Wirelessly and passively programmable sensor
First Claim
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1. A programmable sensor comprising:
- a transducer that responds to a physical parameter;
a control circuit connected to the transducer and having a memory for containing data which defines operational characteristics of the programmable sensor; and
a programming circuit that includes a receiver for a first wireless signal that carries configuration data, and circuitry connected to the receiver for storing the configuration data in the memory to define operational characteristics of the programmable sensor.
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Abstract
A programmable device, such as an intelligent sensor that when installed communicates sensing results to other apparatus via a cable, include a wireless programming circuit. That circuit enables configuration data to be downloaded into the programmable device via a wireless signal thereby eliminating the need to make physical electrical connections. The programmable device derives power for the programming function from the energy of the wireless signal. This enables the configuration to be performed without removing the programmable device from a package in which it is stored.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A programmable sensor comprising:
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a transducer that responds to a physical parameter;
a control circuit connected to the transducer and having a memory for containing data which defines operational characteristics of the programmable sensor; and
a programming circuit that includes a receiver for a first wireless signal that carries configuration data, and circuitry connected to the receiver for storing the configuration data in the memory to define operational characteristics of the programmable sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A programmable device comprising:
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a data port for connection to a cable which carries a first set of configuration data from an external programmer;
a control circuit connected to the data port and having a memory for containing data that defines operational characteristics of the programmable device, the control circuit storing the first set of configuration data in the memory; and
a programming circuit that includes a receiver for a wireless signal that carries a second set of configuration data, circuitry connected to the receiver and to the memory for storing the second set of configuration data in the memory to define operational characteristics of the programmable device, and a power supply which derives electrical power from the first wireless signal and provides that electrical power to components of the programming circuit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for configuring operation of a programmable device comprises:
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providing a port on the programmable device for connection to a cable through which data are exchanged with an external apparatus;
placing the programmable device within range of a first wireless signal transmitted from a programmer;
transmitting configuration data from the programmer via the first wireless signal wherein the configuration data specifies operational characteristics of the programmable device;
receiving the wireless signal at a programming circuit in the programmable device;
extracting the configuration data from the first wireless signal; and
storing the configuration data in a memory of the programmable device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification