General Electric Company
Process control device using power over ethernet with configurable analog and digital interface

Abstract:

Exemplified methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate field devices controlled by networks using Power-over-Ethernet. The field device includes a field-side circuit having a plurality of universal and independent configurable (and re-configurable) input-output interface that can universally interface to most industrial field devices. Each channel employs a group of analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion paths that facilitate independent data flows in which signals are not multiplexed across individual interfaces. In addition, the field-side circuit operatively couples to a control side circuit with two Power-over-Ethernet modules, e.g., for redundancy, that each facilitates communication and power to the field-side circuit while, concurrently, reducing wiring complexity for a redundant system during installation.