 1 in the case 2 an arithmetic unit 5 , eg an FPGA, with at least one software protocol stack 11 which is the standard signal originating from the communication module 8th in one for the portable computer 12 processable signal 14 , eg a USB signal, converts the operation of the field device 15 over the fieldbus 13 by means of the portable computer 12 to enable. On the arithmetic unit 5 is additionally a software-based functionality 11 implements that is configurable such that at least one application-specific additional function with the communication box 1 is feasible. In the 1 illustrated communication box includes the protocol stack. However, this does not necessarily have to run on the arithmetic unit of the communication box, but can also on a computing unit of the portable computer (in 1 not shown) are executed.

Such an application-specific additional function provides, for example, the use of the communication box 1 as bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as communication interface to a plant asset management system.

FDT stands for Field Device Tool and is a manufacturer-independent concept in automation technology, which allows the parameterization of field devices from different manufacturers with only one software program. A DTM, ie a Device Type Manager, is a driver for a specific field device. The DTM includes all functions, the structure, the parameterization as well as the GUI for a specific field device or for a device family.

About the arithmetic unit is also using a control signal of the multiplexer 9 which is to select the to the present fieldbus 13 suitable communication module or communication module 4 serves, controllable. Based on the communication signal, which the specific communication signals or fieldbus specific communication signal in a suitable for the arithmetic unit standard signal 8th converts. The computer processable signal is from the arithmetic unit 5 to an interface 6 for connection of the communication box 1 to the portable computer 12 guided. The interface is typically designed as a USB interface. It is also conceivable, however, another wired or wireless interface, such as Bluetooth, NFC, etc ..

2 shows a schematic representation of the computing unit 5 the communication box 1 , On the arithmetic unit 5 There are three protocol stacks 10a . 10b . 10c which serve to convert the fieldbus-specific communication signal into the standard signal. In addition, there are also three software functionalities on the arithmetic unit 11a . 11b . 11c implemented.

Each protocol stack 10a . 10b . 10c serves for processing of the selected communication module 4 originating standard signal 8th so that a conversion between the standard signal 8th and a computer processable signal 14 he follows.

In addition, as in 2 illustrated, three configurable functions implemented on the arithmetic unit, which allow a user-specific or application-specific additional function. These features are configured accordingly when you connect the communications box to the portable computer.

• – Anschließen der Kommunikationsbox 1 an einen tragbaren Rechner 12;
• – Ermitteln der sich in der Kommunikationsbox 1 befindlichen Kommunikationsbaugruppe 4;
• – Ermittlung anhand der in der Kommunikationsbox 1 befindlichen Kommunikationsmodule 4 zur Verfügung stehenden Funktionalitäten;
• – Auswahl aus den zur Verfügung stehenden Funktionalitäten
• – Erstellung einer spezifischen Firmware;
• – Überschreiben der spezifischen Firmware in die Kommunikationsbox 1.

Suitable for this purpose is the method described below, which comprises the following steps:

• - Connecting the communication box 1 to a portable computer 12 ;
• - Determine in the communication box 1 located communication module 4 ;
• - Determination using the in the communication box 1 located communication modules 4 available functionalities;
• - Selection from the available functionalities
• - creation of a specific firmware;
• - Overwrite the specific firmware in the communication box 1 ,

By the method described above can be the communication box 1 configure such that different functionalities are possible for different application ticks. In particular, the at least one functionality can be configured such that the communication box 1 can be used as bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as communication interface to a plant asset management system.

Such a configured communication box 1 can then be used to operate a field device 15 be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Comm

2

 Housing of the communication box

3

 Fieldbus

4a, 4b, 4c

 communications unit

5

 Arithmetic unit, in particular FPGA

6

 Interface for connecting to a portable computer

7

 control signal

8th

 standard signal

9

 Selector switch, in particular multiplexer

10a, 10b, 10c

 protocol stack

11a, 11b, 11c

 Configurable functionality

12

 Portable computer

13

 Specific fieldbus

14

 Computer processable signal

15

 field device

16

 Specific communication signal

Claims (11)

Configurable communication box ( 1 ) for operating a field device ( 15 ) by means of a portable computer ( 12 ) in a housing ( 2 ): - a fieldbus interface ( 3 ) for connection to a fieldbus ( 13 ) to which the field device ( 15 ) connected; - several communication modules ( 4a . 4b . 4c ) used for communication with various fieldbuses ( 13 ) serve, each one Communication module ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ) is adapted to a communication signal in each case a specific fieldbus ( 13 ) into a standard signal, - a selector switch for selecting the specific fieldbus ( 13 ) suitable communication module ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ); A computing unit ( 5 ), that of the communication board ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ) standard signal in a for the portable computer ( 12 ) processable signal, in particular a USB compliant signal, converts, so that the field device ( 15 ) by means of the communication box ( 1 ) is operable, and the at least one configurable functionality by means of which at least one application-specific additional function is feasible; An interface ( 6 ), in particular a USB interface, for connecting the communication box to the portable computer ( 12 ). Configurable communication box according to claim 1, wherein the communication box ( 1 ) is configurable via the at least one functionality such that the communication box ( 1 ) performs tasks as a bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as communication interface to a Plant Asset Management system as an additional function. Configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the arithmetic unit ( 5 ) is an FPGA. Configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the portable computer ( 12 ) is a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet. Configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the communication modules ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ) as exchangeable communication modules ( 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d ) are formed. Configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the selector switch ( 9 ) is designed as a multiplexer. Configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one protocol stack is provided which, in the conversion of the standard signal into that for the portable computer ( 12 ) processable signal is executed. Method for configuring a configurable communication box according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - connecting the communication box ( 1 ) to a portable computer ( 12 ); - Determine which in the communication box ( 1 ) communication modules ( 4a . 4b . 4c ); Determination by means of the communication module located in the communication box ( 4a . 4b . 4c ) available functionalities; - Selection from the available functionalities - Creation of a specific firmware; - Overwrite the specific firmware in the communication box ( 1 ). The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one functionality is configured such that the communication box ( 1 ) can be used as a bus monitor, acyclic master device, cyclic master device or as communication interface to a plant asset management system. A system for operating a field device comprising a configurable communication box according to claims 1 to 7 and a portable computer to which the configurable communication box is connected. The system of claim 10, wherein the protocol stack is in the portable computer and is executed by a computing unit of the portable computer.

Images