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.
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Citations
254 Claims
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1-228. -228. (canceled)
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229. A device for use in a control system, comprising:
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a controller having a powered Ethernet connection and at least one communication connection; and a virtual machine environment that executes a byte code therein, the byte code configuring the controller to execute a control program for controlling filed devices within a control network; wherein the powered Ethernet connection is adapted to provide power to the controller from the control network, and the at least one communication connection is adapted to provide for communication with at least one field device. - View Dependent Claims (230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244)
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245. A device for a process control system, comprising:
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a powered Ethernet connection adapted to provide power to the device and a communication connection adapted to provide for communication with a field device via a communication link that provides power to the field device; and a virtual machine environment that executes a byte code therein, the byte code configuring the controller to execute a control program for controlling filed devices within a control network. - View Dependent Claims (246, 247)
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248. 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; a processor that executes a control algorithm to control one or more field devices associated with the control device; and a virtual machine environment that executes a byte code therein, the byte code configuring the controller to execute a control program for controlling filed devices within a control network. - View Dependent Claims (249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254)
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Specification