Abstract: An arrangement operable to communicate with a fieldbus network and operate an attached relay and a method for implementing such arrangement is provided. The arrangement and method provide conventional discrete outputs from a fieldbus device using standard fieldbus function blocks, such as those used for Foundation® and Profibus® fieldbus networks. The arrangement and method may facilitate the integration of traditional discrete relay functions into these more advanced digital fieldbus networks, and also utilize additional functions available to standard Foundation® fieldbus and Profibus® fieldbus network devices.

Abstract: An arrangement operable to communicate with a fieldbus network and operate an attached relay and a method for implementing such arrangement is provided. The arrangement and method provide conventional discrete outputs from a fieldbus device using standard fieldbus function blocks, such as those used for Foundation® and Profibus® fieldbus networks. The arrangement and method may facilitate the integration of traditional discrete relay functions into these more advanced digital fieldbus networks, and also utilize additional functions available to standard Foundation® fieldbus and Profibus® fieldbus network devices.

Abstract: Protocol converter device converts between a 4-20 mA analog signal format and a digital Fieldbus signal format. An input circuit is provided, coupled to the transmitters which includes a multiplexer for selecting one of the analog signals from the transmitters of, e.g., three different field devices or from the analog signal converted from a digital signal. After the analog signal is converted to a digital signal, a central processing unit converts the converted digital signal into a digital quantity of a property of interest which may be display and/or transmitted to other devices or a control computer via a Fieldbus. The central processing unit selects which transmitter converted analog signal is to be displayed. The converter circuit can be placed in an environmental hazard resistant housing, to create a protocol conversion unit that can be located in a convenient field or control center location.