Wireless field device with removable power source
AssigneeRosemount Inc.
InventorKelly M. Orth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wireless field device for use in controlling or monitoring an industrial process, includes a process interface configured to couple to a process fluid. Field device circuitry is coupled to the process interface and configured to measure or control a process variable. Wireless communication circuitry is configured to provide wireless communication. At least one electrical access terminal is configured to provide an electrical connection to circuitry of the field device. A power supply is configured to power the wireless field device. The power supply includes a removable primary power source to provide power to the field device for extended periods of time. A secondary power source is configured to provide power to the field device when the primary power source is removed.
Claims20
A wireless field device for use in controlling or monitoring an industrial process, industrial process equipment or industrial process plant comprising:
- a process interface configured to control or sense a process variable of a process fluid of the industrial process;
- field device circuitry coupled to the process interface configured to measure or control the process variable;
- a power supply configured to power the wireless field device, comprising:
- a removable primary power source;
- a secondary power source configured to provide power to the field device when the primary power source is removed;
- a detector configured to detect removal of the primary power source or insufficient power of the primary power source;
- and
- wireless communication circuitry configured to provide wireless communication and communicate at a reduced data rate upon detection of removal or insufficient power of the primary power source.
A method of powering a wireless field device for use in controlling or monitoring an industrial process, comprising:
- providing a process interface configured to couple to a process fluid of the industrial process;
- measuring or controlling a process variable using the process interface;
- wirelessly communicating with the wireless field device using wireless communication circuitry;
- powering circuitry of the wireless field device using a primary power source;
- removing the primary power source from the field device;
- powering the field device with a secondary power source when the primary power source is removed;
- detecting removal of the primary power source;
- and
- wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication circuitry at a reduced rate upon detection of removal of the primary power source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.