METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL USING CONTROL DEVICES THAT PROVIDE A VIRTUAL MACHINE ENVIRONMENT AND THAT COMMUNICATE VIA AN IP NETWORK
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Abstract
The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.
141 Citations
256 Claims
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1-228. -228. (canceled)
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229. A control device for a system, comprising:
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a powered Ethernet connection for communicating with a control network, the powered Ethernet connection providing power to the control device; and
a processor that executes a control algorithm to control one or more field devices associated with the control device. - View Dependent Claims (230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235)
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236. A field device for a control system, comprising:
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a powered Ethernet interface for communicating with a control network, the powered Ethernet connection providing power to the field device; and
an interface to any of (i) a sensor and (ii) an actuator, for controlling and collecting information therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (237, 238, 239, 240)
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241. A system, comprising:
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a controller coupled for communication over a control network operating in an Ethernet protocol;
a powered Ethernet interface coupled to the control network;
a sensing apparatus adapted to sense a physical condition and coupled to the powered Ethernet interface for communicating about the sensed physical condition with the controller, wherein the powered Ethernet connection provides power to the sensing apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (242, 243, 244, 245, 246)
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247. A system, comprising:
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a controller coupled for communication over a control network operating in an Ethernet protocol and adapted to transmit control signals over the control network;
a powered Ethernet interface coupled to the control network; and
a field device that comprises any of;
(i) a positioner coupled to the powered Ethernet interface for receiving control signals from the controller and drawing power from the Ethernet interface, and (ii) an actuator adapted to control a mechanism to affect the physical condition of an environment and coupled to the powered Ethernet interface for receiving control signals from the controller, the actuator adapted to draw power from the Ethernet interface. - View Dependent Claims (248, 249, 250)
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251. A transmitter device, comprising:
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an Ethernet interface configured to communicate over a network according to an Ethernet protocol;
power circuitry operable to extract operating power from the Ethernet interface;
a sensor interface configured to communicate with a sensing device adapted to sense a physical condition;
a processor operable to receive a sensing device communication corresponding to a sensed physical condition and to communicate with a control device via the Ethernet interface about the sensed physical condition. - View Dependent Claims (252, 253)
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254. An actuating device, comprising:
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an Ethernet interface configured to communicate over a network operating according to an Ethernet protocol;
power circuitry operable to extract operating power from the Ethernet interface;
a processor operable to control a mechanism that affects a physical condition of an environment and to communicate via the Ethernet interface about the mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (255, 256)
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Specification