
1 Design and principle of
operation
The digital positioner receives the reference
variable (reference variable w) transmitted
cyclically over FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus
and compares it to the travel or rotational
angle of the control valve (controlled vari-
able x). The positioner issues a pneumatic
signal pressure (output variable y) to correct
the valve position.
The Type 3730-5 Positioner communicates
with field devices, logic solvers, and process
control system over FOUNDATIONTM
Fieldbus protocol.
An integrated PID function block permits the
required process variable to be controlled
directly in the field.
The positioner is designed depending on the
corresponding accessories for direct attach-
ment to SAMSON Type 3277 Actuators or
for attachment to actuators according to
IEC 60534-6 (NAMUR).
Additionally, a coupling wheel included in
the accessories is required to transfer the ro-
tary motion for rotary actuators according to
VDI/VDE 3845.
Springless rotary actuators require a revers-
ing amplifier to allow the positioner to oper-
ate in either direction.
The positioner basically consists of a travel
sensor system that functions proportional to
the resistance, an analog i/p module with
downstream booster as well as the electronic
unit with a microcontroller.
The position of the valve is transmitted as an
angle of rotation to the travel sensor (2) and
to an analog PD controller (3).
Simultaneously, an A/D converter (4) trans-
mits the position of the valve to the
microcontroller (5). The PD compares this
actual position to the FOUNDATIONTM
Fieldbus reference variable transmitted cycli-
cally by the control equipment.
In case of a system deviation, the operation
of the i/p converter (6) is changed so that
the actuator (1) is filled or vented via the
downstream air capacity booster (7). This
causes the closure member of the control
valve to move to the position determined by
the reference variable.
The pneumatic air capacity booster (7) and
the pressure regulator (8) are provided with
supply air. An intermediate flow regulator
(9) with fixed settings is used to purge the
positioner and also guarantees trouble-free
operation of the pneumatic booster. The out-
put signal pressure supplied by the booster
can be limited over the software.
The volume restriction Q (10) is used to opti-
mize the positioner.
1.1 Additional equipment
Version with solenoid valve
If the operating voltage for the solenoid
valve (12) fails, the supply pressure for the
i/p module is vented to the atmosphere. The
positioner can no longer operate and the
control valve moves to the fail-safe position
determined by the actuator, independent of
the reference variable.
6EB 8384-5 EN
Design and principle of operation