FORM FACTOR AND ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE PROTECTION FOR PROCESS DEVICE WIRELESS ADAPTERS
First Claim
1. A process device wireless adapter comprising:
- a wireless communications module configured to communicatively couple to a process device and to a wireless receiver;
a metallic housing that surrounds the wireless communications module, the metallic housing having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to attach to the process device;
a metallic shield that contacts the housing second end such that the metallic shield and the housing form a substantially continuous conductive surface; and
an antenna communicatively coupled to the wireless communications module and separated from the wireless communications module by the metallic shield.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process device wireless adapter includes a wireless communications module, a metallic housing, and an antenna. The wireless communications module is configured to communicatively couple to a process device and to a wireless receiver. The metallic housing surrounds the wireless communication module and has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to attach to the process device. In one embodiment, a metallic shield contacts the housing second end such that the metallic shield and the housing form a substantially continuous conductive surface. The antenna is communicatively coupled to the wireless communication module and separated from the wireless communication module by the metallic shield. Preferably, the wireless communications module illustratively includes a printed circuit board that has a length that is greater than its width.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A process device wireless adapter comprising:
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a wireless communications module configured to communicatively couple to a process device and to a wireless receiver; a metallic housing that surrounds the wireless communications module, the metallic housing having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to attach to the process device; a metallic shield that contacts the housing second end such that the metallic shield and the housing form a substantially continuous conductive surface; and an antenna communicatively coupled to the wireless communications module and separated from the wireless communications module by the metallic shield. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A process device wireless adapter comprising:
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a metallic housing having a length and a radius; a printed circuit board within the metallic housing, the printed circuit board having a width and a length, the length of the printed circuit board running along the length of the metallic housing, the length of the printed circuit board being greater than the width of the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board configured to be communicatively coupled to a process device; a metallic shield that forms a continuous conductive surface with the metallic housing, the metallic shield having a first side and a second side, the printed circuit board positioned proximate the first side; and an antenna electrically connected to the printed circuit board through an aperture in the metallic shield, the antenna positioned proximate the metallic shield second side, the antenna configured to wirelessly transmit communications to a wireless receiver and to wirelessly receive communications from the wireless receiver. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of improving wireless communication capabilities of a process device comprising:
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coupling a wireless communications module to the process device; coupling an antenna to the wireless communications module; at least partially surrounding the wireless communications module with a conductive surface to reduce electromagnetic interference with the module; and positioning the antenna outside of the conductive surface to enable wireless communications between the process device and a control system. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A process device wireless adapter comprising:
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a wireless communications module configured to communicatively couple to a process device and to a wireless receiver; a metallic housing that surrounds the wireless communications module, the metallic housing having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to attach to the process device; a printed circuit board within the metallic housing, the printed circuit board having a width and a length, the length of the printed circuit board running along the length of the metallic housing, the length of the printed circuit board being greater than the width of the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board configured to be communicatively coupled to a process device; and an antenna communicatively coupled to the wireless communications module and separated from the wireless communications module.
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Specification