Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing a sensor can involve detecting a group of sensor signals output from a sensor, and differentiating from among the sensor signals to distinguish inequalities in the sensor signals for an indication of a potential fault in the sensor. A small sensor signal can be identified from a larger sensor signal among the sensor signals for the indication of the potential fault in the sensor. The sensor can include a group of piezo-resistive Wheatstone bridge elements, and in some embodiments, the sensor may be a pressure transmitter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing a sensor can involve detecting a group of sensor signals output from a sensor, and differentiating from among the sensor signals to distinguish inequalities in the sensor signals for an indication of a potential fault in the sensor. A small sensor signal can be identified from a larger sensor signal among the sensor signals for the indication of the potential fault in the sensor. The sensor can include a group of piezo-resistive Wheatstone bridge elements, and in some embodiments, the sensor may be a pressure transmitter.

Abstract: A method of analog to digital conversion for a field device having an analog to digital converter system (ADCS) including an ADC and a plurality of filters. An analog sensing signal is received from a sensor which measures a level of a physical parameter in a manufacturing system that runs a physical process. A level of the physical parameter is compared to reference noise data. Based on the comparing, at least one ADCS parameter is determined. The ADCS parameter is implemented to configure the ADCS. The ADCS is utilized with the ADCS parameter to generate a filtered digitized sensing signal from the analog sensing signal.

Abstract: An obstruction marking method includes generating a first echo curve using an electronic level gauge (ELG) coupled to a tank from a first reflected signal (echo signal) received when a material in the tank is at a first level. The ELG includes a radar-based obstruction detection algorithm stored in a memory coupled thereto. A processor implementing the obstruction detection algorithm identifies at least a first feature in the first echo curve to provide at least one suspected obstruction along with its position (first feature position). A second echo curve is generated from a second reflected signal when the material is at a second level. A third echo curve is generated from a third reflected signal when the material is at a third level. The suspected obstruction at the first feature position is stored in the memory as a verified obstruction with its first feature position.

Abstract: A fluid level transmitter combination for placement on a tank having ?2 tank apertures. A first and second flange provides a first, second and third flange aperture over the tank aperture(s). A temperature sensor over the first flange aperture senses a temperature. A first pressure sensor over the second flange aperture senses a first pressure. A second pressure sensor senses a second pressure. A processor is coupled to the output of the second pressure sensor that implements a compensated fluid level determination algorithm using the temperature, first pressure, and second pressure to generate a compensated fluid level measurement for the process fluid. A transmitter is coupled to an output of the processor.

Abstract: An obstruction marking method includes generating a first echo curve using an electronic level gauge (ELG) coupled to a tank from a first reflected signal (echo signal) received when a material in the tank is at a first level. The ELG includes a radar-based obstruction detection algorithm stored in a memory coupled thereto. A processor implementing the obstruction detection algorithm identifies at least a first feature in the first echo curve to provide at least one suspected obstruction along with its position (first feature position). A second echo curve is generated from a second reflected signal when the material is at a second level. A third echo curve is generated from a third reflected signal when the material is at a third level. The suspected obstruction at the first feature position is stored in the memory as a verified obstruction with its first feature position.

Abstract: A fluid level transmitter combination for placement on a tank having ?2 tank apertures. At least one flange provides a first, second and third flange aperture over the tank aperture(s). A temperature sensor over the first flange aperture senses a temperature. A first pressure sensor over the second flange aperture senses a first pressure. A level transmitter extends through the third flange aperture for transmitting a pulse signal into the process fluid or at its surface and receiving a pulse echo or a second pressure sensor senses a second pressure. A processor is coupled to the level transceiver or to an output of the second pressure sensor that implements a compensated fluid level determination algorithm using the temperature, first pressure, and pulse echo or second pressure to generate a compensated fluid level measurement for the process fluid. A transmitter is coupled to an output of the processor.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe serviceable transmitter apparatus and method includes a sensor module composed of at least a sensor and a sensor electronic module in order to transmit an electrical signal from the sensor module to a dual cap electronic housing module. The dual cap electronic housing module includes an electronics module, a terminal block, and an intrinsically safe circuit and noise rejection unit. The electronic housing module includes a meter cap and a field-wiring cap in order to permit a user to open either side of the transmitter housing in an intrinsically sale environment. Once open, a local integral meter can be added to calibrate and reconfigure the apparatus and/or to replace a communications board. The terminal block located in a field-wiring compartment acts as an intrinsically safe barrier for the rest of the transmitter electronics and simplifies board replacement.

Abstract: A method of analog to digital conversion for a field device having an analog to digital converter system (ADCS) including an ADC and a plurality of filters. An analog sensing signal is received from a sensor which measures a level of a physical parameter in a manufacturing system that runs a physical process. A level of the physical parameter is compared to reference noise data. Based on the comparing, at least one ADCS parameter is determined. The ADCS parameter is implemented to configure the ADCS. The ADCS is utilized with the ADCS parameter to generate a filtered digitized sensing signal from the analog sensing signal.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe serviceable transmitter apparatus and method includes a sensor module composed of at least a sensor and a sensor electronic module in order to transmit an electrical signal from the sensor module to a dual cap electronic housing module. The dual cap electronic housing module includes an electronics module, a terminal block, and an intrinsically safe circuit and noise rejection unit. The electronic housing module includes a meter cap and a field-wiring cap in order to permit a user to open either side of the transmitter housing in an intrinsically sale environment. Once open, a local integral meter can be added to calibrate and reconfigure the apparatus and/or to replace a communications board. The terminal block located in a field-wiring compartment acts as an intrinsically safe barrier for the rest of the transmitter electronics and simplifies board replacement.