Method for reprogramming a field device

• US 7,320,067 B2
• Filed: 03/20/2001
• Issued: 01/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Company KG (Endress+Hauser AG)
• Original Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Company KG (Endress+Hauser AG)
• Inventors: Pfändler, Martin, Schrock, Arthur
• Primary Examiner(s): BUTLER, DENNIS
• Application Number:
  US10/221,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20030097521A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,492 Days
• Field of Search: 713/1, 713/100
• US Class Current: 713/1
• 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 2219/23323 Select between entry and execution of program
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23411 Voltage supply or allow, not inhibit signal to memory on connection of programmer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25265 Flash memory
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25428 Field device

Abstract

According to a method for reprogramming a field device, the current supply of the field device is increased in the programming mode. This enables electrically deletable and reprogrammable memories to be used in field devices.

Claims

1. A field device for detecting or controlling a process variable, having:

a microprocessor;

a memory in which a control program is stored that determines the function of the field device;

a power supply unit; and

means for regulating the output of said power supply unit, wherein;

said memory is electrically erasable and reprogrammable;

a field bus interface (FSB) serves as said power supply, said field bus interface being connected to a digital data bus (DBL); and

said field bus interface (FBS) has a control input (E1) and associated resistance which serves as means for regulating said power supply unit and thus regulates said power supply of the field device.

2. The field device of claim 1 wherein:

said control input (E1) is connected to ground via two series-connected resistors (R1,R2) which serve as said means for regulating said power supply unit, and said second resistor (R2) can be bridged by means of a transistor (T).