DE102007063312A1 - Parameterization system and method for parameterizing a field device - Google Patents

Abstract

A parameterization system for parameterizing a field device, characterized by an assistance module, which records data for an application of a customer and the type of field device used by the customer, and a parameterization module, which receives from the assistance module the type of field device and data about the application of the customer and which is designed to translate the data for the application into suitable parameter values for the field device and to store the parameter values or to transmit them to the field device (FIG. 3).

Description

The The invention relates to a parameterization system according to the preamble of the claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for parameterization a field device according to the generic term of claim 12.

In Process automation technology is often used in field devices, which serve to detect and / or influence process variables. examples for such field devices are level gauges, mass flow meters, pressure and temperature measuring devices etc., as sensors, the corresponding process variables level, Record flow, pressure or temperature.

to Influence of process variables serve actuators, eg. B. valves or pumps over the flow of a liquid be changed in a pipe section or the level in a container can.

When field devices In principle, all devices are called, which are used close to the process and the process-relevant information deliver or process.

A Variety of such field devices is manufactured and distributed by the company Endress + Hauser.

The Operation of a field device is determined by means of parameters provided in this Storage locations of the field device to be written. By storing suitable parameter values in the respective memory locations, the operation of the field device is determined. This process is referred to as "parameterizing." The definition the parameter is carried out by the customer. By choosing suitable Parameter values, the customer can the field device to its respective application to adjust.

Especially with comfortable field devices There are a variety of settings and accordingly many parameters set by the customer are. In order to be able to set the parameters correctly, the customer must join every field device used into the meaning of the individual parameters. this will often in addition This makes it difficult for different manufacturers to be one and the same Task different parameters with different names use.

task The invention is the parameterization of field devices customer friendly to design.

Is solved This object is achieved by the features specified in claims 1 and 12.

advantageous Further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The inventive parameterization comprises an assistance module. The assistant module determines the type of parameterizing field device as well Data on the customer's application. The customer is his application so he can give the assistance module the appropriate Provide information about its application. The assistance module Forwards the recorded data to a parameterization module, which the application-specific data automatically into suitable parameter values of the field device type to be parameterized. The parameter values determined in this way can either be saved or inscribed in the field device become.

The relieved according to the invention parameterization The customers. For It is no longer necessary for the customer to understand the meaning of individual parameter of his field device. Instead he has to give a lot of information about his application. In usually the customer knows his application well, so that it does not give him any difficulties, the relevant information to deliver. The details of the customer are then through the parameterization module according to given rules or by means of one or more translation tables converted into suitable parameter values of the field device. In this way can the field device in a for the customer's application can be parameterized appropriately without the customer dealing with the details of the parameterization got to.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention, the parameterization module is designed to data from at least an additional one Retrieve data source and for to use the determination of the parameter values for the field device. For example the parameterization module can retrieve data from a web database, from a CAD / CAE system, from an applicator, or from a device description, preferably according to the standard EDD (Electronic Device Description) and retrieve the data thus obtained together with the application describing information of the customer in suitable parameters for to translate the field device. By using additional Data sources, the parameterization even better to the requirements of the customer. Also in this embodiment the customer is free to delve into the details of the parameterization to have to work in.

following The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

It demonstrate:

1 an overview of an inventive parameterization system;

2A a pressure gauge in a first installation position;

2 B a pressure gauge in a second mounting position; and

3 a detailed illustration of a parameterization system according to the invention.

In 1 is given an overview of the operation of the parameterization system according to the invention. The parameterization system includes an assistance module 1 as well as a parameterization module 2 which together on a computer 3 are implemented. The computer 3 is via a fieldbus 4 with a field device 5 connected. The assistance module 1 is designed by the user the type of field device used 5 as well as information about the respective application in which the field device 5 should be used. As a rule, the user knows very precisely for which application under which conditions the field device should be used. For example, the user specifies an allowable range of measurements as well as limits above which an alarm is triggered. In addition, the user can, for example, using a graphical user interface, filter functions for editing and smoothing of the field device 5 Define Measured Values.

The from the assistance module 1 captured data to the application are then sent to a parameterization module 2 forwarded. The parameterization module 2 is designed to convert the user's information about his application into corresponding parameter values for the field device 5 to translate. Because the user is the type of field device 5 specified, knows the parameterization module 2 the parameters of the field device 5 as well as their meaning and can determine a suitable set of parameter values according to the user's instructions for its application. The set of parameter values thus generated can either be stored as a file or via the fieldbus 4 in memory cells of the field device provided for this purpose 5 to be written. These parameters then define the working mode of the field device during operation.

The inventive parameterization allows the User can parameterize his field device without the user For this purpose, it is necessary to work into the meaning of the individual parameters. Especially with comfortable field devices, a variety of Require parameter settings, it can be laborious and user-intensive laborious be familiar with the meaning of each parameter do. The task for determine the respective customer application suitable parameter values, is taken over by the parameterization system. With the help of the assistance module the customer specifies the application in which the field device is used shall be. The customer knows in the Usually very accurate, for which application under which conditions the field device should be used. The translation this information in parameter values is then taken over by the parameterization module, which has an exact knowledge of the parameters to be set in the device.

In the following, the device parameterization will be discussed on the basis of a concrete example. The customer has a print application where the process pressure in a pipe is to be measured by means of a pressure transducer. The mounting position of the pressure transducer has an influence on the measured value. For example, in 2A and 2 B two different mounting positions of a sensor shown. In 2A the pipe runs 6 to which the pressure transducer 7 connected horizontally while in 2 B the pressure transducer 8th to a vertical pipe 9 connected. In order to determine the correct process pressure in both cases, a position correction must be carried out to compensate for the influence of the installation position or a static pressure on the measurement.

to Input of the position correction can for example, the parameters LOCATION CORRECTION, LAGESOLLWERT and LOCATION OFFSET serve, with the parameter LOCATION CORRECTION the two options CANCEL and TAKE OVER gives. With the aid of these parameters, a position correction can be made to the following three types are entered:

First option: reset measurement and set to 0.0 mbar

It it should be assumed that the current reading of the pressure is 2.2 mbar. About the parameter POSITION CORRECTION with the option TAKEOVER the currently applied pressure can be assigned the value 0.0 mbar become. After execution The position correction is set to the measured value 0.0 mbar. The parameter LOCATION SET displays the pressure difference (offset) to match the pressure difference Measured value has been corrected, in this case 2.2 mbar.

Second possibility: measured value on desired Set the setpoint

It should be assumed that the current measured value is 0.5 mbar. As a parameter LAGESOLLWERT then the desired setpoint specified for the measured value. For example, the value of 2.0 mbar is given as the LAGOLE VALUE. After entering the position setpoint, the calibration is changed so that the measured value corresponds to the position setpoint. After entering the position setpoint, the new measured value is 2.0 mbar. Again the parameter LAGEOFFSET indicates the resulting pressure difference (ie the offset) by which the measured value has been corrected.

The following applies: LOCATION SET = MEASUREMENT VALUE (old) - LOW SETPOINT VALUE and in this case LOCATION SET = 0.5 mbar - 2.0 mbar = -1.5 mbar.

Third possibility: Specification of the pressure difference

It should be assumed that the instantaneous measured value is 2.2 mbar. The parameter LAGEOFFSET is the value by which the measured value is to be corrected. In order to correct the measured value by 1.7 mbar, for example, the parameter LAGEOFFSET would have to be set to 1.7 mbar. The new measured value then results as follows :: MEASUREMENT VALUE (new) = MEASUREMENT VALUE (old) - LOCATION OFFSET and in the example discussed MEASURED VALUE (new) = 2.2 mbar - 1.7 mbar = 0.5 mbar.

In the example described was the position correction using the Take parameter LOCATION CORRECTION, LOCATION CORRECTION CANCEL, LAG SETPOINT and LOCATION OFFSET performed. The Procedure for a position correction depends on the respective device type. In a pressure gauge of a the other manufacturer, the position correction with other parameters, other syntax, other semantics and pragmatics. For the customer It is therefore necessary, for each device type individually with the parameters used, their meaning and the parameter names used make to the respective device to parameterize correctly.

When using the in 1 The customer supplies the assistance module to the shown parameterization system 1 Information on the respective application, while the parameterization module 2 Based on this information the concrete parameterization of the field device 5 takes over. First, the customer selects the field device to be parameterized and starts the assistance module 1 which then guides the customer through the configuration. To configure a pressure gauge, the assistance module asks:
"Is your device installed so that it can correctly measure the process pressure, or do you need a posture correction? (possible answers yes / no) "

The customer now indicates whether he needs a position correction. If he answers yes, the assistance module asks 1 how the position correction should be done. For this purpose, the assistance module 1 show the customer the current measured value of the pressure. The parameterization module is used to determine the current measured value 2 equipped with an interface to the functions and parameters of the pressure gauge, which is provided for example by the device type manager (Device Type Manager, DTM) of the pressure gauge. First, the parameter module asks 2 whether the pressure gauge is in online mode. If the pressure device is in online mode, the parameterization module can 2 retrieve the current reading from the pressure gauge via the device type manager. The current measured value of the pressure is taken from the parameterization module 2 to the assistance module 1 forwarded and displayed to the customer. The assistance module 1 can, for example, output the following text:
"Value measured by the pressure gauge (standardized text independent of the manufacturer): 1.23 mbar (this is the current measured value transmitted by the pressure gauge)"

If the device is not online, no current measured value is displayed to the customer.

to execution the situation correction, the customer is requested, the desired actual pressure value in mbar.

The from the assistance module 1 requested data for the application of the customer become the parameterization module 2 forwarded. The parameterization module 2 In the next step, this data is translated into suitable values for the pressure gauge parameters. For example, if the customer has specified that the actual pressure should be set to 0.0 mbar, then this is equivalent to the TAKE POSITION CORRECTION parameter. If, on the other hand, the customer specifies a specific pressure as the desired pressure value, then this desired pressure can be transmitted to the pressure measuring device by means of the parameter LOW SETPOINT VALUE.

The parameterization module 2 translates the user-specified data for its application into corresponding device parameters. In addition, the parameterization module 2 responsible for triggering the functional sequences required for the parameterization of the respective device. For example, on the part of the parameterization module 2 known, whether to thread the parameters from the field device, modify and download again, or whether the individual parameters in the device can be changed directly.

The Use of the parameterization system according to the invention has the advantage that the parameterization in a manufacturer independent and device-independent way can be made by the customer, with the customer merely providing data must enter his familiar application. That's it for the Customers no longer need to dig into the details of each equipment and his parameterization. In particular, he is not more with constantly changing names and meanings of parameters for the same Task faced.

at the example of a print application described above were of the assistance module and of the parameterization module Calibration parameters for a pressure gauge. About that In addition, by means of the assistance module and the parameterization module also all determined further processing and filter parameters of the field device and transmitted to the field device. The definition of the parameters essentially takes place before commissioning of the field device, however, it is possible the parameters during to iteratively adapt and modify the operation so as to optimize the process to achieve.

In 3 a detailed view of a parameterization system according to the invention is shown. The parameterization system includes an assistance module 10 , which asks the customer for data on his planned application, as shown by the example of the position correction for the print application. In particular, the customer requests information on operating conditions, measuring range limits, as well as filter and smoothing functions. In the context of this query, the assistant module 10 on services 11 fall back through the parameterization module 12 to provide. These services 11 In particular, the transmission of the measured value currently recorded by the field device may comprise the parameterization module 12 is transmitted via the respective device type manager (DTM, Device Type Manager) of the field device. The from the assistance module 10 recorded data 13 become the parameterization module 12 transmitted and serve as a starting point for the determination of the parameter values for the field device 14 ,

Beside these dates 13 However, in addition, data from other sources, for example from different configuration files, can also be used to determine the parameters for the field device 14 to determine. From the CAD / CAE (Computer Aided Design) system 15 , with which the respective production plant was designed, can data 16 to the environment of use of the field device, as well as to various inflow, flow and outflow rates, which are provided by the CAD / CAE system 15 stored in dedicated files. From the applicator 17 can the parameterization module 12 dates 18 check the chemicals and materials used and the temperature ranges allowed for these chemicals and materials. From the device description (Device Description, DD) 19 can the parameterization module 12 dates 20 to retrieve parameters and functionalities of the field device. In the device description 19 it is a file, which is written in the device description language EDD (Electronic Device Description). Details of parameters, parameter names and functionalities that the parameterization module 12 from the device description 19 need not be queried by the customer, and the customer is relieved. Another source of information can be the web-based Web database W @ M (Web Enabled Asset Management). 21 serve, which holds a variety of data to the field devices of a customer. These dates 22 can through the parameterization module 12 from the web database W @ M 21 be read out.

Access to functions and parameters of a field device 14 is often used with the help of so-called Device Type Manager (DTM) 23 . 24 . 25 realized. Such device type managers are designed specifically for one type of field device and provide tailored access to the functionalities and parameters of the field device 14 ,

On to a specific field device 14 matching device type manager can be created in several ways. For one, there is Device Type Manager 23 provided by the manufacturer of the field device 14 created and supplied. Another option is to use a communication driver 26 for the field device 14 equipped with a suitable FDT interface, so as to be a suitable device type manager 24 to obtain. A third way to create a device type manager is to start with a device description (DD). 27 automatically a suitable device type manager 25 to generate the in the device description 27 supported functionalities and parameters. Frequently, the respective device type manager also provides a graphical representation of the status and functionalities of the field device 14 to disposal.

On the part of the parameterization computer, the device type managers for various field devices are created by means of a field device tool (FDT) 28 operated, in which the device type managers are integrated. About the Feldge councils access module 28 and the respective device type manager, the parameterization module 12 Online readings 29 from the field device 14 Interrogate. In addition, the parameterization module 12 via the field device access module 28 and the respective device type manager those of the field device 14 provided functionalities 30 use.

The parameterization module 12 is designed to be that of the assistance module 10 received data 13 , which describe the respective application of the customer, into suitable parameter values for the field device 14 to translate. In addition to the information provided by the customer, the information obtained from one or more of the following data sources is taken into account in order to create suitable parameter values: from the CAD / CAE system 15 , from the applicator 17 , from the device description 19 , from the web database 21 , as well as via the field device access module 28 and the associated device type manager from the field device 14 itself. To create the parameters for the field device 14 can on the part of the parameterization module 12 Rules are available, which control the translation of the information provided by the customer into corresponding parameter values. Other parameters, for example, directly from the applicator 17 or from the CAD / CAE system 15 be taken over. Alternatively or additionally, tables are also conceivable which specify how a specific specification of the customer in one or more associated parameters of the field device 14 to be translated. With the aid of such tables, it is also possible to specify which parameters of the field device 14 from the CAD / CAE system 15 , from the applicator 17 , from the device description 19 or from the web database 21 be taken over. After the parameterization module 12 with the help of rule and / or tables works an optimum set of parameter values for the application of the customer 31 has generated these parameter values 31 either stored in a file or via the field device access module 26 , the respective device type manager and the fieldbus 32 to the field device 14 transmitted and written there in the appropriate memory locations.

Claims (15)

Parameterization system for parameterizing a field device ( 5 . 14 ), characterized by - an assistance module ( 1 . 10 ), which data ( 13 ) to an application of a customer as well as the type of field device used by the customer ( 5 . 14 ), - a parameterization module ( 2 . 12 ), which is available from the assistant module ( 1 . 10 ) the type of field device and data ( 13 ) is transmitted to the application of the customer, and which is adapted to the data ( 13 ) to the application into suitable parameter values ( 31 ) for the field device and the parameter values ( 31 ) or to the field device ( 5 . 14 ). Parameterisation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the assistance module comprises a graphical user interface. Parameterisation system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the parameterizing module designed for this purpose is the data about the application by means of a rule or by means of one or more translation tables in suitable parameter values for the field device to translate. Parameterization system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the parameterizing module designed is to retrieve data from at least one additional data source. Parameterization system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the parameterization designed to is, data from at least one of the following additional Retrieve data sources: - one Web database, which is designed to data to different Types of field devices to deliver, - one CAD / CAE system, which is designed to provide data for building a To supply production plant, - An applicator, which to is designed data on materials used and chemicals to deliver in a production plant, - a device description, in particular according to the standard EDD, which existing parameters and functionalities for Type of field device used indicates. Parameterisation system according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, characterized in that the parameterizing module designed for this purpose is, the data for the application of the customer as well as the data of the at least one additional Data source to translate into suitable parameter values for the field device. Parameterisation system according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the parameterizing module designed to is the data for the application as well as that of the at least one additional Data source retrieved by means of a set of rules or means one or more translation tables into suitable parameter values for the field device to translate. Parameterization system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the parameterization module is an FDT interface and at least one device type manager for exchanging data with a field device via which parameters and functions of the field device can be accessed. Parameterisation system according to Claim 8, characterized the parameterization module is designed to be connected via the FDT interface and the device type manager the current one Measured value of the field device read. Parameterisation system according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the parameterizing module designed is, the parameter values determined for the field device via the FDT interface and the device type manager to the field device to convey. Parameterization system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one parameter for realizing a filter or smoothing function for one from the field device the measured value is used. Method for parameterizing a field device ( 5 . 14 ), which comprises: - collecting data ( 13 ) to an application of a customer, - detecting the type of field device used by the customer ( 5 . 14 ), - Translating the data ( 13 ) to the application into suitable parameter values ( 31 ) for the field device used ( 5 . 14 ), - storing the parameter values ( 31 ) or transmitting the parameter values ( 31 ) to the field device ( 5 . 14 ). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that that the data to the application by means of a rule or by means of one or more translation tables in suitable parameter values for the field device translates become. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13 by - Recall data from at least one additional data source, - Translate the data for the application of the customer as well as the data of the customer at least one additional Data source into suitable parameter values for the field device. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that that the data for the application as well as that of the at least one additional Data source retrieved by means of a set of rules or means one or more translation tables in suitable parameter values for the field device translates become.