Abstract: A multi-protocol interface for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is disclosed. The interface includes measurement circuitry to perform a plurality of measurements on a connected process communication loop to determine a process communication loop type. Then, if the interface includes a protocol interface module that matches the detected loop type, the protocol interface module can be engaged. A method for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is also provided. In one aspect, power from the general purpose computer is used to power the process communication loop, if the interface determines that the loop is not powered.

Abstract: A field device includes diagnostic circuitry adapted to measure a characteristic related to a process control and measurement system. The measured characteristic is used to provide a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the process control and measurement system. The measured characteristic can be provided to a diagnostic module that operates upon the measured characteristic to predict, or otherwise model, a condition of the process control and measurement system.

Abstract: A hand-held communication and diagnostic tool is provided. The tool is able to automatically detect connection to a process control loop as well as detect the type of loop to which it is connected without substantially disturbing messaging on the loop. Once the tool determines the type of loop to which it is connected, it provides suitable communication and diagnostics appropriate to that specific type.

Abstract: A hand-held communication and diagnostic tool is provided. The tool is able to automatically detect connection to a process control loop as well as detect the type of loop to which it is connected without substantially disturbing messaging on the loop. Once the tool determines the type of loop to which it is connected, it provides suitable communication and diagnostics appropriate to that specific type.

Abstract: A field device includes diagnostic circuitry adapted to measure a characteristic related to a process control and measurement system. The measured characteristic is used to provide a diagnostic output indicative of a condition of the process control and measurement system. The measured characteristic can be provided to a diagnostic module that operates upon the measured characteristic to predict, or otherwise model, a condition of the process control and measurement system.

Abstract: In this invention, a multivariable transmitter providing an output representative of mass flow has a dual microprocessor structure. The first microprocessor compensates digitized process variables and the second microprocessor computes the mass flow as well as arbitrating communications between the transmitter and a master. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a first microprocessor compensates digitized process variables, a second microprocessor computes an installation specific physical parameter such as mass flow and a third microprocessor arbitrates real-time communications between the transmitter and a master.

Abstract: A transmitter couples an output to a loop which represents a sensed process variable such as pressure. A microprocessor-based circuit in the transmitter senses the process variable and computes an output signal and provides the output to the loop. A communication circuit in the transmitter receives a high frequency signal including a transmitter parameter from the loop. The communication circuit couples the parameter to the microprocessor. The microprocessor couples the parameter to an EEPROM. The high energization requirements of the EEPROM during a WRITE interval are supplied by an energization circuit. The energization circuit receives energization from the loop at a low rate so that the output is not substantially disturbed. The energization circuit stores energy and supplies energization to the EEPROM during the WRITE time interval without substantially disturbing the loop current.