PATENTED "FAST SWITCH" TECHNOLOGIES REMOVE FIELDBUS LIMITATIONS

Innovative Technologies in Industrial Network Applications

MTL Instruments, a part of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, are pleased to announce the launch of the first in a series of products that makes use of innovative technologies in industrial network applications. These include the technique known as “Fast Switch”, which is patented by MTL. The introduction of these technologies removes a number of limitations and provides additional benefits to End-users. It should also be highlighted that these products can be certified within existing explosion protection standards, which are universally understood and accepted for Hazardous area applications.

“Fast Switch” is an IS protection technique that can allow 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 it is 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, so preventing the spark from developing to a point at which it could cause an ignition. The “Fast Switch” protection circuitry is simple and effective. It conforms to the principles of intrinsic safety and has been proven using the standard spark test apparatus according to international standards.

One of the major demands by users has been the ability to maintain electronic apparatus in hazardous areas while under power. This has been provided by the implementation of “Fast Switch” technology in the PoEx™ Intrinsic Safety Ethernet range, which is the subject of a major product launch at Interkama.

Secondly the ability to run fieldbus networks over a longer distance whilst maintaining the ability to live work is solved by the use of certified switching components that permit the safe interruption of non-intrinsically safe circuits. This, together with the launch at Interkama of Redundant power for FISCO (Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept) networks, allows users of the MTL range of Fieldbus products to enjoy the highest availability on the market, while retaining the ability to live work in applications requiring long cable lengths.

For more information contact MTL Instruments Group, Luton, Beds.

Tel: +44 1582 407269 Fax: +44 1582 407467

E-mail: dcoady@mtl-inst.com Web: www.mtl-inst.com