# US 8,751,704 B2 · Method for operating a fieldbus interface

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,751,704 B2
- Document ID: US8751704B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/496,965
- Filed: 2010-08-30
- Published: 2012-07-19
- Granted: 2014-06-10
- Earliest claimed: 2009-10-06
- Assignees: Endress + Hauser Process Solutions AG
- Applicants: Robert Kolblin; Michael Maneval; Axel Poschmann; Jorg Reinkensmeier
- Inventors: Robert Kolblin; Michael Maneval; Axel Poschmann; Jorg Reinkensmeier
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8751704B2

## CPC

- H04L 12/4035: {in which slots of a TDMA packet structure are assigned based on a contention resolution carried out at a master unit (TDM/TDMA multiplex systems per se H04J3/1694; hybrid switching systems H04L12/64)}
- G05B 15/02: electric
- H04L 12/40032: {Details regarding a bus interface enhancer}
- H04L 41/0853: by actively collecting configuration information or by backing up configuration information
- H04L 43/00: Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L 2012/40221: {Profibus}
- Y04S 40/00: Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)
- Y04S: SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS

## Abstract

A method for operating a fieldbus interface (FI) connected to a fieldbus of process automation technology. The method includes the following: tapping data traffic on the fieldbus by the fieldbus interface; and registering tapped configuration information relative to cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus by the fieldbus interface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for operating a fieldbus interface connected to a fieldbus of process automation technology, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
tapping data traffic on the fieldbus by the fieldbus interface; and
registering tapped configuration information relative to cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus by the fieldbus interface.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the configuration information relative to the cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus contains information concerning the outputs, which, in the context of process control, are delivered from a superordinated unit to a field device associated with the superordinated unit; and/or
information concerning the inputs, which, in the context of process control, are obtained by a superordinated unit from a field device associated with the superordinated unit.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the configuration information relative to the cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus contains information concerning device parameters, especially frequency of the alternating current grid applied for supplying devices connected to the fieldbus.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
registered configuration information relative to the cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus is stored by the fieldbus interface.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the data traffic on the fieldbus is continuously tapped by the fieldbus interface at least during an initializing phase of at least one field device connected to the fieldbus.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of:
transmitting registered configuration information relative to the cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus by the fieldbus interface to at least one communication unit, which is in communication with the fieldbus interface.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
registered configuration information relative to the cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus is transmitted via the fieldbus interface to a computer supported, plant asset management system, a computer supported, state monitoring system and/or a computer supported system for plant optimization.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the fieldbus is embodied according to the Profibus® standard.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
the fieldbus interface registers tapped configuration information, which is transmitted in a “Chk_Cfg telegram” and/or in a “Set_Prm telegram”.

### Claim 10

A fieldbus interface for connecting to a fieldbus of process automation technology, wherein the fieldbus interface is embodied in such a manner that data traffic on the fieldbus is tappable through such fieldbus interface and tapped configuration information relative to cyclic data traffic on the fieldbus can be registered.