A three wire transmitter bidirectionally communicates AC signals to and from a first external device and sends DC signals to a second external device. The transmitter includes a communication circuit which is energized from power and common terminals and includes memory storage for transmitter status and a process variable (PV). The communication circuit receives a sensor output indicative of the PV and provides the DC signal and the AC signal to a signal terminal which connects to both external devices, and also receives AC signals from the first external device. The communications circuit has a characteristic AC impedance between the signal and common terminals over an AC frequency range for receiving and transmitting AC signals to and from the first external device so that the receiving signals are not shorted out and so the transmitted signals can be received. The communications circuit has a characteristic DC impedance between the signal and common terminals over a range of frequencies which include DC and typically extend to approximately 20 Hz. The characteristic impedance is substantially lower than the impedance of the second external device which receives DC signals so that the accuracy of the DC signal is not compromised.
A field mounted transmitter for use in a two-wire process control loop includes a sensor, measurement circuitry and a power supply. The sensor senses a process variable of a process which is transmitted over the control loop by the measurement circuitry. The power supply is powered by a current flowing through the control loop and powers the measurement circuitry. The power supply includes an inductive element coupled to the measurement circuitry and a switch which selectively couples the inductive element to the control loop.
An intelligent pressure regulator for maintaining a fluid in a process at a predetermined pressure includes an electronic controller which enhances regulator performance and provides self-diagnostics and communications capabilities. The electronic controller includes a pressure sensor which provides a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled, an adjusting pressure for adjusting the position of a throttling element; and a PID controller which receives the signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled and applies the adjusting pressure to the actuator in response to the signal.
A diagnostic device and method for an intelligent pressure regulator which maintains a fluid in a process at a predetermined pressure. The regulator includes an electronic controller which enhances regulator performance and provides self-diagnostics and communications capabilities. The electronic controller includes a pressure sensor which provides a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled, an adjusting pressure for adjusting the position of a throttling element; and a PID controller which receives the signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled and applies the adjusting pressure to the actuator in response to the signal.
A low power analog output circuit is disclosed that utilizes a low pass filter driven by a bit stream to render a waveshaped output signal based upon a raw digital data signal. The analog output circuit includes sequential bit pattern selection logic that receives as an input, the raw digital data signal. The analog output circuit also includes a bit pattern storage that specifies bit stream sequences that are selected in accordance with control signals generated by the state machine based upon its current state and the current raw digital data signal. The analog output circuit includes an output stage driven by a digital input signal corresponding to values provided by a bit stream sequence selected from the bit pattern storage. The output stage comprises a low pass filter circuit having an effective time constant that is greater than a hold period associated with a single bit of the bit stream sequence that drives the digital input signal.
A process field device for coupling to a two wire process control loop includes a field device circuitry and a switching regulator to power the circuitry. A series regulator provides a regulated supply voltage to the switching regulator. A noise filter reduces the amount of noise from the switching regulator which enters the two wire process control loop.
