EP4193126A1

EP4193126A1 - Electronic device

Info

Publication number: EP4193126A1
Application number: EP20756811.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland Welle; Karl Griessbaum
Original assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
Current assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
Priority date: 2020-08-06
Filing date: 2020-08-10
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Also published as: CN116018500A; US20230314173A1; WO2022028722A1; CN115917263A; EP4193125A1; US20230274631A1; WO2022028701A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an evaluation device (100, 300, 400) for processing measurement data of a measuring device (313), comprising: at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) designed for communication between the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) and the measuring device (313); at least one first communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) designed for providing communication with the measuring device (313) via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) in a first communication mode (APL); at least one second communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) designed for providing communication with the measuring device (313) via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) in a second communication mode, HART or 4…20 mA or 4…20 mA/HART combined; at least one first selection unit (116, 117, 118) designed for activating the first communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) or the second communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) communicates with the measuring device (313) via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2020/072113, filed August 6, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

field of invention

The present invention relates to an evaluation device for processing measurement data from a measurement device, a method for selecting a communication mode of such an evaluation device, a system for processing measurement data and use of a first, second or third communication unit in such an evaluation device and/or use of a measurement device in such a system.

background

Evaluation devices for processing measurement data are generally known in the prior art and are used, for example, in the process or chemical industry to monitor process parameters, such as fill levels, limit levels, pressures, densities, etc. The measurement data are recorded by measuring devices and via a corresponding Interface transmitted to a connected evaluation device. In this context, it has now emerged that there is a need to provide an evaluation device for processing measurement data that is suitable for such measurement data transmission. In particular, there is a need to enable an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable evaluation device for processing measurement data.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an evaluation device for processing measurement data for such a transmission. In particular, there is a need to provide an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable evaluation device for processing measurement data.

These and other objects that may be mentioned or recognized by a person skilled in the art upon reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

Summary of the Invention

An evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device, comprising: at least one first two-wire interface set up for communication between the evaluation device and the measuring device; at least one first communication unit set up to provide communication with the measuring device in a first communication mode via the at least one first two-wire interface; at least one second communication unit set up to provide communication with the measuring device in a second communication mode via the at least one first two-wire interface; at least one first selection unit that is set up to activate the first communication unit or the second communication unit in such a way that the evaluation device communicates with the measuring device in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode via the at least one first two-wire interface. The term measured value is to be understood broadly in the present case and includes all physical measured variables, such as density, weight, temperature, distances, fill levels. The term evaluation devices is also to be understood broadly in the present case and includes all controls and data processing devices that are suitable for analyzing or processing data, eg PLC, industrial PC, PC, smartphone, tablet, microcontroller. The term measuring device is also to be understood broadly in the present context and includes all devices that are suitable for detecting a physical measured variable, such as temperature sensors, radar sensors, capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Two-wire interfaces are based on a two-wire line and are suitable for the transmission of a measured value and/or other data between the measuring device and an evaluation device. The two-wire interface can also be used to supply power to the measuring device. In the present context, the term communication is to be understood broadly and considers any data exchange between the measuring device and the evaluation device, such as, for example, measurement data, status data of the measuring device and control commands. In the present context, the term selection unit is to be understood broadly and includes hardware and software components that can be integrated in one assembly or distributed over a number of assemblies. The selection unit can, for example, comprise a PLC or an integrated circuit (IC) or a microcomputer chip. In the present context, the term communication unit encompasses a device that provides hardware and software for a communication mode. The hardware can be implemented using relay circuits, for example. In the following, the term communication mode refers to communication technologies or communication modes such as current interface 4...20 mA, Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) and Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL).

For data exchange, measuring devices and evaluation devices must provide/enable the same communication technology standards. In the case of existing systems in process technology, however, measuring devices with different communication modes are often used, since the systems are often successively modernized or equipped with new evaluation devices and/or measuring devices. For example, if measuring devices are used different communication modes are used, corresponding evaluation devices with different communication modes must also be used in order to be able to provide communication between these devices. However, this necessity increases the costs and also reduces the flexible use of the various devices in a system. These disadvantages are avoided or at least reduced by the present invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the evaluation device includes a two-wire interface and adapts the communication mode depending on the communication mode present in the measuring device. As a result, an existing two-wire line that is present in the system for connecting the evaluation device to the measuring device can be used. This leads to cost advantages if, for example, a new evaluation device according to the invention is to be implemented in an existing system, since it is suitable for both old (e.g. 4...20 mA) and new communication modes (Ethernet APL) and the implementation effort is also clear as a result reduced. In other words, an evaluation device according to the invention can be used universally for two or more communication modes.

In one embodiment, the evaluation device includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit, these using different modulation methods to implement data transmission. In particular, it can be provided to provide a first communication unit with a digital modulation method with a second communication unit with an analog modulation method.

For example, it can be provided that the first communication unit implements digital communication according to the Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL) standard, and the second communication unit implements analog communication according to 4...20 mA. In one embodiment, provision can be made for the second communication unit to be implemented using mixed analog and digital communication according to the analog 4...20 mA standard at the same time digitally modulated signal according to the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer Standard, referred to below as "4...20 mA/HART combined".

In one embodiment, the evaluation device includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit, these using different digital or exclusively digital modulation methods to implement data transmission.

For example, it can be provided that the first communication unit implements digital communication according to the Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL) standard, and the second communication unit implements purely digital communication according to the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) standard.

Preferably, the evaluation device comprises a third communication unit, which is set up to communicate with the measuring device via the at least one first two-wire interface in a third communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined), the selection unit being set up to activate one of the communication units in such a way that the evaluation device communicates with the measuring device in one of the communication modes via the at least one first two-wire interface. The flexibility of the evaluation device is additionally increased by the provision of a third communication mode.

The evaluation device preferably also comprises a second two-wire interface for communication between the evaluation device and a further measuring device; a fourth communication unit set up to provide communication with the further measuring device in the first communication mode (APL) via the second two-wire interface; a fifth communication unit set up to provide communication with the further measuring device in the second communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined) via the second two-wire interface; a second selection unit that is set up to activate the fourth communication unit or the fifth communication unit in such a way that the evaluation device via the second two-wire interface communicates with the further measuring device in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode, the evaluation device preferably comprising a sixth communication unit which is set up to communicate with the measuring device in the third communication mode via the second two-wire interface (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined) to provide, the selection unit being set up to activate one of the communication units in such a way that the evaluation device via the second two-wire interface with the further Measuring device communicates in one of the communication modes. Due to the second two-wire interface and the additional communication modes, a second measuring device with up to three different communication modes can be connected to the evaluation device and operated. This further increases the flexibility of the evaluation device.

The evaluation device preferably also comprises a third two-wire interface for communication between the evaluation device and a further measuring device; a seventh communication unit set up to provide communication with the further measuring device in the first communication mode (APL) via the third two-wire interface; an eighth communication unit set up to provide communication with the further measuring device in the second communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined) via the third two-wire interface; a third selection unit that is set up to activate the seventh communication unit or the eighth communication unit in such a way that the evaluation device communicates via the third two-wire interface with the further measuring device in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode, the evaluation device preferably having a ninth Comprising communication unit that is set up to provide communication with the measuring device in the third communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined) via the third two-wire interface, the selection unit being set up is to activate one of the communication units in such a way that the evaluation device communicates via the third two-wire interface with the further measuring device in one of the communication modes. Thanks to the third two-wire interface and the additional communication modes, a third Measuring device can be connected and operated with up to three different communication modes on the evaluation device. This further increases the flexibility of the evaluation device.

Preferably, the first communication mode is an Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL) communication and the second and/or the third communication mode is/are a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) communication and/or a 4...20 mA current interface communication. The 4...20 mA communication mode is an analogue communication mode, whereas the HART communication mode is already a digital communication mode. Both communication modes are widely used in existing systems, but are outdated. The Ethernet APL communication mode is one of the newer communication modes in the process industry. By providing these three communication modes, the evaluation device can be installed both in old systems and in new ones. However, the communication modes provided by the evaluation device are not limited to the examples mentioned; any other communication modes that are compatible with two-wire technology can be selected. These include, for example, 10BASET-1 L, 10BASET-1 S, Profibus PA, Foundation Fieldbus, Profinet, HART-IP, Modbus, Modbus-TCP or UPC-UA.

Preferably, the first and/or second and/or third selection unit is/are set up in such a way that the 4...20 mA current interface communication and HART communication are connected at the same time to the first and/or second two-wire interface and the HART communication is modulated onto the 4...20 mA communication (combined 4...20 mA/HART). This makes it possible for the 4...20 mA communication unit and the HART communication unit to be connected at the same time, and the HART communication on which the 4...20 mA is only modulated.

Preferably, the communication units each comprise at least one circuit unit (hardware), which are each set up to provide the operating parameters provided for the respective communication mode at the two-wire interfaces (current, voltage, modulation form), the Communication units preferably each comprise at least one software unit which is each set up to provide a communication protocol provided for the respective communication mode. The communication units physically set and/or read out the operating parameters at the two-wire interface via circuits. The communication protocols can be 4...20 mA, HART, APL, for example.

The selection unit preferably activates a communication unit based on a response signal from a measuring device to a communication signal from the selection unit. The respective communication mode is made available by activating the respective communication unit. In other words, the communication mode of the measuring device is queried and then the respective communication unit is switched on or off accordingly. In this context, the selection unit sends as a communication signal at least a first communication signal in the first communication mode to the measuring device and/or a second communication signal in the second communication mode to the measuring device and/or a third communication signal in the third communication mode to the measuring device and activates or deactivates based on a response signal the measuring device the first, second and / or third communication mode. In this case, the required communication mode can advantageously be determined or set in an automated manner. The automation of the communication mode determination or setting can reduce the implementation effort and increase the system availability.

The evaluation unit preferably includes a fourth two-wire interface for communication between the evaluation device and a further evaluation device, preferably with a higher-level evaluation device; a tenth communication unit set up to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the first communication mode (Ethernet APL) via the fourth two-wire interface; an eleventh communication unit set up to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the second communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined) via the fourth two-wire interface; a fourth selection unit established to the tenth to activate the communication unit or the eleventh communication unit in such a way that the evaluation device communicates with the further evaluation device in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode via the fourth two-wire interface, the evaluation device preferably comprising a twelfth communication unit which is set up to communicate via the fourth Two-wire interface to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the third communication mode (HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined), the selection unit being set up to activate one of the communication units in such a way that the evaluation device communicates with the further evaluation device via the fourth two-wire interface in one of the communication modes; and wherein the evaluation device is preferably supplied with energy via the fourth two-wire interface via the further evaluation device.

The evaluation device preferably comprises at least one power supply unit, which is set up to convert an incoming voltage and to supply the evaluation device and/or an energy store with energy and/or wherein the at least one power supply unit can be operated in different operating modes and wherein the respective operating mode of the at least one power supply unit is selected based on the enabled communication mode. In cooperation with a microcontroller of the evaluation device, the power supply unit can also be designed to determine the maximum electrical power that can be drawn via the fourth two-wire interface and to balance it in comparison to the power values taken at the other two-wire interfaces. If the evaluation device determines, for example, that an energy deficit is imminent, the power supply unit can be instructed by the microcontroller to reduce the supply voltages on the lines down to the minimum value permitted for the communication standard used at the two-wire interfaces in order to thereby saving energy.

The evaluation device is preferably set up to determine whether a measuring device connected to a two-wire interface allows different communication modes and is also set up to Specify communication mode of such a measuring device. As a result, the evaluation device can select a communication mode, for example when there is an energy deficit, which leads to an energy saving and thereby ensures operational reliability and usability.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for selecting a communication mode of an evaluation device, comprising the following steps: sending a first communication signal via a two-wire interface by a selection unit to a measuring device, the first communication signal being based on a first communication mode; activating a first communication unit when a response signal of the measuring device corresponds to the first communication mode; and/or the selection unit sending a second communication signal via the two-wire interface to the measuring device, the second communication signal being based on a second communication mode; activating the second communication unit when a response signal of the measuring device corresponds to the second communication mode; and/or the selection unit sending a third communication signal via a two-wire interface to a measuring device, the third communication signal being based on a third communication mode; Activating the third communication unit when a response signal from the measuring device corresponds to the third communication mode. The method preferably runs automatically, which reduces the implementation effort and reduces the probability of errors due to human intervention.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for evaluating/processing measurement data from a measuring device, comprising: at least one evaluation device; at least one measuring device that is set up to communicate with the at least one evaluation device in a first communication mode and/or in a second communication mode and/or in a third communication mode.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a first, second or third communication unit in an evaluation device; and/or use of a measuring device in a system. Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A detailed description of the figures is given below

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for selecting a communication mode of the first preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a third preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device;

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of an evaluation device 100 according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device.

The evaluation device includes nine communication units 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, which include the circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a. The circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a are suitable for setting or reading out voltages, currents and/or modulation types suitable for different communication modes at their respective two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103 . The circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a are thus suitable for physically communicating via the two-wire lines that can be connected to the two-wire interfaces of the evaluation device 100 to implement. In addition, the communication units 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 include the software units 113, 114, 115, which are suitable for implementing the protocol level of the respective communication mode. The evaluation device 100 draws the energy it needs for operation from an energy supply interface 120, for example via a 230V mains supply. The energy is converted to different voltage levels by a power supply unit 119 integrated in the evaluation device 100 and made available to the other hardware units of the evaluation device 100 . The evaluation device 100 further comprises a microcontroller 124, which comprises the software selection units 116a, 117a, 118a in order to control the hardware selection units 116b, 117b, 118b, which are connected to the circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111 a, 112a are connected. The hardware selection units 116b, 117b, 118b are connected to the software selection units 116a, 117a, 118a.

The hardware selection units 116b, 117b, 118b are set up to physically connect the circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a to a signal from the software selection units 116a, 117a, 118a with the respective two-wire Interfaces 101, 102, 103 and thus to be connected to a two-wire line.

In addition, it can be provided that the microcontroller 124 is connected to the power supply unit 119 . What can thus be achieved is that the power supply unit is instructed to make available a supply voltage that matches the respective communication standard via the supply lines 126 at the two-wire interfaces 101 , 102 , 103 . Consequently, the sensors that can be connected to the evaluation device 100 are supplied with electrical energy via the supply lines 121 . The control line between the microcontroller 124 and the power supply unit 119 can also be used to transmit the current drawn by a device at a two-wire interface 101, 102, 103 to the microcontroller. A measured value from a sensor can be recorded in particular with purely analog communication via the 4...20 mA communication mode.

The microcontroller can determine via the communication units 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 and 112 and/or via the power supply unit 119 Process measured values and use them in a known manner to control other devices such as pumps or valves, which can be connected to I/O interfaces 125. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the evaluation device 100 provides its data to a further controller via a further bus interface 121, for example using Ethernet. For this purpose, the microcontroller 124 can be set up to combine a suitable electronic component 122 for controlling the respective communication mode and a suitable communication software 123 and to implement the output of the signals. Provision can also be made for a wireless interface to be present instead of the bus interface 121 .

It should be noted at this point that the hardware selection units 116, 117, 118 are shown schematically. It is the task of the hardware selection units 116, 117, 118 to select the appropriate circuit units 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a, which are required to implement a specific

Communication mode are necessary to connect to the respective two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103. This can be achieved, for example, via mechanical relays, semiconductor relays or other switches. However, resistively acting, capacitively acting or otherwise implemented electronic circuits can also cause communication signals to be coupled or decoupled from the output signals. In addition, logic circuits can also be used at this point.

The software units 113, 114, 115 for implementing different communication standards on the protocol side can be present in a memory in the microcontroller 124. Provision can also be made for these to be stored in a memory outside of the microcontroller 124, for example a non-volatile memory. It can be provided that these software units 113, 114, 115 are all loaded into the main memory of the microcontroller 124 during start-up. Alternatively, provision can be made for the software units 113, 114, 115 to be loaded only when necessary.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a method 200 according to the invention for selecting a communication mode of an evaluation device 100. Das The method begins in the starting state 201, for example whenever the power supply unit 119 registers a non-zero current flow at one of the respective two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103. For this purpose, the power supply unit 119 already applies a minimum supply voltage to each of the two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103 in the idle state. As an example, it is assumed below that a sensor is connected to the two-wire interface 101 . In step 202, the two-wire interface 101 is connected to the circuit unit 106a (Ethernet APL) by the software selection unit 116a by controlling the hardware selection unit 116b. In step 203, the circuit unit 106a (Ethernet APL) is activated. In step 204, software unit 115 (Ethernet APL) is loaded, and in step 205 the power supply unit 119 is instructed to set the minimum required voltage for the Ethernet APL communication mode at the two-wire interface 101. Then, in step 206, a communication signal is sent in Ethernet APL in the direction of a sensor. In step 207 it is checked whether the sensor supplies a response.

If this is the case, then in step 208 the initialization of the Ethernet APL communication is completed, and in step 209 the maximum voltage for Ethernet APL is set via the power supply unit 119 .

If a sensor does not provide a valid Ethernet APL response, in step 210 the circuit unit 106a (Ethernet APL) is deactivated and the circuit unit 105a (HART) activated and connected to the two-wire interface 101 by appropriate activation of the hardware selection unit 116b. In step 211, the power supply unit 119 is instructed to apply a voltage level that matches the HART communication mode to the two-wire interface 101 before the software unit 114 (HART) is loaded in step 212. In step 213, a HART communication signal is transmitted to the sensor, and in step 214 it is checked whether the sensor provides a valid response. If this is the case, then in step 215 further HART initialization sequences are processed, and in step 216 the power supply unit 119 is instructed to raise the voltage at the two-wire interface 101 to the maximum voltage level provided for the HART communication mode. If a sensor does not provide a valid HART response, in step 217 circuit unit 105a (HART) is deactivated and instead circuit unit 104a (4...20mA) is activated and connected to the output by activating hardware selection unit 116b. In step 218, the power supply unit 219 is instructed to apply a voltage level to the interface 101 that is suitable for the 4...20 mA communication mode. The procedure ends in state 221.

The aforementioned sequence can be processed automatically each time the evaluation device 100 is started up or started up after it has been supplied with a voltage on the energy supply interface 120 . In addition, if a current value greater than zero is detected on one of the two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103, a corresponding sequence can be started. In this way it can be achieved that a large number of sensors of different generations can be operated at the same time, especially in existing systems. If the system is modernized at a later point in time, for example by replacing a sensor with a newer sensor, then an evaluation device according to the invention will automatically activate and use the new communication mode. In this way, it is possible to provide evaluation devices that enable the gradual, staggered modernization of the sensors of existing systems.

In a further embodiment of the evaluation device 100 it can be provided that the evaluation device 100 automatically selects a suitable communication standard based on an event on one of the two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103 (voltage change, current change, etc.).

In a further embodiment, provision can be made for the evaluation device 100 to set itself to a specifiable communication standard at one of the two-wire interfaces 101, 102, 103 by user input.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device. The second preferred embodiment of the invention Evaluation device 300 differs from the first preferred embodiment described in FIG. 1 in that all of the energy required for operation is drawn from a two-wire interface 301, which is also used for data exchange with a higher-level evaluation device, for example an APL power switch. The modified power supply unit 303 can be designed to convert the voltage level of the two-wire line 302 into different voltage levels required by the microcontroller 304 . For this purpose, in particular, energy stores 305 can also be installed in the power supply unit 303 . An electronics unit 306 suitable for the two-wire line 302, for example an APL-Phy (physical interface), can be set up to specify and/or evaluate voltages, currents and/or modulation forms of the same on the two-wire interface 301. A software unit 307 suitable for the communication mode of the two-wire line can be integrated in the microcontroller 304 and used to implement communication on the two-wire line 302 . The communication mode on the two-wire line 302 can differ from the communication standards used on the output side, or can match one of the standards offered on the output side.

The power supply unit 303, in interaction with the microcontroller 304 and a control line 308, can also be designed to determine the maximum electrical power that can be obtained via the two-wire interface 301, and in comparison to the electrical power at the two-wire interfaces 309, 310, 311 to account for the performance values accepted in each case. If the evaluation device 300 determines, for example, that an energy deficit is imminent, the power supply unit 302 can be instructed, after activation by the microcontroller 304, to reduce the supply voltages on the lines 312 down to the minimum for which the two-wire interface 309, 310, 311 used communication mode to reduce the permissible value in order to save energy.

Provision can also be made for sensors connected to the output side to be deactivated in the event of an energy deficit and for an error message to be sent to a higher-level controller. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an evaluation device 300 according to the invention can recognize a measuring device 313 at a two-wire interface 309, 310, 311 as part of the commissioning of a sensor, which in turn is set up to adapt its input interface to different communication standards. If the evaluation device 300 detects an energy deficit, it can briefly separate a measuring device 313 from the two-wire interface 311 and modify the communication mode of the respective two-wire interface 311 to an energy-saving communication mode. After restarting the measuring device by activating the supply voltage on the two-wire interface 311, the measuring device 312 automatically adapts to the new communication mode, as a result of which further energy savings can be achieved. In the same way, if there is an excess of energy, a change to a communication standard that requires more power can also be provided.

4 shows a schematic view of a third preferred embodiment of an evaluation device according to the invention for processing measurement data from a measuring device.

The evaluation device 400 comprises several electronic circuits or phy's or circuit units 401, 402, 403, for example an APL phy, a Profibus phy or an Ethernet phy. In accordance with these standards, the microcontroller 404 comprises a number of software units 405, 406, 407 which can be loaded into memory if required and can be executed for communication in accordance with a protocol used on the two-wire line 408. The power supply unit 410 can be instructed via the control line 409 to adapt to the respective communication mode used on the input side, for example by maintaining specific maximum input currents on the two-wire interface 411 .

Different communication modes can in turn be used on the two-wire interface 411 and the two-wire line 408 for communication with a higher-level controller. Examples, but in no way restrictive, are in particular Profibus PA, Foundation Fieldbus, Profinet, Called HART-IP, Modbus, Modbus-TCP or UPC-LIA. It is also possible to use well-known Ethernet standards such as 10BASE-Tx, 100BASE-Tx, 1000BASE-Tx or other standards with more than two wires. In particular, the communication modes can also be combined with Power over Ethernet.

The evaluation device 400 can also be set up, after a voltage has been supplied to the two-wire interface 411, to automatically determine the communication mode to be used for communication with a higher-level controller.

In one configuration of the evaluation device 400, it can be set up to automatically select a suitable input-side communication standard at the two-wire interface 411 on the basis of an event on the two-wire line 408 (voltage change, current change, etc.).

In a further configuration of the evaluation device 400, it can be set up to set a predefinable communication standard at the two-wire interface 411 by user input.

In a further refinement of the evaluation device 400, it can be set up to determine its own measured values. A measured value determination unit (not shown) can also be provided for this purpose.

However, the present invention is not limited to the preceding preferred exemplary embodiments, as long as it is covered by the subject matter of the following claims.

In addition, it is pointed out that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite articles "a" or "a" do not exclude a plurality. In addition, the term unit is to be understood broadly; in particular, this term is not to be understood to mean that the respective units have to be designed as integral components. The respective units can also be positioned differently. In the end different units can also be brought together in one assembly. Furthermore, it is pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above.

Reference List

100, 300, 400 evaluation device

101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411 two-wire interface

104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 communication unit

113, 114, 115, 307, 405, 406, 407 software unit

104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, circuit unit

109a, 110a, 111a, 112a, 401, 402, 403 circuit unit

116, 117, 118 selection unit

116a, 117a, 118a software selection unit

116b, 117b, 118b hardware selection unit

119, 303, 410 power supply unit

120 power supply interface

121 bus interface

122 electronic component

123 communication software

124, 304, 404 microcontrollers

125 I/O interface

126 lead

302, 408 two-wire line

305 energy storage

306 electronics unit

308, 409 control line

312 line

313 measuring device

Claims

Claims Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) for processing measurement data from a measuring device (313), comprising: at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411), set up for communication the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) with the measuring device (313); at least one first communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109,

110, 111, 112) set up to provide communication with the measuring device (313) in a first communication mode via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411). ; at least one second communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112), set up to communicate via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the measuring device (313) in a second communication mode; at least one first selection unit (116, 117, 118), which is set up to select the first communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) or the second communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110,

111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309,

310, 311, 411) communicates with the measuring device (313) in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) comprises a third communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) which is set up via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310,

311, 411) to provide communication with the measuring device (313) in a third communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined, the selection unit (116, 117, 118) being set up, to activate one of the communication units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the at least one first two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) communicates with the measuring device (313) in one of the communication modes. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising: a second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) for communication between the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) and a further measuring device (313); a fourth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further measuring device (313) in the first communication mode (APL); a fifth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further measuring device (313) in the second communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined; a second selection unit (116, 117, 118), which is set up to select the fourth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) or the fifth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107 , 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) communicates with the further measuring device (313) in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode, the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) preferably comprising a sixth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112). , which is set up to via the second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) communication with the measuring device (313) in the third communication mode, HART or 4 ... 20 mA or 4 ... 20 mA / HART combined to provide, wherein the selection unit (116, 117, 118) is set up to one of the communication ns units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301 , 309, 310, 311, 411) communicates with the further measuring device (313) in one of the communication modes. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) for communication between the evaluation device (100, 300 , 400) and a further measuring device (313); a seventh communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further measuring device (313) in the first communication mode (APL); an eighth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further measuring device (313) in the second communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined; a third selection unit (116, 117, 118), which is set up to select the seventh communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) or the eighth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107 , 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) communicates with the further measuring device (313) in the first communication mode or in the second communication mode, the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) preferably comprising a ninth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112). , which is set up to communicate via the third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) with the measuring device (313) in the third communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4 ... 20 mA / HART combined to provide, wherein the selection unit (116, 117, 118) is set up to one of the communication units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the third two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301 , 309, 310, 311, 411) communicates with the further measuring device (313) in one of the communication modes. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication mode is an Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL) communication and the second and/or the third communication mode is a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) communication and/or on 4...20 mA current interface communication is/are. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second and / or third selection unit (116, 117, 118) is / are set up such that the 4 ... 20 mA current interface communication and HART communication are connected at the same time to the first and/or second two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) and the HART communication is modulated onto the 4...20 mA communication will. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) each have at least one circuit unit (104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a , 109a, 110a, 111a, 112a, 401, 402, 403) (hardware) that are each set up to transmit the operating parameters provided for the respective communication mode at the two-wire interfaces (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) (current, voltage, modulation form), whereby the communication units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) preferably each have at least one software unit (113, 114, 115, 307 , 405, 406, 407) which are each set up to provide a communication protocol provided for the respective communication mode. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection unit (116, 117, 118) activates a communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112), based on a Response signal from a measuring device (313) to a communication signal from the selection unit (116, 117, 118). Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to Claim 8, the selection unit (116, 117, 118) sending at least a first communication signal in the first communication mode to the measuring device (313) and/or a second communication signal in the second communication mode to the measuring device as a communication signal (313) sends and/or sends a third communication signal in the third communication mode to the measuring device (313) and activates or deactivates the first, second and/or third communication mode based on a response signal from the measuring device (313). Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) for communication of the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) with a further evaluation device, preferably with a higher-level evaluation device; a tenth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the first communication mode (APL); an eleventh communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) set up to communicate via the fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the second communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined; a fourth selection unit (116, 117, 118), which is set up to select the tenth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) or the eleventh communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107 , 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) via the fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411 ) with the further evaluation device in the first communication mode or in second communication mode communicates, wherein the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) preferably a twelfth communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) which is set up to via the fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) to provide communication with the further evaluation device in the third communication mode, HART or 4...20 mA or 4...20 mA/HART combined, wherein the selection unit (116, 117, 118) is set up to activate one of the communication units (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in such a way that the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) communicates via the fourth two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) with the further evaluation device in one of the communication modes; and wherein the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) is preferably supplied with energy via the fourth two-wire interface via the further evaluation device. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one power supply unit (119, 303, 410), which is set up to convert an incoming voltage and the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) and / or a energy store (305) with energy and/or wherein the at least one power supply unit (119, 303, 410) can be operated in different operating modes and wherein the respective operating mode of the at least one power supply unit (119, 303, 410) is selected based on the activated communication mode is. Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (100, 300, 400) is set up to determine whether a signal connected to a two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309 , 310, 311, 411) connected measuring device (313) allows different communication modes and is further set up to define a communication mode of such a measuring device (313). Procedure for selecting a communication mode a

Evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps:

Sending a first communication signal via a two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) by a selection unit (116, 117, 118) to a measuring device (313), the first communication signal a first communication mode;

activating a first communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) when a response signal of the measuring device (313) corresponds to the first communication mode; and or

Sending a second communication signal via the two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) by the selection unit (116, 117, 118) to the measuring device (313), the second communication signal a second mode of communication;

activating the second communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108,

109, 110, 111, 112) when a response signal of the measuring device (313) corresponds to the second communication mode; and or

Sending a third communication signal via a two-wire interface (101, 102, 103, 301, 309, 310, 311, 411) by the selection unit (116, 117, 118) to a measuring device (313), the third communication signal a third communication mode;

Activating the third communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109,

110, 111, 112) when a response signal of the measuring device (313) corresponds to the third communication mode. System for evaluating/processing measurement data from a measuring device (313), comprising: at least one evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of

claims 1 to 12; at least one measuring device (313) set up to communicate with the at least one evaluation device (100, 300, 400) in a first communication mode and/or in a second communication mode and/or in a third communication mode. Use of a first, second or third communication unit (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112) in an evaluation device (100, 300, 400) according to one of Claims 1 to 12; and/or use of a measuring device (313) in a system according to claim 14.