Abstract: A differential pressure sensor module includes a base having a pair of process fluid pressure inlets and defining a sensor chamber having a sensor chamber inlet. A differential pressure sensor is disposed within the sensor chamber and has an inlet configured to receive a first pressure and provide a signal indicative of a difference between the first pressure and a sensor chamber pressure external to the differential pressure sensor within the sensor chamber. A pair of isolation diaphragms are provided in substantially the same plane, with each isolation diaphragm sealing a respective process fluid pressure inlet. A first fluid passageway is operably coupled to one of the isolation diaphragms and the inlet of the differential pressure sensor. A second fluid passageway is operably coupled to the other of the isolation diaphragms and to the sensor chamber inlet. An overpressure protection feature is operably coupled to the sensor chamber, the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A method of joining a brittle material to a component is provided. The method includes depositing a metallization layer on a surface of the brittle material. A layer of joining material is applied between the brittle material and the component, such that the component and the brittle material define an interface area. The metallization layer and the joining material layer extends beyond the interface area.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor module includes a base having a pair of process fluid pressure inlets and defining a sensor chamber having a sensor chamber inlet. A differential pressure sensor is disposed within the sensor chamber and has an inlet configured to receive a first pressure and provide a signal indicative of a difference between the first pressure and a sensor chamber pressure external to the differential pressure sensor within the sensor chamber. A pair of isolation diaphragms are provided in substantially the same plane, with each isolation diaphragm sealing a respective process fluid pressure inlet. A first fluid passageway is operably coupled to one of the isolation diaphragms and the inlet of the differential pressure sensor. A second fluid passageway is operably coupled to the other of the isolation diaphragms and to the sensor chamber inlet. An overpressure protection feature is operably coupled to the sensor chamber, the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A method of joining a brittle material to a component is provided. The method includes depositing a metallization layer on a surface of the brittle material. A layer of joining material is applied between the brittle material and the component, such that the component and the brittle material define an interface area. The metallization layer and the joining material layer extends beyond the interface area.

Abstract: A process device has a process seal for coupling to an industrial process. The process device includes a process device body having an isolation cavity and an isolation passageway extending from the isolation cavity to a pressure sensor. The isolation cavity and isolation passageway filled with an isolation fluid. An isolation diaphragm is positioned to isolate the isolation cavity from process fluid. The isolation diaphragm has a process fluid side and an isolation fluid side. A weld ring is positioned around a periphery of the process fluid side of the isolation diaphragm. The weld ring is formed of a first material compatible with the isolation diaphragm and a second material compatible with the process device body. A weld secures the weld ring to the process device body.

Abstract: A process device has a process seal for coupling to an industrial process. The process device includes a process device body having an isolation cavity and an isolation passageway extending from the isolation cavity to a pressure sensor. The isolation cavity and isolation passageway filled with an isolation fluid. An isolation diaphragm is positioned to isolate the isolation cavity from process fluid. The isolation diaphragm has a process fluid side and an isolation fluid side. A weld ring is positioned around a periphery of the process fluid side of the isolation diaphragm. The weld ring is formed of a first material compatible with the isolation diaphragm and a second material compatible with the process device body. A weld secures the weld ring to the process device body.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with pressure sensor mount includes pressure measurement circuitry. A metal body of the pressure transmitter has a pressure coupling configured to couple to a process pressure. A pressure sensor is configured to provide an output related to an applied pressure to the pressure measurement circuitry. A conduit is coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to apply an applied pressure corresponding to the process pressure to pressure sensor. A non-conductive spacer is configured to electrically isolate the conduit from the metal body. The non-conductive spacer has an opening formed therein and is arranged to convey the applied from the metal body to the conduit.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with pressure sensor mount includes pressure measurement circuitry. A metal body of the pressure transmitter has a pressure coupling configured to couple to a process pressure. A pressure sensor is configured to provide an output related to an applied pressure to the pressure measurement circuitry. A conduit is coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to apply an applied pressure corresponding to the process pressure to pressure sensor. A non-conductive spacer is configured to electrically isolate the conduit from the metal body. The non-conductive spacer has an opening formed therein and is arranged to convey the applied from the metal body to the conduit.

Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter includes first and second process fluid inlets. A differential pressure sensor is disposed within the transmitter and has first and second sensor inlets. A first isolator diaphragm is located proximate the first process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the first sensor inlet through a first fill fluid volume. A second isolator diaphragm is located proximate the second process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the second sensor inlet through a second fill fluid volume. Measurement circuitry is operably coupled to the differential pressure sensor and configured to measure an electrical parameter of the sensor and provide an indication of the measured parameter. A third fluid volume substantially surrounds the differential pressure sensor. The third fluid volume exerts a compressive force on the differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A differential pressure transmitter includes first and second process fluid inlets. A differential pressure sensor is disposed within the transmitter and has first and second sensor inlets. A first isolator diaphragm is located proximate the first process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the first sensor inlet through a first fill fluid volume. A second isolator diaphragm is located proximate the second process fluid inlet and is operably coupled to the second sensor inlet through a second fill fluid volume. Measurement circuitry is operably coupled to the differential pressure sensor and configured to measure an electrical parameter of the sensor and provide an indication of the measured parameter. A third fluid volume substantially surrounds the differential pressure sensor. The third fluid volume exerts a compressive force on the differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter comprises a metal wall separating a process pressure chamber from an electronics compartment. The metal wall has a stepped bore with a bore shelf facing the process pressure chamber. A metal header has a stepped outer rim with a header shelf that contacts the bore shelf. The metal header includes at least one electrical feedthrough with a glass-to-metal seal adjacent the stepped outer rim. A welded seal seals the stepped outer rim to the stepped bore.

Abstract: An electrically variable optical attenuator and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the attenuator includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output with respect to a variable that affects attenuation. Methods of characterizing the attenuator include obtaining a set of attenuation/sensed variable data, and generating a relationship (such as a look-up table or mathematical function) relating the sensed variable to the attenuation. Aspects of the invention also include characterizing the control input/attenuation output to be related by a selected mathematical function.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter comprises a metal wall separating a process pressure chamber from an electronics compartment. The metal wall has a stepped bore with a bore shelf facing the process pressure chamber. A metal header has a stepped outer rim with a header shelf that contacts the bore shelf. The metal header includes at least one electrical feedthrough with a glass-to-metal seal adjacent the stepped outer rim. A welded seal seals the stepped outer rim to the stepped bore.

Abstract: A process control system utilizes wireless transceivers to divorce the field devices from traditional wired network topologies. By providing field devices with wireless transceivers and shared wireless transceivers for adapting wired field devices, the field device network may be adapted to any number of network topologies without concern for additional wiring costs. Specifically, a power supply can be provided for each field device or for groups of field devices, as needed. Thus, the entire network can receive power from a single power bus, without expensive power filtering. In addition, the network can be a hybrid in which part of the information is transmitted and received over wired lines and part is transmitted and received over wireless communications.

Abstract: A pressure sensing capsule includes a pressure sensor inside a capsule wall. The capsule wall includes a feedthrough opening. The pressure sensor is mounted to a stress isolation member with a feedthrough hole. The pressure sensor is mounted to the stress isolation member with the feedthrough hole overlying electrical contacts on the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes an elongate pressure sensor mounted to a sensor mounting block. A protective element covers the elongate pressure sensor to prevent the pressure sensor from contacting process fluid.

Abstract: A pressure sensing capsule includes a pressure sensor inside a capsule wall. The capsule wall includes a feedthrough opening. The pressure sensor is mounted to a stress isolation member with a feedthrough hole. The pressure sensor is mounted to the stress isolation member with the feedthrough hole overlying electrical contacts on the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electrically variable optical attenuator and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, the attenuator includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output with respect to a variable that affects attenuation. Methods of characterizing the attenuator include obtaining a set of attenuation/sensed variable data, and generating a relationship (such as a look-up table or mathematical function) relating the sensed variable to the attenuation. Aspects of the invention also include characterizing the control input/attenuation output to be related by a selected mathematical function.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with a fluid isolator that includes a sensor tube and a fill tube that have “D” shaped ends that connect together in a port internal to the transmitter. The shaped ends can be brazed into the port for sealing. Fitting both the sensor tube and the fill tube in the same port provides a low cost isolator with reduced isolator liquid volume. The fluid isolator has an isolator diaphragm with a central diaphragm region overlying a central backing plate that includes a annular groove. The annular groove avoids slow response of the isolator after an overpressure condition.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes an elongate pressure sensor mounted to a sensor mounting block. A protective element covers the elongate pressure sensor to prevent the pressure sensor from contacting process fluid.