Wireless process field device diagnostics
First Claim
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1. A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:
- a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process;
a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter without a wired connection to an external source of power;
diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of an impending failure of the power source;
wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link; and
wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell.
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Abstract
A wireless process device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising includes a power source configured to power the process device. Diagnostic circuitry is configured to diagnose operation of process device and provides a diagnostic output. Wireless communication circuitry transmits information over a wireless communication link.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:
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a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process; a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter without a wired connection to an external source of power; diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of an impending failure of the power source; wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link; and wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:
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powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell without a wired connection to an external source of power; diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell, the diagnostics indicative of an impending failure of the power source; and transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:
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a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process; a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter; diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the power source; wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link; wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell; the power source includes a battery; and the diagnostic circuitry provides an output related to a time period required to charge the battery.
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40. A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:
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a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process; a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter; diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the power source; wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link; wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell; the power source includes a battery; and a MOSFET which couples the battery to the circuitry configured to prevent discharge of the battery.
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41. A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:
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powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell; diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell; transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link; the power source includes a battery; and providing an output related to a time period required to charge the battery.
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42. A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:
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powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell; diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell; transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link; the power source includes a battery; and providing an output related to battery temperature.
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Specification