Method for regulating the power supply of a number of multiple field devices

• US 20050055585A1
• Filed: 11/08/2002
• Published: 03/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Company KG (Endress+Hauser AG)
• Original Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Company KG (Endress+Hauser AG)
• Inventors: Maier, Stefan
• Granted Patent: US 7,231,283 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/300
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/10 Current supply arrangements

Abstract

In a method for regulating the power supply of a plurality of field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, connected to a data bus DBL and supplied with electrical current over the data bus DBL, the electrical current requirements of the individual field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 are determined, and the electrical current consumptions of the field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 are adjusted by means of corresponding control signals. In this way, the electrical current consumption of individual field devices S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 can be centrally adjusted and therewith the process conditions matched.

Claims

1. A method for regulating the power supply of a plurality of field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) connected to a data bus (DBL) and supplied with electrical current over the data bus (DBL), wherein the electrical current consumptions of the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) are adjustable, comprising the steps of:

a) determining the electrical current requirements of the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) connected to the data bus (DBL);

b) determining, or calculating, as the case may be, the electrical current loading of the data bus (DBL); and

c) transmitting control signals over the data bus (DBL) for regulating the electrical current consumption of the individual field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) as a function of the electrical current loading of the data bus (DBL).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the control signals are issued from a process control system (PLS).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the control signals are issued from one of the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2).

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

the authorization for transmitting the control signals is passed from one field device (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) to the other.

5. A method for regulating the power supply of a plurality of field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) connected to a data bus (DBL) and supplied with electrical current over the data bus (DBL), wherein the electrical current consumptions of the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) are adjustable, comprising the steps of:

a) operating in the base current mode the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2), which lack authorization;

b) operating in the peak current mode one of the field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2) having an authorization; and

c) passing the authorization to another field device (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2).

6. (Cancelled)

7. A field device, which is connected over a data bus (DBL) to a process control system (PLS) and which is supplied with electrical current over the data bus, wherein:

the electrical current consumption of the field device is adjustable manually at the field device.

8. A device for regulating the power supply of a plurality of field devices (S1, S2, S3, A1, A2), comprising:

a process control system (PLS); and

a data bus (DBL) connected to said process control system and to the plurality of field devices, wherein;

the plurality of field devices are supplied with electrical current over said data bus; and

the electrical current consumption of the plurality of field devices is adjustable by control signals originating from said process control system.