Potentiometric sensor

• US 7,704,357 B2
• Filed: 05/15/2003
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Endress+Hauser GmbH+Co (ENDRESS)
• Original Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft Fur Mess- Und Regeltechnik Mbh + Co. Kg
• Inventors: Straub, Hermann, Wittmer, Detlev, Steinmueller, Dirk, Pechstein, Torsten
• Primary Examiner(s): Bell; Bruce F
• Application Number:
  US10/530,344
• Publication Number:
  US 20070110620A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,539 Days
• Field of Search: 204/403.01, 204/406, 204/407, 204/408, 204/416, 204/433, 204/435
• US Class Current: 204/406
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/286 Power or signal connectors associated therewith

Abstract

A potentiometric sensor, especially a pH-sensor or redox-sensor, includes: an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter, especially a pH-value or a redox potential; and an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to a superordinated unit, especially a transmitter; wherein the potentiometric sensor of the invention has a digital data memory, which is permanently connected with elementary sensor.

Claims

1. A potentiometric sensor connectable to a superordinated unit, comprising:

an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter, representative of pH and temperature values;

an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to the superordinated unit;

a digital data memory, permanently connected with said elementary sensor,

an analog-digital-converter for converting an analog signal issued from said elementary sensor into a digital signal, and

a microprocessor for control of said digital data memory and/or control of said interface for communication with said superordinated unit, wherein;

the potentiometric sensor is a pH sensor, and said elementary sensor comprises a pH-electrode and a temperature sensor therein;

said digital memory stores one or more of the following items or information;

the calibration data of said elementary sensor;

the sensitivity of said elementary sensor determined at a first temperature, especially 25°

C.;

the asymmetry potential determined at 25°

C.;

the temperature offset;

logistical information;

the serial number of said elementary sensor;

the temperature range of application;

the pH range of application;

the extreme values of the operating temperature;

the extreme values of the operating pH;

the identification of a technician;

the service life;

the isothermal point of intersection; and

said data memory further stores historical data over a moving time-interval of sensor operation, and/or event-dependent historical data.

2. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said digital data memory is connected such that it can be controlled via said interface from the superordinated unit.

3. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the superordinated unit has a housing, and

the potentiometric sensor is detachably connected with the housing of the superordinated unit via a mechanical coupling, which includes said interface.

4. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the superordinated unit has a cable, and

the potentiometric sensor is detachably connected with the cable which communicates with the superordinated unit by means of a coupling which includes said interface.

5. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said interface, in addition to data communication, also ensures the power supply of the potentiometric sensor.

6. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said inter-face is an inductively coupled interface.

7. The potentiometric sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said interface is an interface having galvanic contacts.