Field device of modular design in process automation engineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to a field device (1) of modular design in process automation engineering which has a basic card (2) with an executable basic program, wherein the basic card (2) can be expanded by at least one expansion card (3) having at least one executable expansion program, wherein, for the purpose of executing the basic program, the basic card (2) comprises at least one computation unit (4) and a first memory unit (6) customized to the storage space of the executable basic program, characterized in that the expansion card (3) comprises at least one second memory unit (7) designed for the storage space of the expansion program, in that there is provision for automatic recognition of the connected expansion card (3) by the basic card (2), and in that, for the purpose of expanding the basic program using the relevant expansion programs, provision is made for the computation unit (4) to access the second memory unit (7) in part and / or intermittently.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a modular field device from process automation technology, which has a basic card with an executable basic program, wherein the basic card can be controlled by at least one device with at least one executable extension program. Expansion card for expansion, wherein, in order to execute the basic program, the basic card includes at least one computing unit and at least one first storage unit matching the storage space of the executable basic program. Background technique [0002] In industrial measurement technology, especially in automation technology and process control technology, field devices are always used, which detect process variables by means of sensors during process operation or control control variables by means of actuators. These corresponding field devices detect and / or regulate, for example, pressure, flow, level, temperature or other types of physical and / or chemical process variables as process variables in p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this has the disadvantage that, since the field device is equipped with maximum performance, the largest possible memory space must also be provided for programs and data, and the device electronics must already contain all expansion electronics from the start, which is very expensive

The functionality of the entire field device is increased by means of the expansion electronics, which has the disadvantage that the program of the field device must be rewritten with a new version of the operating program or firmware adapted to the expansion electronics, and here too it must be Provides maximum storage capacity for programs and data

[0005] These solutions have the disadvantage that as soon as the range of functions of the field device is to be extended, the customer or user has until now either had to purchase a completely new field device or, possibly after inserting a new device module, write new firmware into the field device.

Customers or users generally do not want to purchase entirely new field devices when extending the functionality of field devices, and manufacturers cannot provide a viable solution for rewriting firmware for every field device because, in addition to pure hardware costs (e.g. plugs, galvanically isolated lines), this also means a non-negligible logistical outlay in managing the different procedures and the different device electronics

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