DE102018123434A1 - Field device of automation technology with multiple parameter sets - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a field device (FG) of automation technology, comprising: - a sensor unit (SE) for detecting a physical measured variable of a medium; - a storage unit (SP), at least one standard parameter set (PS) being stored in the storage unit (SP), wherein a parameter set contains application-specific or field device-specific information; - an electronics unit (EL), the electronics unit (EL) being designed to load the standard parameter set (PS) after the start of the field device (FG) and to open the field device (FG) Operate the basis of the standard parameter set (PS) and the electronic unit (EL) is designed to load a first further parameter set (PS) and receive the field device (FG) or components (EL , SE, AE) of the field device (FG) to operate on the basis of the first further parameter set (PS).

Description

The invention relates to a field device of automation technology.

Field devices that are used in industrial plants have already become known from the prior art. Field devices are widely used in process automation as well as in manufacturing automation. In principle, field devices are all devices that are used close to the process and that supply or process process-relevant information. Field devices are used to record and / or influence process variables. Measuring devices or sensors are used to record process variables. These are used for example for pressure and temperature measurement, conductivity measurement, flow measurement, pH measurement, level measurement, etc. and record the corresponding process variables pressure, temperature, conductivity, pH value, level, flow etc. Actuators are used to influence process variables. These are, for example, pumps or valves that can influence the flow of a liquid in a pipe or the level in a container. In addition to the previously mentioned measuring devices and actuators, field devices are also understood to mean remote IIOs, radio adapters or generally devices which are arranged on the field level.

The Endress + Hauser Group produces and sells a large number of such field devices.

In modern industrial plants, field devices are usually connected to higher-level units via wireless or wired communication networks. The wired communication networks are typically fieldbuses such as Profibus®, Foundation® Fieldbus, HART®, etc., or modern industrial communication networks or IT communication networks such as (industrial) Ethemet. The wireless communication networks are, for example, wireless field buses such as WirelessHART® etc., or wireless IT communication networks such as WLAN. The higher-level units are control units, such as a PLC (programmable logic controller) or a PLC (programmable logic controller). The higher-level units are used, among other things, for process control and for commissioning the field devices. The measured values recorded by the field devices, in particular sensors, are transmitted via the respective bus system to one (or possibly several) higher-level unit (s), which process the measured values if necessary and forward them to the control center of the system. The control center is used for process visualization, process monitoring and process control via the higher-level units. In addition, data transmission from the higher-level unit via the bus system to the field devices is required, in particular for the configuration and parameterization of field devices and for the control of actuators.

Field devices sometimes have a large number of parameters which can be used to adapt them to an application or to set their functions. The parameters are divided into static and dynamic parameters. Static parameters represent parameters that cannot be changed over time. Dynamic parameters contain non-modeled process characteristics that are entered manually by the customer, such as the tank size of a tank filled with medium.

A so-called parameterization, in which parameter values are assigned to the individual parameters of a field device, is carried out in particular both during the commissioning of a field device and sometimes as part of the maintenance of a field device, for example during maintenance. The field device must be accessed for this, for example by means of an operating unit. This is usually connected to a service interface, which under certain circumstances can only be contacted when the housing of the field device is open.

It can often be provided that a user wants to use different parameter settings at different times. For example, many properties of process media are dependent on the temperature, so that, for example, the density of a medium that is in a tank can change at different times of the day or seasonally. As a result, limit values also change, for example the maximum and minimum fill level of the medium in the tank. In the field devices commonly used today, however, it is provided that only one parameter value is specified for a parameter of a field device. This cannot be changed without having to access the field device as described above and manually changing the parameter value. Alternatively, a plant operator must maintain several field devices of the same type, but with different parameter settings.

Based on this problem, the object of the invention is to present a field device which allows its parameter settings to be adapted in a simple manner.

• - Eine Sensoreinheit zum Erfassen einer physikalischen Messgröße eines Mediums;
• - Eine Speichereinheit, wobei in der Speichereinheit zumindest ein Standardparametersatz gespeichert ist, wobei ein Parametersatz applikationsspezifische, bzw. feldgerätspezifische Informationen enthält;
• - Eine Elektronikeinheit, wobei die Elektronikeinheit dazu ausgestaltet ist, nach dem Start des Feldgeräts den Standardparametersatz zu laden und das Feldgerät auf Grundlage des Standardparametersatzes zu betreiben und wobei die Elektronikeinheit dazu ausgestaltet ist, bei Empfang eines Signals in Abhängigkeit der Ausgestaltung des Signals einen ersten weiteren Parametersatz zu laden und das Feldgerät, bzw. Komponenten des Feldgeräts, auf Grundlage des ersten weiteren Parametersatzes zu betreiben.

The task is solved by a field device of automation technology, comprising:

• - A sensor unit for detecting a physical measured variable of a medium;
• A storage unit, at least one standard parameter set being stored in the storage unit, a parameter set containing application-specific or field device-specific information;
• - An electronics unit, the electronics unit being designed to load the standard parameter set after starting the field device and to operate the field device based on the standard parameters set, and the electronics unit is designed to receive a first further one when a signal is received, depending on the configuration of the signal Load parameter set and operate the field device or components of the field device based on the first further parameter set.

The great advantage of the field device according to the invention is that it is possible to switch between different parameter sets in a simple manner. “Different” in connection with the parameter sets means that at least one parameter of the field device is assigned a correspondingly different parameter value. The field device does not have to be accessed as previously known; the parameter values do not have to be entered manually individually.

The received signal is designed in such a way that it represents clear information for the electronic unit as to which of the plurality of parameter sets is addressed.

Examples of components of the field device are, for example, the sensor unit, the electronics unit, a display unit or an interface for communication with other devices.

Possible applications and measuring principles for such a field device according to the invention have already been mentioned as examples in the introductory part of the description.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the electronic unit is designed to load a second further parameter set or the standard parameter set after loading the further parameter set, upon receipt of a signal depending on the configuration of the signal, and to load the field device on the basis of the second second parameter set, or to operate the standard parameter set. This procedure can be repeated any number of times and is not limited to a single application after starting the field device.

According to a first variant of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the first further parameter set and the second further parameter set are stored in the memory unit. It can be provided here that the various parameter sets are stored on the field device ex works. However, these can also be adapted or created when the field device is started up, or created or edited with conventional access to the field device. Any number of additional parameter sets can also be added later.

Alternatively, the storage unit can be expanded by means of a further storage unit, for example a USB stick or a memory card, which is placed in a corresponding connection of the field device, the first and the second further parameter set being located on the further storage unit.

According to a second variant of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the field device can be connected to a, in particular cloud-compatible, database, the first further parameter set and the second further parameter set being stored in the database. The field device is in communication connection with the database by means of a communication network, for example a local communication network or the Internet. A cloud-compatible database is understood to be a database that is compatible with cloud computing technology. In this case, cloud computing means the storage of information and access to the stored information via the Internet.

In addition to the first and the second further parameter set, a large number of further parameter sets can be stored in the database. Depending on the configuration of the signal, the corresponding parameter set is loaded onto the field device and the field device is operated on the basis of the corresponding parameter set.

According to a preferred embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the field device has an interface for connection to a wireless or wired communication network, the field device being designed to receive the signal via the communication network, in particular transmitted by an operating unit integrated in the communication network .

In the event that the communication network is a wired network, the Ethernet standard is used in particular. The communication network can also be a fieldbus Act automation technology, for example based on one of the protocols HART, Profibus PA / DP, Foundation Fieldbus, etc. It can also be provided that the first communication network consists of several sub-segments, which may be based on different protocols.

The operating unit is, for example, an operating unit in the sense of the “Field Xpert” manufactured and sold by the applicant. However, the control unit can also be a computer unit, for example a laptop, or a mobile terminal, for example a tablet or a smartphone.

Alternatively, it is provided that a wireless communication network is used as the communication network. In particular, this is based on the WLAN or WiFi standard or on the Bluetooth standard. Alternatively, any other common wireless standard can be used.

The interface can also be a conventional service interface, via which an operating unit can be connected to the field device by wire.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the field device is connected to a further sensor unit or a further field device, in particular via the first interface or via a second interface, the further sensor unit or the further field device, at least one environmental variable of the field device, in particular a temperature value and / or a brightness value, is recorded and, if the predetermined value exceeds or falls below or falls below at least one predetermined signal to be generated and transmitted to the electronics unit of the field device. In this way it is possible to react immediately to changes in the environment and to select an appropriate set of parameters.

According to a preferred embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the field device has a timer, in particular a real-time clock, the timer or the electronics unit being designed to generate a signal assigned to the respective time at one or more fixed times. In contrast to, for example, a logical clock, which measures a relative time, a real-time clock measures the physical time. After comparison with a reference clock, the field device has the current time or date at all times. In this way it can be set, for example, that the field device changes the parameter set daily at a specific time without external communication with the field device having to take place. For example, this enables a different parameter set to be used at night than during the day.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the parameter data sets have parameters with regard to the sensor, in particular with regard to the measurement principle and / or with regard to limit values. Settings regarding warning messages (if the limit values are exceeded or undershot) and diagnostic messages are also included in this point.

According to a preferred embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the field device has a display unit and the parameter data sets include parameters with regard to the display unit, in particular with regard to a menu display on the display unit, a brightness level of the display unit and / or a form of display of information on the display unit. For example, in the evening / at night, or when a change in the lighting conditions is detected by means of an external sensor, the brightness of the display can be adjusted accordingly, for example increased. The display unit is, for example, a display attached to the field device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the field device according to the invention, it is provided that the electronic unit is configured to query an access code when the field device is accessed, wherein a corresponding access code to be queried is defined in the parameter data sets and is used when loading the respective parameter data set. An access is defined, for example, as an operator access to the field device or to components of the field device, such as its display, by means of keys in the display, or by means of an operating unit. In such an access case, the access code must be entered. If the input is missing or the wrong code is entered, access is denied.

A possible embodiment for this embodiment is that different access codes are required at different times. For example, the access codes can be adapted to shift times of service staff in such a way that only one corresponding specific access code is permitted during a shift. Corresponding times are defined for the respective shift times, at which the field device changes the parameter set in each case, so that the corresponding access code to be queried is defined in the field device for the respective shift.

• 1: ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Feldgeräts.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows

• 1 : An embodiment of the field device according to the invention.

An example of a field device according to the invention FG is in 1 shown. The field device is installed in a measuring point of an automation system and is used to determine a physical measured variable of a process medium. The field device points to the acquisition of the physical measured variable FG a sensor unit SE on. Examples of such sensor units SE and possible applications for the field device FG have already been mentioned as examples in the introductory part of the description.

The field device has instructions for converting / further processing the measured variable and for controlling the measurement sequence FG a motherboard MB with an electrical unit EL what electronics unit EL is designed, for example, in the form of a microcontroller or an ASIC. The measured variable is recorded by the field device FG via a display unit AE , for example in the form of an electronic display, displayed and via a communication network CN spent. For connection to the communication network CN , which can be wired or wireless, the field device has an interface SN on.

The settings of the field device or the components AE , EL , SE , are defined in a parameter set. This defines a large number of parameters, each of the parameters a function of the field device FG and where each parameter is assigned a parameter value.

At the start of the field device FG becomes a standard parameter set PS _St from memory SP the electronics unit EL , for example an EEPROM, read out and into the electronics unit EL loaded. Then the field device FG based on the standard parameter set PS _St operated.

In addition to the standard parameter set PS _st there are a number of other parameter sets in the memory unit PS ₁ , PS ₂ saved. Each of the parameter sets PS ₁ , PS ₂ a specific signal is assigned. Receives the electronics unit EL such a signal, it loads the corresponding parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ and operates the field device with the newly loaded parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ .

Alternatively, the field device FG connected to a cloud-compatible database (not shown here), on which the further parameter sets PS ₁ , PS ₂ are saved. The cloud-compatible database can be contacted in particular via the Internet.

• In einem ersten Fall wird das Signal über das Kommunikationsnetzwerk KN an das Feldgerät FG, bzw. an dessen Elektronikeinheit EL übermittelt. Das Signal wird beispielsweise von einer Bedieneinheit BE, welche beispielsweise ein Laptop oder ein mobiles Endgerät ist, oder von einem weiteren Netzwerkteilnehmer an das Feldgerät FG übermittelt.

In principle, the signal can be generated in three ways, or to the electronic unit EL are transmitted:

• In a first case, the signal is sent over the communication network CN to the field device FG , or on its electronics unit EL transmitted. The signal is, for example, from an operating unit BE , which is for example a laptop or a mobile terminal, or from another network participant to the field device FG transmitted.

In a second case, the field device FG with a further sensor unit or a further field device, for example via the communication network CN , connected. The further sensor unit or the further field device detects an environmental variable of the field device, in particular a temperature value and / or a brightness value. If at least one predetermined limit value is exceeded and / or undershot, the further sensor unit or the further field device generates a signal assigned to the limit value and transmits this to the electronics unit EL of the field device FG .

In a third case, the field device comprises a timer, for example in the form of a real-time clock RCT (English "real time clock"). A signal assigned to the respective point in time is generated at one or more fixed points in time, which comprise a date and / or a time.

The field device FG is based on the newly loaded parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ operated until another signal from the electronics unit EL Will be received.

• In einem ersten Anwendungsfall stellen die Parameter Einstellungen für die Sensoreinheit SE dar. Mittels der Parameter kann ein Messmodus der Sensoreinheit SE, sowie Grenzwerte für die Messung festgelegt werden. Auch Einstellungen hinsichtlich Warnmeldungen (bei Unter-, bzw. Überschreiten der Grenzwerte) und Diagnosemeldungen sind in diesem Punkt einbegriffen. Es ist beispielsweise vorgesehen, dass die Messstelle nur werktags in Betrieb genommen wird. Ein mit dem Prozessmedium befüllter Behälter, an welchem das Feldgerät FG angebracht ist und dessen Füllstand von der Sensoreinheit SE des Feldgeräts bestimmt wird, wird beispielsweise am Wochenende nicht befüllt und/oder entleert. Zu Beginn des Wochenendes wird von dem Zeitgeber ein Signal erzeugt, woraufhin das Feldgerät FG auf Basis eines neu geladenen Parametersatzes PS_St , PS₁ , PS₂ betrieben wird. Dieser legt fest, dass die Messrate niedrig eingestellt wird, so dass ein großer Zeitabstand zwischen zwei Messzeitpunkten entsteht, wodurch Energie gespart wird. Zum Beginn einer neuen Woche gibt der Zeitgeber RCT ein entsprechendes Signal aus, woraufhin ein neuer Parametersatz PS_St , PS₁ , PS₂ geladen wird, welcher eine vergleichsweise hohe Messrate festlegt.

Below are three examples of parameters and a suitable application example:

• In a first application, the parameters make settings for the sensor unit SE Using the parameters, a measuring mode of the sensor unit SE , as well as limit values for the measurement. Settings regarding warning messages (if the limit values are exceeded or undershot) and diagnostic messages are also included in this point. For example, it is provided that the measuring point is only put into operation on working days. A container filled with the process medium, on which the field device FG is attached and its level from the sensor unit SE of the field device is determined, for example, is not filled and / or emptied at the weekend. At the beginning of the weekend a signal is generated by the timer, whereupon the field device FG based on a newly loaded parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ is operated. This specifies that the measuring rate is set low, so that there is a large time interval between two measuring times, which saves energy. At the beginning of a new week, the timer gives RCT a corresponding signal, whereupon a new parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ is loaded, which specifies a comparatively high measurement rate.

In a second application, the parameters make settings for the display unit AE represents, in particular with regard to a menu display on the display unit, a brightness level of the display unit and / or a form of display of information on the display unit. For example, in the evening / at night, or when a change in the lighting conditions is detected by means of an external sensor, the brightness of the display can be adjusted accordingly, for example increased.

In a third application, the parameters represent security settings and, for example, define an access code which is used when accessing the field device FG is queried. Operator access to the field device is, for example, an access FG , or on components of the field device FG Are defined. In such an access case, the access code must be entered. If the input is missing or the wrong code is entered, access is denied. The change of the access code via the parameter set PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ can be linked to the shift times of the service personnel.

It goes without saying that the invention is not restricted to the described use cases and enables a large number of further uses. In addition, there are numerous other parameters in reality, which are contained in the parameter sets PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ can be included.

Reference list

AE

Display unit

BE

Control unit

EL

Electronics unit

FG

Field device

CN

Communication network

MB

Motherboard

PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂

Parameter sets

RCT

Timer

SE

Sensor unit

SN

interface

SP

Storage unit

Claims (10)

Field device (FG) of automation technology, comprising: - A sensor unit (SE) for detecting a physical measured variable of a medium; - A storage unit (SP), at least one standard parameter set (PSst) being stored in the storage unit (SP), a parameter set containing application-specific or field device-specific information; - An electronic unit (EL), the electronic unit (EL) being designed to load the standard parameter set (PS _St ) after the start of the field device (FG) and to operate the field device (FG) on the basis of the standard parameter set (PSst) and wherein the electronics unit (EL) is designed to load a first further parameter set (PS ₁ ) depending on the configuration of the signal when the signal is received and to load the field device (FG) or components (EL, SE, AE) of the field device (FG ) to operate on the basis of the first further parameter set (PS ₁ ). Field device (FG) after Claim 1 , wherein the electronic unit (EL) is designed, after loading the further parameter set (PS ₁ , PS ₂ ), upon receipt of a signal depending on the configuration of the signal, a second further parameter set (PS ₂ ) or the standard parameter set (PS _St ) to load and operate the field device (FG) based on the second additional parameter set (PS ₂ ) or the standard parameter set (PSst). Field device after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the first further parameter set (PS ₁ ) and the second further parameter set (PS ₂ ) are stored in the storage unit (SP). Field device after Claim 1 or 2nd , The field device (FG) being connectable to a, in particular cloud-compatible, database, the first further parameter set (PS ₁ ) and the second further parameter set (PS ₂ ) being stored in the database. Field device (FG) after Claim 1 or 2nd , The field device (FG) has an interface (SN) for connection to a wireless or wired communication network (KN), the field device (FG) being designed to transmit the signal via the communication network (KN), in particular transmitted by one in the Communication network (KN) integrated control unit (BE) to receive. Field device (FG) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the field device (FG) being connected to a further sensor unit or a further field device, in particular via the interface (SN), the further sensor unit or the further field device, at least one Ambient size of the field device (FG), in particular a temperature value and / or a brightness value, is recorded and, if the limit value is exceeded and / or undershot, at least a signal assigned to the limit value is generated and transmitted to the electronic unit (EL) of the field device (FG) . Field device (FG) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (FG) has a timer (RCT), in particular a real-time clock, the timer (RCT) or the electronic unit (EL) being designed to do so at one or more fixed times generate a signal assigned to the respective point in time. Field device (FG) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter sets (PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ ) have parameters with regard to the sensor unit (SE), in particular with regard to the measurement principle and / or with regard to limit values. Field device (FG) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the field device (FG) has a display unit (AE) and wherein the parameter sets (PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ ) parameters relating to the display unit (AE), in particular with regard to a menu display the display unit (AE), a brightness level of the display unit (AE) and / or a form of display of information on the display unit (AE). Field device (FG) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic unit (EL) is designed to query an access code when accessing the field device (FG), with a corresponding one in each of the parameter sets (PSst, PS ₁ , PS ₂ ) access code to be queried is defined, which is used when loading the respective parameter set (PS _St , PS ₁ , PS ₂ ).

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