U.S. patent application number 15/635081 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for universal terminals transmitter supporting flexible connection of rtd sensor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Chaitanya Kumar Beeram, Sharath Babu Malve.
Application Number | 20180372788 15/635081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64693037 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180372788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beeram; Chaitanya Kumar ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
UNIVERSAL TERMINALS TRANSMITTER SUPPORTING FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OF
RTD SENSOR
Abstract
A transmitter with universal terminals supports flexible
connection of an RTD sensor. The transmitter includes a plurality
of terminals, a first switch, a second switch, and a
microcontroller. The first switch is coupled to the plurality of
terminals and a current source. The second switch is coupled to the
plurality of terminals and a sink resistor. The microcontroller
receives an indication that a sensor is connected to an
undetermined number of the terminals. The microcontroller transmits
control signals to the first switch and the second switch to test a
voltage differential between each of a plurality of combinations of
the terminals. The microcontroller determines which of the
terminals are coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller sets the
determined terminals as inputs received from the sensor.
Inventors: |
Beeram; Chaitanya Kumar;
(Hyderabad, IN) ; Malve; Sharath Babu;
(Rajendranagar Mandal, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honeywell International Inc. |
Morris Plains |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64693037 |
Appl. No.: |
15/635081 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01K 1/024 20130101;
G01K 7/16 20130101; G01R 31/67 20200101; G01K 7/20 20130101; G01R
31/50 20200101 |
International
Class: |
G01R 31/04 20060101
G01R031/04; G01K 7/16 20060101 G01K007/16; G01R 31/02 20060101
G01R031/02 |
Claims
1. A transmitter comprising: a plurality of terminals; a first
switch configured to be coupled to the plurality of terminals and a
current source; a second switch configured to be coupled to the
plurality of terminals and a sink resistor; and a microcontroller
coupled to the plurality of terminals, the first switch, and the
second switch, the microcontroller configured to: receive an
indication that a sensor is connected to an undetermined number of
the terminals, transmit control signals to the first switch and the
second switch to test a voltage differential between each of a
plurality of combinations of the terminals, determine which of the
terminals are coupled to the sensor, and set the determined
terminals as inputs of the transmitter for the sensor.
2. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein a combination of terminals
is valid if a voltage is detected between the terminals.
3. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein a combination of terminals
is invalid if a voltage is not detected due to an open circuit
between the terminals.
4. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
configured to determine that the sensor is a two wire sensor when
one combination of terminals is valid.
5. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
configured to determine that the sensor is a three wire sensor when
three combinations of terminals are valid.
6. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
configured to determine that the sensor is a four wire sensor when
six combinations of terminals are valid.
7. The transmitter of claim 1, wherein: a first control signal to
the first switch indicates the terminal for the first switch to
connect to, and a second control signal to the second switch
indicates the terminal for the second switch to connect to.
8. A method comprising: receiving an indication that a sensor is
connected to an undetermined number of a plurality of terminals of
a transmitter; transmitting control signals to a first switch and a
second switch to test a voltage differential between each of a
plurality of combinations of the terminals, wherein the first
switch is configured to be connected to the plurality of terminals
and a current source, and wherein the second switch is configured
to be connected to the plurality of terminals and a sink resistor;
determining which of the terminals are coupled to the sensor; and
setting the determined terminals as inputs of the transmitter for
the sensor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a combination of terminals is
valid if a voltage is detected between the terminals.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein a combination of terminals is
invalid if a voltage is not detected due to an open circuit between
the terminals.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining that the
sensor is a two wire sensor when one combination of terminals is
valid.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining that the
sensor is a three wire sensor when three combinations of terminals
are valid.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: determining that the
sensor is a four wire sensor when six combinations of terminals are
valid.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein: a first control signal to the
first switch indicates the terminal for the first switch to connect
to, and a second control signal to the second switch indicates the
terminal for the second switch to connect to.
15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium encoded with
executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more
processors to: receive an indication that a sensor is connected to
an undetermined number of a plurality of terminals of a
transmitter; transmit control signals to a first switch and a
second switch to test a voltage differential between each of a
plurality of combinations of the terminals, wherein the first
switch is configured to be connected to the plurality of terminals
and a current source, and wherein the second switch is configured
to be connected to the plurality of terminals and a sink resistor;
determine which of the terminals are coupled to the sensor; and set
the determined terminals as inputs of the transmitter for
sensor.
16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
a combination of terminals is valid if a voltage is detected
between the terminals.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
a combination of terminals is invalid if a voltage is not detected
due to an open circuit between the terminals.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the executable instructions when executed further cause the one or
more processors to determine that the sensor is a two wire sensor
when one combination of terminals is valid.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein
the executable instructions when executed further cause the one or
more processors to determine that the sensor is a three wire sensor
when three combinations of terminals are valid.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15,
wherein: a first control signal to the first switch indicates the
terminal for the first switch to connect to, and a second control
signal to the second switch indicates the terminal for the second
switch to connect to.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to resistance temperature
detector (RTD) sensors. More specifically, this disclosure relates
to transmitters with universal terminals support flexible
connection of RTD sensors.
BACKGROUND
[0002] During a commissioning phase of a temperature transmitter
device, a user connects a sensor, such as an RTD, to the
transmitter as per the wiring diagram enforced by the manufacturer.
The commissioning personnel need to carry manuals or remember the
correct sensor-wiring diagram to connect the sensor properly to the
transmitter; otherwise, the device may not function properly if
wrongly connected.
SUMMARY
[0003] This disclosure provides a transmitter with universal
terminals that supports flexible connection of an RTD sensor.
[0004] In a first embodiment, a transmitter is provided. The
transmitter includes a plurality of terminals, a first switch, a
second switch, and a microcontroller. The first switch is coupled
to the plurality of terminals and a current source. The second
switch is coupled to the plurality of terminals and a sink
resistor. The microcontroller receives an indication that a sensor
is connected to an undetermined number of the terminals. The
microcontroller transmits control signals to the first switch and
the second switch to test a voltage between each of a plurality of
combinations of the terminals. The microcontroller determines which
of the terminals are coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller
sets the determined terminals as inputs received from the
sensor.
[0005] In a second embodiment, a method is provided. The method
includes receiving an indication that a sensor is connected to an
undetermined number of a plurality of terminals of a transmitter.
The method also includes transmitting control signals to a first
switch and a second switch to test a voltage differential between
each of a plurality of combinations of the terminals, wherein the
first switch is connected to the plurality of terminals and a
current source, and wherein the second switch is connected to the
plurality of terminals and a sink resistor. The method also
includes determining which of the terminals are coupled to the
sensor. The method further includes setting the determined
terminals as inputs received from the sensor.
[0006] In a third embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable
medium is provided. The non-transitory machine-readable medium is
encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause one
or more processors to receive an indication that a sensor is
connected to an undetermined number of a plurality of terminals of
a transmitter. The instructions further cause the one or more
processors to transmit control signals to a first switch and a
second switch to test a voltage differential between each of a
plurality of combinations of the terminals, wherein the first
switch is connected to the plurality of terminals and a current
source, and wherein the second switch is connected to the plurality
of terminals and a sink resistor. The instructions further cause
the one or more processors to determine which of the terminals are
coupled to the sensor. The instructions further cause the one or
more processors to set the determined terminals as inputs received
from the sensor.
[0007] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure,
reference is now made to the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial control and
automation system according to this disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example connection diagram for a
sensor and a transmitter according to this disclosure;
[0011] FIGS. 3A through 3K illustrate different example connection
diagrams for a sensor and a transmitter according to this
disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method for universal
connection of a sensor to a transmitter according to this
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIGS. 1 through 4, discussed below, and the various
embodiments used to describe the principles of the present
disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only
and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any type
of suitably arranged device or system.
[0014] During a commissioning phase of a temperature transmitter
device, a user connects a sensor, such as an RTD, to the
transmitter as per the wiring diagram enforced by the manufacturer.
The existing user experience is tedious and inefficient when wiring
the sensor to the terminals of the transmitter. During installation
of multiple transmitters in the commissioning phase, wrong
connections could result in huge time and effort losses, adding
unnecessary costs to a project.
[0015] Every time during a maintenance phase when the sensor is
removed, the maintenance personnel have to know the wiring
connections and connect the RTD properly before the device is put
in to the process. The maintenance personnel may incorrectly
connect the sensor wires and the device may report wrong process
values that the plant personnel may not suspect. This may result in
extra plant trips or plant shut downs.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and
automation system 100 according to this disclosure. As shown in
FIG. 1, the system 100 includes various components that facilitate
production or processing of at least one product or other material.
For instance, the system 100 is used here to facilitate control
over components in one or multiple plants 101a-101n. Each plant
101a-101n represents one or more processing facilities (or one or
more portions thereof), such as one or more manufacturing
facilities for producing at least one product or other material. In
general, each plant 101a-101n may implement one or more processes
and can individually or collectively be referred to as a process
system. A process system generally represents any system or portion
thereof configured to process one or more products or other
materials in some manner.
[0017] In FIG. 1, the system 100 is implemented using the Purdue
model of process control. In the Purdue model, "Level 0" may
include one or more sensors 102a and one or more actuators 102b.
The sensors 102a and actuators 102b represent components in a
process system that may perform any of a wide variety of functions.
For example, the sensors 102a could measure a wide variety of
characteristics in the process system, such as temperature,
pressure, flow rate, or a voltage transmitted through a cable.
Also, the actuators 102b could alter a wide variety of
characteristics in the process system. The sensors 102a and
actuators 102b could represent any other or additional components
in any suitable process system. Each of the sensors 102a includes
any suitable structure for measuring one or more characteristics in
a process system. Each of the actuators 102b includes any suitable
structure for operating on or affecting one or more conditions in a
process system.
[0018] At least one network 104 is coupled to the sensors 102a and
actuators 102b. The network 104 facilitates interaction with the
sensors 102a and actuators 102b. For example, the network 104 could
transport measurement data from the sensors 102a and provide
control signals to the actuators 102b. The network 104 could
represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As
particular examples, the network 104 could represent an Ethernet
network, an electrical signal network (such as a HART or FOUNDATION
FIELDBUS (FF) network), a pneumatic control signal network, or any
other or additional type(s) of network(s).
[0019] In the Purdue model, "Level 1" may include one or more
controllers 106, which are coupled to the network 104. Among other
things, each controller 106 may use the measurements from one or
more sensors 102a to control the operation of one or more actuators
102b. For example, a controller 106 could receive measurement data
from one or more sensors 102a and use the measurement data to
generate control signals for one or more actuators 102b. Multiple
controllers 106 could also operate in redundant configurations,
such as when one controller 106 operates as a primary controller
while another controller 106 operates as a backup controller (which
synchronizes with the primary controller and can take over for the
primary controller in the event of a fault with the primary
controller). Each controller 106 includes any suitable structure
for interacting with one or more sensors 102a and controlling one
or more actuators 102b. Each controller 106 could, for example,
represent a multivariable controller, such as a Robust
Multivariable Predictive Control Technology (RMPCT) controller or
other type of controller implementing model predictive control
(MPC) or other advanced predictive control (APC). As a particular
example, each controller 106 could represent a computing device
running a real-time operating system.
[0020] Two networks 108 are coupled to the controllers 106. The
networks 108 facilitate interaction with the controllers 106, such
as by transporting data to and from the controllers 106. The
networks 108 could represent any suitable networks or combination
of networks. As particular examples, the networks 108 could
represent a pair of Ethernet networks or a redundant pair of
Ethernet networks, such as a FAULT TOLERANT ETHERNET (FTE) network
from HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
[0021] At least one switch/firewall 110 couples the networks 108 to
two networks 112. The switch/firewall 110 may transport traffic
from one network to another. The switch/firewall 110 may also block
traffic on one network from reaching another network. The
switch/firewall 110 includes any suitable structure for providing
communication between networks, such as a HONEYWELL CONTROL
FIREWALL (CF9) device. The networks 112 could represent any
suitable networks, such as a pair of Ethernet networks or an FTE
network.
[0022] In the Purdue model, "Level 2" may include one or more
machine-level controllers 114 coupled to the networks 112. The
machine-level controllers 114 perform various functions to support
the operation and control of the controllers 106, sensors 102a, and
actuators 102b, which could be associated with a particular piece
of industrial equipment (such as a boiler or other machine). For
example, the machine-level controllers 114 could log information
collected or generated by the controllers 106, such as measurement
data from the sensors 102a or control signals for the actuators
102b. The machine-level controllers 114 could also execute
applications that control the operation of the controllers 106,
thereby controlling the operation of the actuators 102b. In
addition, the machine-level controllers 114 could provide secure
access to the controllers 106. Each of the machine-level
controllers 114 includes any suitable structure for providing
access to, control of, or operations related to a machine or other
individual piece of equipment. Each of the machine-level
controllers 114 could, for example, represent a server computing
device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not
shown, different machine-level controllers 114 could be used to
control different pieces of equipment in a process system (where
each piece of equipment is associated with one or more controllers
106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b).
[0023] One or more operator stations 116 are coupled to the
networks 112. The operator stations 116 represent computing or
communication devices providing user access to the machine-level
controllers 114, which could then provide user access to the
controllers 106 (and possibly the sensors 102a and actuators 102b).
As particular examples, the operator stations 116 could allow users
to review the operational history of the sensors 102a and actuators
102b using information collected by the controllers 106 and/or the
machine-level controllers 114. The operator stations 116 could also
allow the users to adjust the operation of the sensors 102a,
actuators 102b, controllers 106, or machine-level controllers 114.
In addition, the operator stations 116 could receive and display
warnings, alerts, or other messages or displays generated by the
controllers 106 or the machine-level controllers 114. Each of the
operator stations 116 includes any suitable structure for
supporting user access and control of one or more components in the
system 100. Each of the operator stations 116 could, for example,
represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating
system.
[0024] At least one router/firewall 118 couples the networks 112 to
two networks 120. The router/firewall 118 includes any suitable
structure for providing communication between networks, such as a
secure router or combination router/firewall. The networks 120
could represent any suitable networks, such as a pair of Ethernet
networks or an FTE network.
[0025] In the Purdue model, "Level 3" may include one or more
unit-level controllers 122 coupled to the networks 120. Each
unit-level controller 122 is typically associated with a unit in a
process system, which represents a collection of different machines
operating together to implement at least part of a process. The
unit-level controllers 122 perform various functions to support the
operation and control of components in the lower levels. For
example, the unit-level controllers 122 could log information
collected or generated by the components in the lower levels,
execute applications that control the components in the lower
levels, and provide secure access to the components in the lower
levels. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 includes any
suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or
operations related to one or more machines or other pieces of
equipment in a process unit. Each of the unit-level controllers 122
could, for example, represent a server computing device running a
MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown, different
unit-level controllers 122 could be used to control different units
in a process system (where each unit is associated with one or more
machine-level controllers 114, controllers 106, sensors 102a, and
actuators 102b).
[0026] Access to the unit-level controllers 122 may be provided by
one or more operator stations 124. Each of the operator stations
124 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and
control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the
operator stations 124 could, for example, represent a computing
device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
[0027] At least one router/firewall 126 couples the networks 120 to
two networks 128. The router/firewall 126 includes any suitable
structure for providing communication between networks, such as a
secure router or combination router/firewall. The networks 128
could represent any suitable networks, such as a pair of Ethernet
networks or an FTE network.
[0028] In the Purdue model, "Level 4" may include one or more
plant-level controllers 130 coupled to the networks 128. Each
plant-level controller 130 is typically associated with one of the
plants 101a-101n, which may include one or more process units that
implement the same, similar, or different processes. The
plant-level controllers 130 perform various functions to support
the operation and control of components in the lower levels. As
particular examples, the plant-level controller 130 could execute
one or more manufacturing execution system (MES) applications,
scheduling applications, or other or additional plant or process
control applications. Each of the plant-level controllers 130
includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control
of, or operations related to one or more process units in a process
plant. Each of the plant-level controllers 130 could, for example,
represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS
operating system.
[0029] Access to the plant-level controllers 130 may be provided by
one or more operator stations 132. Each of the operator stations
132 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and
control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the
operator stations 132 could, for example, represent a computing
device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
[0030] At least one router/firewall 134 couples the networks 128 to
one or more networks 136. The router/firewall 134 includes any
suitable structure for providing communication between networks,
such as a secure router or combination router/firewall. The network
136 could represent any suitable network, such as an
enterprise-wide Ethernet or other network or all or a portion of a
larger network (such as the Internet).
[0031] In the Purdue model, "Level 5" may include one or more
enterprise-level controllers 138 coupled to the network 136. Each
enterprise-level controller 138 is typically able to perform
planning operations for multiple plants 101a-101n and to control
various aspects of the plants 101a-101n. The enterprise-level
controllers 138 can also perform various functions to support the
operation and control of components in the plants 101a-101n. As
particular examples, the enterprise-level controller 138 could
execute one or more order processing applications, enterprise
resource planning (ERP) applications, advanced planning and
scheduling (APS) applications, or any other or additional
enterprise control applications. Each of the enterprise-level
controllers 138 includes any suitable structure for providing
access to, control of, or operations related to the control of one
or more plants. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138 could,
for example, represent a server computing device running a
MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. In this document, the term
"enterprise" refers to an organization having one or more plants or
other processing facilities to be managed. Note that if a single
plant 101a is to be managed, the functionality of the
enterprise-level controller 138 could be incorporated into the
plant-level controller 130.
[0032] Access to the enterprise-level controllers 138 may be
provided by one or more operator stations 140. Each of the operator
stations 140 includes any suitable structure for supporting user
access and control of one or more components in the system 100.
Each of the operator stations 140 could, for example, represent a
computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
[0033] Various levels of the Purdue model can include other
components, such as one or more databases. The database(s)
associated with each level could store any suitable information
associated with that level or one or more other levels of the
system 100. For example, a historian 141 can be coupled to the
network 136. The historian 141 could represent a component that
stores various information about the system 100. The historian 141
could, for instance, store information used during production
scheduling and optimization. The historian 141 represents any
suitable structure for storing and facilitating retrieval of
information. Although shown as a single centralized component
coupled to the network 136, the historian 141 could be located
elsewhere in the system 100, or multiple historians could be
distributed in different locations in the system 100.
[0034] In particular embodiments, the various controllers and
operator stations in FIG. 1 may represent computing devices. For
example, each of the controllers could include one or more
processing devices 142 and one or more memories 144 for storing
instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the
processing device(s) 142. Each of the controllers could also
include at least one network interface 146, such as one or more
Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers. Also, each of the
operator stations could include one or more processing devices 148
and one or more memories 150 for storing instructions and data
used, generated, or collected by the processing device(s) 148. Each
of the operator stations could also include at least one network
interface 152, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or wireless
transceivers.
[0035] In accordance with this disclosure, various components of
the system 100 support a process for a temperature transmitter
device in the system 100. For example, one or more of the sensors
102a could include a temperature sensor that can be universally
wired, as described in greater detail below.
[0036] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an industrial
process control and automation system 100, various changes may be
made to FIG. 1. For example, a control system could include any
number of sensors, actuators, controllers, servers, operator
stations, and networks. Also, the makeup and arrangement of the
system 100 in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Components could be
added, omitted, combined, or placed in any other suitable
configuration according to particular needs. Further, particular
functions have been described as being performed by particular
components of the system 100. This is for illustration only. In
general, process control systems are highly configurable and can be
configured in any suitable manner according to particular
needs.
[0037] FIGS. 2 and 3A-3K illustrate different exemplary connection
diagrams to demonstrate different variations of possibilities for
connecting a sensor. Based on the different variations, a
connection diagram is not necessary for an installer or maintenance
technician to reconnect the sensor to the transmitter.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an example connection diagram 200 for a
sensor and a transmitter according to this disclosure. The
connection diagram 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is for illustration
only. FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any
particular implementation.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the connection diagram 200 illustrates
how a sensor and a transmitter are connected according to the
various embodiments. The sensor diagram 200 includes a sensor 205
(represented as a resistor in the connection diagram 200), and a
transmitter 201 that further includes a microcontroller 210, a
first switch 215, a second switch 220, a current source 225, and a
sink resistor 230. The sensor 205 and transmitter 201 combined may
represent (or be represented by) the sensor 102a of FIG. 1. An
intelligent algorithm in the transmitter 210 that supports sensor
205 connections, allows the user to connect the wires of the sensor
205 to any of the terminals of the transmitter without knowledge of
(or access to) a wiring diagram.
[0040] The sensor 205 can be any sensor for taking a measurement in
a process. The sensor 205 includes a plurality of connections.
[0041] The transmitter 201 includes a plurality of terminals,
including terminal 1, terminal 2, terminal 3, and terminal 4. The
microcontroller 210 can measure the voltage difference between each
terminal. The microcontroller 210 also can send a control signal
235 to the first switch 215 and a control signal 240 to a second
switch 220.
[0042] A transmitter 201 with four terminals can support a two-wire
(2W) sensor, a three-wire (3W) sensor, or a four-wire (4W) sensor.
The sensor 205 illustrated in FIG. 2 is an example of a 2W sensor.
Discussed in more detail below, FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate examples of
2W sensors, FIGS. 3G-3J illustrate examples of 3W sensors, and FIG.
3K illustrates an example of a 4W sensor. For a 2W sensor, the
sensor can be connected across any two terminals in a possible six
combinations (1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4, and 3-4) with the polarity
not affecting the determination. For a 3W sensor, the sensor can be
connected across three terminals for four possible combinations
(1-2-3, 1-2-4, 1-3-4, and 2-3-4). For a 4W sensor, the sensor can
be connected across four terminals for only one possible
combination.
[0043] The first switch 215 transfers a current impulse into the
wiring at one of the terminals. The first switch 215 can be
connected to terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3. The control
signal 235 from the microcontroller 210 indicates the terminal on
which the first switch 215 transmits the current impulse.
[0044] The second switch 220 receives a current impulse into the
wiring at one of the terminals. The second switch 220 can be
connected to terminal 2, terminal 3, and terminal 4. The control
signal 240 from the microcontroller 210 indicates the terminal on
which the second switch 220 potentially receives the impulse. In
certain embodiments, the transmitter 210 is configured to connect
to a specific type of sensor that would reduce the combinations
once a current impulse is detected.
[0045] Although FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a connection
diagram 200 for a sensor and a transmitter, various changes may be
made to FIG. 2. For example, while a configuration of the
components is illustrated in FIG. 2, other embodiments can include
more or fewer components.
[0046] FIGS. 3A through 3K illustrate different examples of
connection diagrams 300-310 for a sensor and a transmitter
according to this disclosure. The connection diagrams 300-310
illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3K are for illustration only. FIGS.
3A through 3K do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any
particular implementation. For simplicity of discussion, the
micro-controller/transmitter are interchangeable in FIGS. 3A-3K for
describing the different possible combinations of the sensors in
the connection diagrams.
[0047] The transmitter cycles through all six combinations of a 2W
sensor, which would also determine 3W and 4W sensors. The
transmitter would measure the voltage differential between
terminals 1 and 2, terminals 1 and 3, terminals 1 and 4, terminals
2 and 3, terminals 2 and 4, and terminals 3 and 4.
[0048] In FIG. 3A, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 2, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 1 and 2.
[0049] In FIG. 3B, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 3, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 1 and 3.
[0050] In FIG. 3C, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 4, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 1 and 4.
[0051] In FIG. 3D, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 2 and 3, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 2 and 3.
[0052] In FIG. 3E, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 2 and 4, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 2 and 4.
[0053] In FIG. 3F, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 3 and 4, and detects an open circuit at
the remaining terminal combinations. This indicates that a 2W
sensor is connected between terminals 3 and 4.
[0054] In FIG. 3G, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 2, terminals 1 and 3, and
terminals 2 and 3, and detects an open circuit at the remaining
terminal combinations. This indicates that a 3W sensor is connected
at terminals 1, 2, and 3.
[0055] In FIG. 3H, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 2, terminals 1 and 4, and
terminals 2 and 4, and detects an open circuit at the remaining
terminal combinations. This indicates that a 3W sensor is connected
at terminals 1, 2, and 4.
[0056] In FIG. 3I, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 1 and 3, terminals 1 and 4, and
terminals 3 and 4, and detects an open circuit at the remaining
terminal combinations. This indicates that a 3W sensor is connected
at terminals 1, 3, and 4.
[0057] In FIG. 3J, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between terminals 2 and 3, terminals 2 and 4, and
terminals 3 and 4, and detects an open circuit at the remaining
terminal combinations. This indicates that a 3W sensor is connected
at terminals 2, 3, and 4.
[0058] In FIG. 3K, the transmitter detects a voltage differential
measured between all terminals combinations, indicating that a 4W
sensor is connected to all of the terminals.
[0059] Although FIGS. 3A through 3K illustrate different examples
of connection diagrams 300-310, various changes may be made to
FIGS. 3A through 3K. For example, while a configuration of the
components is illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3K, other embodiments
can include more or fewer components.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 for universal
connection of a sensor to a transmitter according to this
disclosure. The process depicted in FIG. 4 is described as being
performed in conjunction with the sensor 205 illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0061] In operation 405, the microcontroller 210 receives an
indication that a sensor 205 is connected to an undermined number
of the terminals 1, 2, 3, 4. The indication does not include the
specific number of connections or the specific terminals that are
connected. The terminals are universal, which means that each can
be considered as an input or an output. The indication can be from
a physical or electrical component connected to the transmitter.
The indication can also be a set amount of time after a connection
is made, resetting each time a new connection is made.
[0062] In operation 410, the microcontroller 210 transmits control
signals to the first switch 215 and the second switch 220 to test a
voltage differential between each of the terminals 1, 2, 3, 4. For
example, a four terminal transmitter has six possible combinations
of pairs of terminals, which are 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4 and 3-4.
Because the terminals are universal, the input and output of the
sensor is irrelevant to the testing of each combination of
pairs.
[0063] The first control signal to the first switch indicates the
terminal for the first switch to connect to. The second control
signal to the second control switch indicates the terminal for the
second switch to connect to. In an example with four terminals, the
first switch for simplicity is connected to terminals 1, 2 or 3,
while the second switch is connected to terminals 2, 3 or 4. The
microcontroller controls the first and second switch to check each
combination. The first switch and the second switch are not
connected to the same terminal during testing.
[0064] In operation 415, the microcontroller 210 determines which
of the plurality of terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 are coupled to the sensor
205. Each combination of terminals is tested one pair at a time. A
combination is determined valid when a voltage is measured across
the pair of terminals. A combination is determined invalid if a
voltage is not measured due to an open circuit. The signal is
sensed when a circuit is completed between the source current and
the sink resistor.
[0065] In certain embodiments, the combination of pairs are tested
until a valid pair is determined. Once, the valid pair is
determined, the transmitter only needs to test any remaining
combinations that have not already been tested. For example, if the
sensor is connected to terminals 1 and 3, the microcontroller would
determine that terminals 1 and 2 are invalid before determining
terminals 1 and 3 are valid. Once terminals 1 and 3 are determined
valid, the microcontroller can determine that the sensor is not
connected to terminal 2 and does not need to test the combination
between terminals 2 and 3 and terminals 2 and 4. The
microcontroller then uses one of the known terminals to test
terminal 4, either terminals 1 and 4 or terminals 3 and 4. This
reduces the number of required combination tests and the amount of
time for testing all the terminals of a transmitter. While only
reducing the test for a four terminal transmitter from six
combinations to potentially three combinations, the benefits are
increased as the number of terminals is increased.
[0066] In operation 420, the microcontroller 210 sets the
determined terminals as input received from the sensor 205. When
one combination of terminals is valid, the microcontroller sets a
two-wire sensor for the terminals of the valid combination. When
three combinations of terminals are valid, the microcontroller sets
a three-wire sensor for the terminals of the valid combinations.
When six combinations of terminals are valid, the microcontroller
sets a four-wire sensor for the terminals of the valid
combinations.
[0067] Although FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a method 400 for
universal connection of a sensor to a transmitter, various changes
may be made to FIG. 4. For example, various steps shown in FIG. 4
could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or
occur any number of times.
[0068] In some embodiments, various functions described in this
patent document are implemented or supported by a computer program
that is formed from computer readable program code and that is
embodied in a computer readable medium. The phrase "computer
readable program code" includes any type of computer code,
including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase
"computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of
being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM),
random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD),
a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A
"non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless,
optical, or other communication links that transport transitory
electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable
medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and
media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a
rewritable optical disc or an erasable storage device.
[0069] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain
words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms
"transmit," "receive," and "communicate," as well as derivatives
thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The
terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof,
mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive,
meaning and/or. The phrase "associated with," as well as
derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,
interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or
with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like.
The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means
that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may
be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example,
"at least one of: A, B, and C" includes any of the following
combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and
C.
[0070] The description in the present application should not be
read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is
an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim
scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the
allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim
elements unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are
explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle
phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not
limited to) "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component,"
"element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor,"
or "controller" within a claim is understood and intended to refer
to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as
further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims
themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112(f).
[0071] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and
generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these
embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does
not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes,
substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing
from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the
following claims.
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