Back to:

Automation Portals

Today's Automation News Headlines from Automation.com

MTL Instruments announces 9400 Series intrinsically safe Ethernet

June 20, 2008 - MTL Instruments released the 9400 Series Intrinsically Safe (IS) Ethernet range and the launch of an enhanced Power supply, 9491-IS, which incorporates MTL’s Fast Switch technology.

The 9400 IS Ethernet range of hardware devices can deliver Intrinsically Safe (IS) Ethernet into Zone 1 and Zone 0 hazardous areas. The deployment of Ethernet into Process Automation has long been hindered by the hazardous area classification in which the end device is often installed. Consequently the majority of Industrial Ethernet installations have been in the Factory Automation environment. Additionally, in Process Automation it is preferred to use a single cable providing power and communications to the end device. The 9400 Series delivers Intrinsically Safe “Power over Ethernet” (PoEx), allowing live connection and disconnection of the end device in Zone 0 and Zone 1 hazardous areas typically reducing the cost of installing the LAN in hazardous areas by 40%.

The 9400 series comprises a wireless LAN access point, managed Ethernet switch, copper to fiber media converter and serial gateway that are certified to be mounted in a Zone 1 hazardous area with connectivity into Zone 0. Additionally, Zone 2 mounting IS Ethernet isolator and associated IS power supply complete the product range. The 9491-IS power supply uses MTL’s patented “Fast Switch” technology to allow live power connection/disconnection without the need for a gas clearance certificate.

“Fast Switch” technology is an IS protection technique that allows higher powers than are usual in IS circuits. When a break occurs in a field circuit, or a module is unplugged “live”, a voltage appears across the break or the contacts. This voltage can give rise to a potentially incendive spark if allowed to develop above a certain level. But as the voltage builds up to form a spark, the voltage at the load falls. “Fast Switch” circuitry detects this falling voltage and disconnects the load, preventing the spark from developing to a point of ignition. “Fast Switch” protection circuitry is simple and effective and conforms to IS principles. It has been proven effective using standard spark test apparatus according to international standards.

The Ethernet Gateway gives legacy Intrinsically Safe equipment “Ethernet connectivity” by allowing conventional serial communication port equipment to be connected to an Ethernet network. This enables easy integration of a wide range of IS serial measurement devices including analyzers, weighing systems, dust monitors, displays, I/O etc. into today’s control systems.

The IS Wireless LAN product is a multi-functional module that can be used as an 802.11a/b/g/h Access Point, Wireless Bridge or Wireless Repeater. This provides hazardous area infrastructure for the mobile operator using Intrinsically Safe PDA’s anywhere on the process plant.

The IS managed Ethernet switch allows the interconnection of intrinsically safe Ethernet networking components via its 5 ports. The Ethernet switch can also distribute power to compatible devices connected to each of its five ports, thus providing Intrinsically Safe “Power over Ethernet” (PoEx) via the RJ45 Cat5e cables. The Fiber Optic Media Converter allows an Ethernet network to be extended over a greater distance.

This technology has been proven in use in many mining applications, and with the new ATEX and IECEx certification the 9400 series delivers the same benefits for all process industries.

About MTL
MTL Instruments, a division of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, is a world leader in the development and supply of electronic instrumentation and protection equipment for the process control and telecommunications industries. Many of the world's most critical processes are monitored, controlled or protected by MTL equipment and the Group is distinguished by the quality and reliability of its products, its global network of sales-and-support centres and its acknowledged position as a thought-leader in this high technology marketplace. With 36 dedicated sales centres in 13 countries and a further 137 MTL representatives in 64 countries, MTL's expertise in Intrinsic Safety, Industrial Networks, Surge Protection and Operator Displays/HMI is unsurpassed.

About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries, Ltd. (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2007 revenues of $5.9 billion, approximately 87% of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs. The Company has eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2007, sixty percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and 34% of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper, which has more than 31,500 employees and manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2007, is incorporated in Bermuda with administrative headquarters in Houston, TX.

Go to company's web site

Automation.com Real-time Information for the Automation Professional May. 24, 2012

Cart

Automation.com

NOTICE: Your use of Automation.com constitutes your agreement to the Legal Notices, Policies, Terms, and Conditions governing its use. You should review these terms before proceeding.Copyright © 2000-2010 Automation.com - automation.com, automationtechies.com, automationtechies, automationtechie, and Member-Match are all trade and service marks of Automation Resources, Inc. All Rights Reserved.