Process control network with redundant field devices and buses
US6047222A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Functional elements within a two-wire, loop-powered, two-way digital communications environment are interconnected using selective redundant connections and selective redundant functional elements. The redundant functional elements and redundant connections provide a smooth transition from operation of a primary process loop element to a secondary process loop element in the event of a failure of the primary process loop element. Redundancy is selectively implemented using a redundant pair of field devices or a redundant bus pair having a primary bus and a redundant bus. In a first case, redundancy is selectively implemented using a single set of communication media, such as a single communication loop, but implementing redundant functional elements, such as field devices, so that recovery is achieved upon failure of a functional element but not upon failure of the communication media. In a second case, redundancy is selectively implemented using a redundant set of communication media in addition to use of redundant devices so that recovery is attained both for a failing device and a failing communication media. In a third case, redundancy is selectively implemented using a redunda…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.