Method for transmitting a process map via a gateway device

A method for transmitting a process map of a control or automation system via a gateway device including at least one first functional unit, to which a superordinate control unit is connected via a first communications link based on a primary field bus protocol, and at least one second functional unit, to which at least one field device is connected via a second communications link based on a secondary field bus protocol, the method comprising:

• transmitting the process variables provided by the superordinate unit as process data objects based on the primary field bus protocol to the first functional unit of the gateway device, as messages in a byte format with no overhead for each data bit which can be processed by the primary field bus protocol;
• generating eight binary signals from each byte and storing the binary signals in a corresponding register address of the first functional unit;
• entering the signals in integer format from the superordinate unit in a register address;
• transmitting the binary signals stored in the corresponding registers, and analog signals in integer format to the second functional unit operating as a task master;
• and transmitting the binary signals into corresponding messages which can be processed by the secondary field bus protocol and transmitted, together with the analog signals in integer format, to corresponding field devices based on the secondary field bus protocol.

A system for transmitting a process map of a control or automation system comprising:

• a gateway device including at least one first functional unit, to which a superordinate control unit is connected via a first communications link based on a primary field bus protocol, and at least one second functional unit, to which at least one field device is connected via a second communications link based on a secondary field bus protocol,
• wherein the second functional unit of the gateway device, which operates as a task master, receives process variables provided by the field devices as process data objects based on the secondary field bus protocol as messages,
• wherein registers provided in the second functional unit are allocated to the process data objects which are in the form of digital signals and are in binary format, and
• wherein the digital signals stored in the corresponding registers are packed as binary signals into data blocks of eight bits each with no overhead for each data bit, stored in the first functional unit operating as a task gateway, and translated into corresponding messages which can be processed by the primary field bus protocol and can be transmitted, together with analog signals in integer format, to the superordinate control unit based on the primary field bus protocol.

An automation control system, comprising:

• a gateway device including at least one first functional unit, to which a superordinate control unit is connected via a first communications link based on a primary field bus protocol, and at least one second functional unit, to which at least one field device is connected via a second communications link based on a secondary field bus protocol,
• wherein the second functional unit of the gateway device, which operates as a task master, receives process variables provided by the field devices as process data objects based on the secondary field bus protocol as messages,
• wherein registers provided in the second functional unit are allocated to the process data objects which are in the form of digital signals and are in binary format, and
• wherein the digital signals stored in the corresponding registers are packed as binary signals into data blocks of eight bits each with no overhead for each data bit, stored in the first functional unit operating as a task gateway, and translated into corresponding messages which can be processed by the primary field bus protocol and can be transmitted, together with analog signals in integer format, to the superordinate control unit based on the primary field bus protocol.