
Digital isolators
November 26, 2010 | By Mary Del
Weidmuller’s ACT20X digital isolators are specifically developed for hazardous area applications. This range of intrinsic safety signal conditioners includes modules that can convert and isolate digital signals to and from hazardous areas, as well as versions that isolate and drive digital actuators. Only 22.5 mm wide, these devices include two types of digital modules – pulse isolators and actuator drivers. Pulse isolators accept digital inputs from field equipment within a hazardous area. These include Namur and relay status and frequency signals from flow, pressure or level switches, and proximity sensors for position or motor speed measurements. The pulse isolators create isolated outputs for safe area controls. Actuator drivers isolate a controller’s digital outputs and drive solenoids actuators and alarm devices in the hazardous area. The limiting value of actuator current produced by the module depends on the hazardous Zone classification. Each ACT20X module features an independent error alarm output for monitoring input signals and internal electronics. A dedicated, volt-free contact registers open/short circuits or internal errors for quick problem identification.