Wireless process field device diagnostics

A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:

• powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell without a wired connection to an external source of power;
• diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell, the diagnostics indicative of an impending failure of the power source;
• and
• transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link.

A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:

• a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process;
• a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter;
• diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the power source;
• wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link;
• wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell;
• the power source includes a battery;
• and
• the diagnostic circuitry provides an output related to a time period required to charge the battery.

A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising:

• a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process;
• a power source configured to power the process variable transmitter;
• diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose operation of the power source of the process variable transmitter and having a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the power source;
• wireless communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive information related to the sensed process variable and related to the diagnostic output over a wireless communication link;
• wherein the power source includes a solar cell and wherein the diagnostic circuitry monitors a voltage output of the solar cell;
• the power source includes a battery;
• and
• a MOSFET which couples the battery to the circuitry configured to prevent discharge of the battery.

A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:

• powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell;
• diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell;
• transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link;
• the power source includes a battery;
• and
• providing an output related to a time period required to charge the battery.

A method for diagnosing a wireless process transmitter coupled to an industrial process comprising:

• powering the wireless process transmitter with a power source which includes a solar cell;
• diagnosing operation of the power source of the wireless process transmitter by monitoring a voltage output of the solar cell;
• transmitting information related to a diagnoses of the power source of the wireless process transmitter over a wireless communication link;
• the power source includes a battery;
• and
• providing an output related to battery temperature.