Method for transmitting a software code from a control unit to a field device of process automation technology

• US 20070067767A1
• Filed: 03/24/2004
• Published: 03/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Endress+Hauser Process Solutions AG (Endress+Hauser AG)
• Original Assignee: CHRISTOPH-MERIAN-RING 23, CHRISTOPH-MERIAN-RING 23
• Inventors: Da Silva Neto, Eugenio
• Granted Patent: US 8,060,872 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/174
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0423 Input/output
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0426 Programming the control sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23299 Remote load of program, through fieldbus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25014 Fieldbus general name of bus connected to machines, detectors, actuators
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25428 Field device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A method for transmitting a software code from a control unit to a field device of process automation technology. The inventive method is characterized in that the software code is integrated into a software module which encapsulates data and functions of the field device and which requires an operator control program for field devices as the runtime environment and which establishes the communication link with the field device.

Claims

1-5. -5. (canceled)

6. A method for transferring software code from a control unit to a field device of process automation technology, comprising the steps of:

integrating the software code in a software module, which encapsulates data and functions of the field device and requires, as runtime environment, an operating program for field devices; and

establishing a communication connection with the operating program and the field device, resulting in a transfer of the software code via the communication connection.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the software module is provided in the form of a DTM (device type manager) according to FDT-Specifications, and the operating program serves as an FDT-frame application.

8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the software code corresponds to a function block.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

said function block is provided in the form of a function block according to Foundation®

Fieldbus Specifications.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

said function block includes e.g. algorithms, parameters or methods of the field device.