HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING HVAC DEVICE BLOCK

Abstract

A base HVAC device block (10) comprising a housing (11); an HVAC functional device (M/S); an extension interface (16A); an external electrical interface (18) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s); and an electronic circuit (12) connected with the HVAC functional device (M/S). In a first configuration, the base HVAC device block (10) is configured to connect the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s) and thereby provide HVAC functionality(s) of a first category. In a second configuration, the base HVAC device block (10) is configured to route the transmission of data signal(s) through an add-on electronic circuit (22) of an add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10) via an add-on interface (26B) of the add-on HVAC device block (20) to thereby provide HVAC functionality(s) of a second category.

Claims

1. A base HVAC device block (10) comprising: a housing (11); an HVAC functional device (M/S); an extension interface (16A) arranged on the housing (11); an external electrical interface (18) arranged on the housing (11) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s); and an electronic circuit (12) connected with the HVAC functional device (M/S) configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a first category, wherein: the external electrical interface (18) is connected with the electronic circuit (12) and with the extension interface (16A) for transmission of electrical power; the extension interface (16A) is connected with the external electrical interface (18) for transmission of data signal(s); the base HVAC device block (10) is configured: in a first configuration, to connect the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s); and in a second configuration, to connect the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s) through an add-on electronic circuit (22) of an add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10) via an add-on interface (26B) of the add-on HVAC device block (20), wherein the add-on electronic circuit (22) is configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a second category.

2. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 1, wherein providing HVAC functionalityby the electronic circuit (12) and/or by the add-on electronic circuit (22) comprises: generating signal(s) for controlling the HVAC functional device (M/S) and/or processing signals generated by the HVAC functional device (M/S).

3. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 2, wherein HVAC functionality is provided using computer readable instructions executable by a processor of the electronic circuit (12) and/or of the add-on electronic circuit (22).

4. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the external electrical interface (18) and the extension interface (16A) comprise signal connector(s) (S1, Sn) for the transmission of data signals and power connector(s) (P1, Pn) for the transmission of electrical power; the electronic circuit (12) and the power connector(s) (P1, Pn) of the extension interface (16A) are connected with the power connector(s) (P1, Pn) of the external electrical interface (18) for transmission of electrical power; and the electronic circuit (12) and the signal connector(s) (S1, Sn) of the extension interface (16A) are connected with the signal connector(s) (S1, Sn) of the external electrical interface (18) for the transmission of data signal(s).

5. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 1, wherein the HVAC functional device (M/S) comprises an electric motor (M) arranged within the housing (11) to drive an actuated part (80) and/or a sensor (S) configured to measure a parameter of an HVAC system (100).

6. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a switching device for switching between the first configuration and the second configuration.

7. The base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 6, wherein the switching device is configured to switch the base HVAC device block (10) into the second configuration upon an add-on HVAC device block (20) being attached to the base HVAC device block (10) and/or to switch the HVAC device block (10) into the first configuration upon an add-on HVAC device block (20) being detached from the base HVAC device block (10).

8. An add-on HVAC device block (20) comprising: a housing (21); an add-on interface (26B) arranged on the housing (21); and an add-on electronic circuit (22) connected with the add-on interface (26B), wherein, the add-on HVAC device block (20) is configured, when attached to a base HVAC device block (10): to connect an external electrical interface (18) with an electronic circuit (12) of the base HVAC device block (10) for transmission of data signal(s) through the add-on electronic circuit (22), via the add-on interface (26B) and an extension interface (16A) of the base HVAC device block (10); to provide, using the add-on electronic circuit (22), HVAC functionality(s) of a second category to the base HVAC device block (10): by generating signal(s) for controlling the HVAC functional device (M/S) and/or by processing signals generated by the HVAC functional device (M/S).

9. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8, wherein the add-on electronic circuit (22) is connected with the add-on interface (26B) for the transmission of electrical power.

10. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8, wherein HVAC functionality is provided using computer readable instructions executable by a processor of the add-on electronic circuit (22) and/or the electronic circuit (12) attached to the add-on HVAC device block (20).

11. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according claim 8, further comprising a second add-on interface (26A) arranged on the housing (21), the second add-on interface (26A) being connected with the add-on interface (26B) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s), wherein the second add-on interface (26A) is configured to be able to receive one or more further add-on HVAC device block(s) (20).

12. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8, further comprising an add-on external electrical interface (28) arranged on the housing (21) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s), the add-on external electrical interface (28) being connected to the add-on electronic circuit (22).

13. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8, wherein the add-on interface (26B) is configured for transmission of data signal(s) and transmission of electrical power over same electrical connections, the add-on HVAC device block (20) further comprising a power supply unit (23) configured to: transfer data signal(s) between the add-on interface (26B) and the add-on electronic circuit (22); transfer electrical power from the add-on interface (26B) to the add-on electronic circuit (22).

14. The add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8, further comprising a power interface (29) and a power converter (25) configured to provide electrical power supplied through the power interface (29) for the electric circuit (12) of the base HVAC device block (10) and/or the electronic circuit (22) of the add-on HVAC device block (20).

15. An HVAC field device (1) comprising: a base HVAC device block (10) comprising: a housing (11); an HVAC functional device (M/S); an extension interface (16A) arranged on the housing (11); an external electrical interface (18) arranged on the housing (11) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s); and an electronic circuit (12) connected with the HVAC functional device (M/S) configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a first category, wherein: the external electrical interface (18) is connected with the electronic circuit (12) and with the extension interface (16A) for transmission of electrical power; the extension interface (16A) is connected with the external electrical interface (18) for transmission of data signal(s); the base HVAC device block (10) is configured: in a first configuration, to connect the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s); and in a second configuration, to connect the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s) through an add-on electronic circuit (22) of an add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10) via an add-on interface (26B) of the add-on HVAC device block (20), wherein the add-on electronic circuit (22) is configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a second category; and an add-on HVAC device block (20) according to claim 8; wherein the add-on HVAC device block (20) is attached to the base HVAC device block (10) so that the add-on interface (26B) is connected with the extension interface (16A) for transmission of electrical power and data signal(s).

16. A method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) comprising: an HVAC functional device (M/S); an extension interface (16A) arranged on the housing (11); an external electrical interface (18) arranged on the housing (11) for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s); and an electronic circuit (12) connected with the HVAC functional device (M/S) configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a first category, wherein: the external electrical interface (18) is connected with the electronic circuit (12) and with the extension interface (16A) for transmission of electrical power; and the extension interface (16A) is connected with the external electrical interface (18) for transmission of data signal(s), the method comprising the steps of: providing HVAC functionality(s) of a first category using the HVAC functional device (M/S) by operating the base HVAC device block (10) in a first configuration comprising connecting the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s); and providing HVAC functionality(s) of a second category using the HVAC functional device (M/S) by operating the base HVAC device block (10) in a second configuration comprising: attaching an add-on HVAC device block (20) to the base HVAC device block (10) so that an add-on interface (26B) of the add-on HVAC device block (20) is connected with the extension interface (16A) of the base HVAC device block (10) for transmission of electrical power and data signal(s), the add-on HVAC device block (20) comprising an add-on electronic circuit (22) connected with the add-on interface (26B) and configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a second category; connecting the external electrical interface (18) with the electronic circuit (12) for transmission of data signal(s) through the add-on electronic circuit (22) of the add-on HVAC device block (20), via the extension interface (16A) and the add-on interface (26B).

17. The method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 16, wherein providing HVAC functionalityby the electronic circuit (12) and/or by the add-on electronic circuit (22) comprises: generating signal(s) for controlling the HVAC functional device (M/S) and/or processing signals generated by the HVAC functional device (M/S).

18. The method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 16, wherein HVAC functionality is provided by executing computer readable instructions by a processor of the electronic circuit (12) of the base HVAC device block (10) and/or of the add-on electronic circuit (22) of the add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10).

19. The method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 16, further comprising: connecting the electronic circuit (12) and power connector(s) of the extension interface (16A) with power connector(s) of the external electrical interface (18) for transmission of electrical power; and connecting the electronic circuit (12) and signal connector(s) of the extension interface (16A) with signal connector(s) of the external electrical interface (18) for the transmission of data signal(s).

20. The method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 16, further comprising switching, using a switching device, the base HVAC device block (10) into the second configuration upon an add-on HVAC device block (20) being attached to the base HVAC device block (10) and/or into the first configuration upon an add-on HVAC device block (20) being detached from the base HVAC device block (10).

21. The method of operating a base HVAC device block (10) according to claim 16, further comprising: driving an actuated part (80) using an electric motor (M) of the HVAC functional device (M/S) arranged within the housing (11) according to signal(s) generated by the electronic circuit (12) of the base HVAC device block (10) and/or by the add-on electronic circuit (22) of the add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10) and/or processing, by the electronic circuit (12) of the base HVAC device block (10) and/or by the add-on electronic circuit (22) of the add-on HVAC device block (20) attached to the base HVAC device block (10), signal(s) indicative of a parameter of an HVAC system (100) measured by a sensor (S) of the HVAC functional device (M/S).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings which show:

[0080] FIG. 1: a highly schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the base HVAC device block according to the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG. 2: a highly schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the add-on HVAC device block according to the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG. 3: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of the add-on HVAC device block according to the present disclosure, configured to receive further add-on HVAC device block(s);

[0083] FIG. 4: a highly schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the HVAC field device according to the present disclosure; assembled by stacking an add-on HVAC device block and a base HVAC device block;

[0084] FIG. 5: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of the HVAC field device according to the present disclosure; configured for Power-Line Communication;

[0085] FIG. 6: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of the HVAC field device according to the present disclosure; configured for being powered though an AC connection of an add-on HVAC device block;

[0086] FIG. 7: a flow chart depicting steps of a method of operating a base HVAC device block according to the present disclosure;

[0087] FIG. 8: a flow chart depicting steps of a further embodiment of the method of operating a base HVAC device block according to the present disclosure; and

[0088] FIG. 9: a schematic block diagram of an HVAC system, comprising an HVAC field device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the base HVAC device block 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown on the figure, the base HVAC device block 10 comprises a housing 11; an HVAC functional device M/S; an extension interface 16A; an external electrical interface 18 arranged on the housing 11; and an electronic circuit 12.

[0091] The HVAC functional device M/S comprises an electric motor M arranged within the housing 11 to drive an actuated part 80 (located outside the housing 11) and/or a sensor S. The sensor S is arranged within the housing 11. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor S is arranged outside the housing 11 and communicatively connected to the base HVAC device block 10. The sensor S of the base HVAC device block 10 is configured to measure a parameter of the HVAC system, in particular an environmental parameter, such as a temperature, humidity, particulate matter PM and/or CO.sub.2 level of an environment controlled by the HVAC system. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor S of the base HVAC device block is provided to measure operational parameters of various components of the HVAC system 100 such as an actuated position of the actuated part 80 and/or the operational state of the HVAC field device 1 and/or other parameters of the HVAC system 100 (see FIG. 9), such as a flow rate or differential pressure at locations of a liquid through a fluid transportation system. The extension interface 16A is arranged on the housing 11 and provided to accommodate an add-on HVAC device block 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), in particular by stacking, by connecting to a counterpart add-on interface of the add-on HVAC device block. The external electrical interface 18, also arranged on the housing 11, is configured for the transmission of both electrical power and data signal(s). The electronic circuit 12 is connected with the HVAC functional device M/S, in particular to receive and/or transmit signals thereto respectively therefrom, thereby providing one or more HVAC functionality(s) of a first category.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown on the FIGS. 1 to 6, the external electrical interface 18 and the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10 each comprise signal connectors S1, Sn for the transmission of data signals and power connectors P1, Pn for the transmission of electrical power. In order to supply it with electricity, the electronic circuit 12 is connected with the power connectors P1, Pn of the external electrical interface 18. In order to power an attached add-on HVAC device block 20, the power connectors P1, Pn of the extension interface 16A are connected with the power connector(s) P1, Pn of its external electrical interface 18.

[0093] In the first configuration, also referred to as stand-alone configuration, the data signal(s) received/sent through the signal connectors S1, Sn of the external electrical interface 18 are processed by the base HVAC device block 10, specifically by its electronic circuit 12. For this purpose, in the first configuration, (illustrated in the figures with fine dotted lines), the HVAC device block 10 is configured to connect the signal connectors S1, Sn of the external electrical interface 18 with the electronic circuit 12.

[0094] The extension interface 16A further comprises further signal connectors X, Y for operation in the second configuration, wherein data signals are routed via an electronic circuit 22 of an add-on HVAC device block 20. The second configuration shall be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0095] FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the add-on HVAC device block 20 according to the present disclosure. The add-on HVAC device block 20 comprises a housing 21; an add-on interface 26B; and an add-on electronic circuit 22 connected with the add-on interface 26B. The add-on HVAC device block 20 is configured to be attachedin particular by stacking (on top of each other or side by side)to a base HVAC device block 10 according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, the add-on interface 26B is arranged on the housing 21 such that it connects with the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10 when the add-on HVAC device block 20 is attached to the base HVAC device block 10.

[0096] The add-on electronic circuit 22 is configured to provide HVAC functionality(s) of a second category. In particular, the add-on electronic circuit 22 provides data signal processing capabilities not supported by the electronic circuit 12 of the base HVAC device block 10.

[0097] As it can be seen, the add-on HVAC device block 20 is constructed correspondingly to the base HVAC device block 10, in particular, the add-on interface 26B is constructed as a counterpart of the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10. According to the embodiment shown on the FIGS. 2 to 6, the add-on interface 26B comprises signal connectors S1, Sn for the transmission of data signals and power connectors P1, Pn for the transmission of electrical power. In order to supply it with electricity, the electronic circuit 12 is connected with the power connectors P1, Pn of the add-on interface 26B.

[0098] In the particular embodiments shown of the figures, the add-on interface 26B further comprises further signal connectors X, Y for routing data signals (between the external electrical interface 18 of the base HVAC device block 10 and the electronic circuit 12 thereof) via the electronic circuit 22 of an add-on HVAC device block 20. The second configuration shall be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0099] In order to enable the extension of the HVAC functionalities of a base HVAC device block 10 by HVAC functionalities of more than one add-on HVAC device blocks 20, as shown on FIG. 3, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the add-on HVAC device block 20 further comprises a second add-on interface 26A arranged on the housing 21, in particular on a side of the housing 21 opposite the side where the add-on interface 26B is arranged. The second add-on interface 26A is connected with the add-on interface 26B for the transmission of electrical power and data signal(s), wherein the second add-on interface 26A is configured to be able to receive one or more further add-on HVAC device block(s) 20. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second add-on interface 26A is constructed identical to the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10. The second add-on interface 26A comprises signal connectors S1, Sn for the transmission of data signals and power connectors P1, Pn for the transmission of electrical power.

[0100] Turning now to FIG. 4, a HVAC field device a according to the present disclosure shall be described. As illustrated, the HVAC field device a is assembled by stacking an add-on HVAC device block 20 and a base HVAC device block 10, such that the add-on interface 26B of the add-on HVAC device block 20 is connected with the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10 for transmission of electrical power and data signal(s).

[0101] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the base HVAC device block 10, and thereby of the entire HVAC field device a, in the second configuration, wherein the data signal(s) received/sent through the external electrical interface 18 are processed by the add-on HVAC device block 20 attached to the base HVAC device block 10, in particular by an electronic circuit 22 thereof. For this purpose, in the second configuration, the HVAC device block 10 is configured to connect the external electrical interface 18 with the electronic circuit 12 of the base HVAC device block 10 for transmission of data signal(s) through an add-on electronic circuit 22 of an add-on HVAC device block 20 attached to the base HVAC device block 10.

[0102] The routing of the data signal(s) through the add-on electronic circuit 22 of the add-on HVAC device block 20 is accomplished via an add-on interface 26B of the add-on HVAC device block 20, corresponding to and connected to the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10. As shown on FIG. 4, when the add-on HVAC device block 20 is stacked onto the base HVAC device block 10, the signal connectors S1, Sn, the power connectors P1, Pn and the further signal connectors X, Y of the extension interface 16A are connected to the signal connectors S1, Sn, the power connectors P1, Pn and the further signal connectors X, Y of the add-on interface 26B, respectively.

[0103] FIG. 5 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of the HVAC field device 1 according to the present disclosure, wherein the add-on HVAC device block 20 extends the functionality of the base HVAC device block 10 with the capability of Power-Line Communication. In order to add Power Line Communication capabilities, the add-on HVAC device block 20 comprises a power supply unit 23. The power supply unit 23 is provided to separate transfer of data signal(s) from transfer of electrical power. On one hand, the power supply unit 23 transfers data signal(s) between power connectors P1, Pn of the add-on interface 26B and signal connectors of the add-on electronic circuit 22. On the other hand, the power supply unit 23 transfers electric power from the same power connectors P1, Pn of the add-on interface 26B to power connectors of the add-on electronic circuit 22. The transfer of data signal(s) between power connectors P1, Pn of the add-on interface 26B and signal connectors of the add-on electronic circuit 22 by the power supply unit 23 comprises demodulation of data signal(s) carried by power-line connections/modulation of data signal(s) to be then carried by power-line connections. The data signals being modulated/demodulated by the power supply unit 23 of the add-on HVAC device block 20, the HVAC device blocks (both base and add-on) can provide the respective HVAC functionalities as if the transmission of data signal(s) and transmission of electrical power would be on separate power and signal connections. Signal connectors S1, Sn are (illustrated in the figures with fine dotted lines), are only in use of the base HVAC device block 10 is operated in the first configuration, i.e. by itself without Power-Line Communication support.

[0104] FIG. 6 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of the HVAC field device 1 according to the present disclosure, wherein the add-on HVAC device block 20 extends the functionality of the base HVAC device block 10 with the capability of being powered via the add-on HVAC device block 20, in particular by an AC power supply, such as mains power supply of 230V. In order to provide this HVAC functionality, the add-on HVAC device block 20 comprises an AC power interface 29 for connecting an AC power supply, such as a 230V power supply connected to an AC/DC converter 25. The AC/DC power converter 25 of the add-on HVAC device block 20 is configured to convert the AC power supplied through the AC power interface 29 to a low voltage DC power (such as 24V) and provide such low voltage DC power to the HVAC device blocks 10, 20, in particular to the electric circuit 12 of the base HVAC device block 10 and the electronic circuit 22 of the add-on HVAC device block 20. Such embodiment is advantageous since the other HVAC device blocks (other than the add-on HVAC device block having the AC interface power 29) do not have to be provided with the protective measures required for AC power supply (such as more robust wiring and/or insulation).

[0105] Steps of an embodiment of the method of operating a base HVAC device block 10 according to the present disclosure shall be described with reference to FIG. 7. In a preparatory step S10, a base HVAC device block 10, according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein, is provided, wherein the external electrical interface 18 is connected with the electronic circuit 12 and with the extension interface 16A for transmission of electrical power while the extension interface 16A is connected with the external electrical interface 18 for transmission of data signal(s).

[0106] In a step S30 of the method of operating a base HVAC device block 10, HVAC functionality(s) of a first category is provided using the HVAC functional device M/S of the base HVAC device block 10, by operating the base HVAC device block 10 in a first configuration. In a substep S32 of operating the base HVAC device block 10 in a first configuration, the external electrical interface 18 is connected with the electronic circuit 12 for transmission of data signal(s).

[0107] In a step S40 of the method of operating a base HVAC device block 10, HVAC functionality(s) of a second category is provided using the HVAC functional device M/S by operating the base HVAC device block 10 in a second configuration. In a preparatory step S41, of operating the base HVAC device block 10 in the second configuration, an add-on HVAC device block 20, according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein, is provided. In a further preparatory substep 42 of operating the base HVAC device block 10 in the second configuration, an add-on HVAC device block 20 is attached to the base HVAC device block 10 so that an add-on interface 26B of the add-on HVAC device block 20 is connected with the extension interface 16A of the base HVAC device block 10 for transmission of electrical power and data signal(s). In a step S44 of operating the base HVAC device block 10 in the second configuration, the external electrical interface 18 is connected with the electronic circuit 12 for transmission of data signal(s) through the add-on electronic circuit 22 of the add-on HVAC device block 20, via the extension interface 16A and the add-on interface 26B. By re-routing data signals between the external electrical interface 18 and the electronic circuit 12 of the base HVAC device block 10 through the add-on electronic circuit 22 of the add-on HVAC device block 20, the add-on electronic circuit 22 extends the HVAC functionalities of the base HVAC device block 10 with HVAC functionality(s) of second category.

[0108] Illustrated with fine dotted lines, in an optional preparatory step S31, the extension interface 16A is sealed and/or covered, for example by a cover. The cover may be a mere passive mechanical cover element to protect the extension interface 16A from dust, moisture, etc. In order to cover the extension interface 16A, the cover HVAC device block is stacked thereon, thereby mechanically connecting the extension interface of the base HVAC device block 10 with the add-on interface of the cover HVAC block.

[0109] According to further embodiments, the cover is provided in the form of a cover HVAC device block, comprising a housing; an add-on interface and a human interaction device HID arranged to control and/or display operational parameters of the HVAC field device 1 (or one or more of its constituent HVAC device blocks 10, 20) and/or one or more of the operational parameters of the HVAC system 100 measured by the sensor S.

[0110] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating further details of the method of operating a base HVAC device block 10 according to the present disclosure. In a step S52, providing HVAC functionality by the electronic circuit 12 and/or by the add-on electronic circuit 22 comprises generating signal(s) for controlling the HVAC functional device M/S. Alternatively, or additionally, in a step S54, providing HVAC functionality by the electronic circuit 12 and/or by the add-on electronic circuit 22 comprises processing signals generated by the HVAC functional device M/S.

[0111] According to further embodiments, in addition to generating and processing of signals for controlling respectively generated by the HVAC functional device M/S, additional data are processed and/or generated by the electronic circuit 12 of the base HVAC device block 10 or the electronic circuit 22 of the add-on HVAC device block 20, such as configuration data, operational data, etc.

[0112] Turning now to FIG. 9, an HVAC system 100 shall be described, comprising an HVAC field device a according to the present disclosure. The HVAC system 100 comprises one or more external computing devices 100A-C, such as a remote server 100B communicatively connected with the HVAC field device 1 using a radio communication circuit of one or more of the add-on HVAC device block(s) 20. Additionally, or alternatively, the HVAC field device 1 is configured to establish a communication link with a mobile computing device 100A using radio communication circuits of one or more of the add-on HVAC device block(s) 20, in particular a Near Field Communication NFC and/or a Bluetooth Low Energy BLE and/or a Wireless Local Area Network WLAN communication circuit. The HVAC field device 1 is further connectable (using communication circuits and/or the external electrical interface 18 or through one or more of the add-on HVAC device block(s) 20 to a control terminal 100C, such as a computer running a Building Management System BMS, either directly or via a gateway device 110 using a wired (such as a BUS connection) or a wireless connection (such as NFC). Connecting the HVAC field device 1 to one more external computing devices 100A-C, is achieved in particular by operating the base HVAC device block 10 in the second configuration, whereby one or more add-on HVAC device block(s) 20 provide the HVAC functionalities of connecting said one more external computing devices 100A-C. According to a particular embodiment, the gateway device 110 is comprised by an add-on HVAC device block 20.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0113] HVAC field device 1 [0114] HVAC device blocks 10, 20 [0115] base HVAC device block 10 [0116] electronic circuit 12 [0117] extension interface 16A [0118] external electrical interface (of base HVAC device block) 18 [0119] electric motor (of base HVAC device block) M [0120] sensor (of base HVAC device block) S [0121] signal connectors (of base HVAC device block) S1, Sn [0122] power connectors (of base HVAC device block) P1, Pn [0123] further signal connectors (of base HVAC device block) X, Y [0124] add-on HVAC device block 20 [0125] housing (of add-on HVAC device block) 21 [0126] add-on electronic circuit (of add-on HVAC device block) 22 [0127] power supply unit 23 [0128] power converter 25 [0129] an add-on interface 26B [0130] second add-on interface 26A [0131] power interface 29 [0132] signal connectors (of add-on HVAC device block) S1, Sn, S1, Sn [0133] power connectors (of add-on HVAC device block) P1, Pn, P1, Pn [0134] further signal connectors (of add-on HVAC device block) X, Y, X, Y [0135] actuated part 80 [0136] HVAC system 100 [0137] external computing devices 100A-C [0138] mobile computing device 100A [0139] remote server 100B [0140] control terminal 100C [0141] gateway device 110