Microprocessor-controlled field device for connection to a field bus system
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorsHerbert Barthel, Wolfgang Stripf
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microprocessor-controlled standard field device, such as a measuring sensor or an actuator, is connected to a field bus system that, in turn, is connected to, for example, a freely programmable controller. The field device is equipped with a security layer for carrying out a security proven communication. A secure and simultaneously cost-effective communication with a control device via a field bus system is made possible by implementing a security layer in, e.g., a conventional operationally proven or redundant standard field device.
Claims17
A microprocessor-controlled standard field device for connection to a field bus system, which is connected to a freely programmable controller, comprising:
- a software safety layer distributed across the microprocessor-controlled standard field device and the freely programmable controller, carrying out proven-safe communication between said microprocessor-controlled standard field device and the freely programmable controller.
A field bus system, comprising:
- at least one freely programmable safety controller, each having a software safety layer;
- at least one microprocessor-controlled standard field device, each including the software safety layer for carrying out proven-safe communication with in said at least one freely programmable safety controller;
- and
- a bus connecting said at least one freely programmable safety controller and said at least one microprocessor-controlled standard field device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.