New current drivers for hazardous areas

Pepperl+Fuchs completes its portfolio of SIL 3 isolated barriers for all types of signals — as modules for DIN rail mounting and as isolating components for termination boards. Positioners in a SIL 3 application — which have always been provided for digital signals from or into the field and analog measuring signals — can now be connected straight to the controller with a single interface module. A SIL 3 application must no longer be realised by the elaborate path of redundant SIL 2 devices.

These applications are also extensively used in safety-related applications in which field devices in hazardous areas must be controlled utilising analog signals. However, no ideal isolated barriers with the capability to transmit signals between the controller and field devices have been produced to date. A SIL 3-compatible interface module would need significantly less effort than a structure including two redundant SIL 2 modules. Finally, isolated barriers with SIL 3 suitability may even be beneficial in SIL 2 applications, for example, when the highest possible proof time is to be delivered.

The new, single-channel current drivers provide a width of 12.5mm, line fault detection, and a separate fault output. This enables users to develop SIL 3 applications from a single portfolio, whether with SIL 3 isolated barriers or redundant, SC3-capable SIL 2 modules.