Abstract: A method and field device for monitoring automation technology is disclosed The automation field device has internal sensor apparatus that detects states that the field device is subjected as a whole, connections feeding sensor signals to the field device from external sensor apparatus, a channel to a serial field bus, and a further channel. The field device has a processor and a program stored in a memory. The processor receives signals through the field bus from the internal sensor apparatus and/or through connections to the external sensor apparatus and/or the channel to the field bus. The processor determines an evaluation result using the received signals and uses the further channel to transmit the evaluation result to a higher-order apparatus, using the program. Alternatively, the processor decides in advance whether transmission of the evaluation result is required, using the evaluation result.

Abstract: A planar heterobipolar transistor and its methods for manufacture provide that the transistor has the base-emitter region separated from the collector terminal by a collector parting trench and the parting trench structure may be used to separate the transistor from adjoining function components.