Potentiometric sensor

• US 20070110620A1
• Filed: 05/15/2003
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Endress+Hauser GmbH+Co (ENDRESS)
• Original Assignee: Endress+Hauser GmbH+Co (ENDRESS)
• Inventors: Pechstein, Torsten, Wittmer, Detlev, Steinmueller, Dirk, Straub, Hernann
• Granted Patent: US 7,704,357 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/82.10
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/286 Power or signal connectors associated therewith

Abstract

A potentiometric sensor, especially a pH-sensor or redox-sensor, includes: an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter, especially a pH-value or a redox potential; and an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to a superordinated unit, especially a transmitter; wherein the potentiometric sensor of the invention has a digital data memory, which is permanently connected with elementary sensor.

Claims

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. A potentiometric sensor connectable to a superordinated unit, comprising:

an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter;

an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to the superordinated unit; and

a digital data memory, permanently connected with said elementary sensor.

19. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:

an analog-digital-converter for converting an analog signal issued from said elementary sensor into a digital signal.

20. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said elementary sensor stores one or more of the following items of information;

the calibration data of said elementary sensor;

the sensitivity of said elementary sensor determined at a first temperature, especially 25°

C.;

the asymmetry potential determined at 25°

C.;

the temperature offset;

logistical information;

the serial number of said elementary sensor;

the temperature range of application;

the pH range of application;

the extreme values of the operating temperature;

the extreme values of the operating pH;

the identification of a technician;

the service life;

the isothermal point of intersection;

the Sensor Check System status;

at least one pH measured value; and

at least one redox measured value, one or more temperature measured values.

21. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 20, wherein:

said data memory stores historical data over a moving time-interval of sensor operation.

22. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 20, wherein:

said data memory stores event-dependent historical data.

23. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:

a microprocessor for control of said digital data memory and/or control of said interface for communication with the superordinated unit.

24. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said digital data memory is connected such that it can be controlled via said interface from the superordinated unit.

25. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

the superordinated unit has a housing, and

the potentiometric sensor is detachably connected with the housing of the superordinated unit via a mechanical coupling, which includes said interface.

26. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

the superordinated unit has a cable, and

the potentiometric sensor is detachably connected with the cable which communicates with the superordinated unit by means of a coupling which includes said interface.

27. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said interface, in addition to data communication, also ensures the power supply of the potentiometric sensor.

28. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said interface is a non-galvanic interface.

29. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said interface is an inductive interface.

30. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said interface is a galvanic interface.

31. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:

a temperature sensor.

32. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

the potentiometric sensor is a pH-sensor, and said elementary sensor comprises a pH-electrode.

33. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

the potentiometric sensor is a redox-sensor, and

said elementary sensor comprises a redox-electrode.

34. The potentiometric transmitter for issuing at least one measurement signal representing a potentiometric parameter, having:

an interface for operation and for data exchange with a potentiometric sensor, said potentiometric sensor including;

an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter;

an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to a superordinated unit; and

a digital data memory permanently connected with said elementary sensor.