Field device adapter for wireless data transfer

An automation technology system, comprising:

• a field device having an interface for a display internal to the field device;
• and
• a field device adapter for wireless data transfer, including:
• an interface for connection to the field-device-internal interface provided for the display of the field device;
• a radio module configured to wirelessly transmit a data packet in accordance with a standard of a low-power wide-area network, wherein the radio module is further configured only to transmit the data packet and not to receive any data packets;
• and
• an adapter electronics, including:
• a current-limiting circuit configured to limit an energy drawn via the field-device-internal interface to a predefined value corresponding to a maximum energy requirement of the display;
• and
• a stored energy source,
• wherein the adapter electronics are configured to charge the stored energy source with the limited energy, to monitor a state of charge of the stored energy source, and to compare a currently determined state of charge with a predetermined state of charge, and
• wherein the adapter electronics are further configured to provide the radio module with energy originating from the stored energy source when the predetermined state of charge is reached,
• wherein the radio module is further configured to transmit the data packet based on the provided energy,
• wherein the field device adapter is electrically connected to the field-device-internal interface via the interface of the field device adapter.

A method for operating a field device adapter for wireless data transfer on a field device, the method comprising:

• providing the field device adapter, including:
• an interface for connection to a field-device-internal interface provided for a display of the field device;
• a radio module configured to wirelessly transmit a data packet in accordance with a standard of a low-power wide-area network, wherein the radio module is further configured only to transmit the data packet and not to receive any data packets;
• and
• an adapter electronics, including:
• a current-limiting circuit configured to limit an energy drawn via the field-device-internal interface to a predefined value corresponding to a maximum energy requirement of the display;
• and
• a stored energy source,
• wherein the adapter electronics are configured to charge the stored energy source with the limited energy, to monitor a state of charge of the stored energy source, and to compare a currently determined state of charge with a predetermined state of charge, and
• wherein the adapter electronics are further configured to provide the radio module with energy originating from the stored energy source when the predetermined state of charge is reached,
• wherein the radio module is further configured to transmit the data packet based on the provided energy;
• exposing the field-device-internal interface of the field device to which a display of the field device is electrically connectable;
• and
• connecting the field device adapter to the field-device-internal interface so that the field device adapter is electrically connected to the field-device-internal interface instead of the display.