Fisher-rosemount Systems, Inc

Daniel E Vande Vusse

Alan Roger Dewey

Alden Chester Russell, Iii

Kun Yang

Martin Zielinski

Douglas Wayne Arntson

Moises A DelaCruz

Gregory J Opheim

Alden C Russell, Ii

A field device interface module includes a connector, a plurality of terminals, a protocol interface module, a controller and a power supply module. The connector is configured to operably couple to a computer. The terminals are operably coupleable to a field device. The protocol interface module is coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to generate signals in accordance with a process communication protocol. A power supply module is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The controller is coupled to the protocol interface module and to the power supply module and is configured to measure a voltage across the plurality of terminals and selectively cause the power supply module to provide power to the field device.

Field device interface with network protection mechanism

An improved field maintenance tool is provided. The tool is operable with process communication loops in accordance with a plurality of process industry standard protocols. Aspects of the invention include hardware features such as an infrared port; removable memory module; and an expansion memory module. Additional aspects of the invention include protocol-specific diagnostic methods executable with the improved field maintenance tool.

Field maintenance tool

A method for preventing unsafe transmission on an incompatible network with a multi-protocol intrinsically safe handheld field maintenance tool as provided. The method preferably includes checking voltage levels on two sets of network connections when a network connection is detected or indicated on one set. If incompatible voltage levels are detected, the field technician is warned. If voltage levels are appropriate on a selected set of network terminals, the method continues by listening for network traffic of the selected network type. In this manner, a multi-protocol intrinsically safe handheld field maintenance tool is operable with multiple process control communication protocols while minimizing the risk of incompatible data/signal transmission upon process communication loops.

Data transmission method for a multi-protocol handheld field maintenance tool

An improved intrinsically safe field maintenance tool is provided. The tool is operable with process communication loops in accordance with a plurality of process industry standard protocols. Aspects of the invention include hardware features such as an infrared port; removable memory module; and an expansion memory module. Additional aspects of the invention include protocol-specific diagnostic methods executable with the improved intrinsically safe field maintenance tool.

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Savage, MN, United States of America

Daniel E Vande Vusse