Ethernet isolators tolerate hazardous jobs

FieldConnex Ethernet Isolators combine intrinsically safe energy limitation and galvanic isolation in one product.

Pepperl+Fuchs has released FieldConnex galvanically isolated Ethernet isolators.

They allow users to connect high-speed data devices located in hazardous locations directly to a standard Ethernet line.

They also allow for back-to-back "pass through" applications, all without requiring any separate hardware.

A specialised PCB-mounted version allows the OEM to seamlessly integrate intrinsically safe Ethernet into their own equipment.

FieldConnex Ethernet Isolators combine intrinsically safe energy limitation and galvanic isolation in one product.

The isolator can be installed in a safe area, or in a Zone 2 or Zone 1 area when housed in a suitable enclosure.

Two isolators must always be used together, as combining the isolators creates an intrinsically safe link that can be routed through a Zone 0 or Zone 1 hazardous area.

"Pepperl+Fuchs envisions the future of intrinsic safety as being tied to the ability to reduce the amount of field wiring coming from the hazardous area, decreasing installation and commissioning time, while increasing process system integrity".

"In keeping with that vision, we collaborated with leading innovators in the oil extraction field to develop this truly intrinsically safe Ethernet isolator", says Robert Schosker, Pepperl+Fuchs Product Manager.

The device makes Ethernet cable installation intrinsically safe by limiting the energy that can be delivered from the nonhazardous to the hazardous area, while still allowing full Ethernet communications data to pass through a device.

Galvanic isolation eliminates equi-potential bonding and solid grounding between the area of installation and the connection point in the hazardous area.

Additionally, combined with safe energy limitation, galvanic isolation eliminates the need for expensive and inflexible hazardous area conduit applications.

This new category of Ethernet isolators is compatible with all IEEEstandards and provides high noise immunity and low heat dissipation in a compact housing.

As Foundation fieldbus systems are increasingly relied upon to increase system integrity and provide useful diagnostic tools for commissioning and preventative maintenance, users have been seeking faster data transmission rates and more information from their field devices.

Ethernet is seen as the path forward as a result of its reliable and secure digital communication, very high transmission rates and the ability to transfer large packets of information.

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