초록 ▼

A diagnostic system is adapted to perform device and process diagnostics in a process control network having a plurality of process control devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the devices is capable of preforming a process control function and of communicating over the bus usi

A diagnostic system is adapted to perform device and process diagnostics in a process control network having a plurality of process control devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the devices is capable of preforming a process control function and of communicating over the bus using scheduled periodic communications. The diagnostic system is disposed in a first one of the devices and includes a signal generator that produces a diagnostic control signal, a communicator configured to deliver the diagnostic control signal to a second one of the devices using scheduled periodic communications, and an output signal receiver adapted to receive an output signal developed by the second device in response to the diagnostic control signal. The diagnostic system may use the received output signal to perform diagnostics or may send this signal to a host device for diagnostic analysis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A diagnostic system for use in a process control network having a plurality of devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the devices is capable of performing a process control function and of communicating on the bus using scheduled periodic communication

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A diagnostic system for use in a process control network having a plurality of devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the devices is capable of performing a process control function and of communicating on the bus using scheduled periodic communications to thereby implement a process control scheme during regular operation of the process control network, the diagnostic system comprising:a diagnostic signal generator disposed in a first one of the devices that generates a diagnostic control signal;a communicator coupled to the diagnostic signal generator and configured to deliver the diagnostic control signal via the bus to an input of a second one of the devices using the scheduled periodic communications, wherein the second one of the devices is configured to receive a process control signal from a different signal source during regular operation of the process control network; anda signal receiver that receives an output signal developed by another device in response to the diagnostic control signal.