Intrinsically safe explosion protection and the functional safety of measurement and control technology play a major role in modern process plants and decentralized power-to-X systems. Space in the control cabinet is limited and most products available on the market are lacking when it comes to convenient handling. With the Mini Analog Pro series, Phoenix Contact therefore offers devices for intrinsically safe and safety-related measuring lines, which feature a slim design in terms of the overall width and installed height as well as user-friendly operation.
With the new Mini Analog Pro versions, users can now get signal conditioners and measuring transducers with intrinsically safe explosion protection and SIL 3 1oo1 functional safety for all signal directions and types. Analog and digital signals, control signals to actuators, and measuring signals from the field are supported – all in an overall width of just 6.2 millimeters. When put into practice in SIL 3 applications, a single measuring transducer can now be used to connect sensors as well as positioners, electric valves, or HART IP converters to the controller. The previous workaround using redundant SIL 2 components is no longer required. The products in the Mini Analog Pro series feature many international Ex approvals for use in all Ex zones and substance groups, which makes them versatile and suitable for worldwide use (Figure 1).
Space savings of at least 50 percent
Especially in the modern world of process technology, more and more signals need to be processed safely and in a very confined space. Compared to market-standard devices with a width of 12.5 millimeters or more, the slim design of the Ex i signal conditioners and measuring transducers reduces the space required in the control cabinet by at least 50 percent. The tapered design of the Mini Analog Pro devices, combined with the front-facing terminal points, also means that up to two centimeters of space can be saved between the cable ducts. The tapered design ensures that all terminal points and operating elements are always visible and easy to handle from above, even when the device is installed. This enables flexible cable routing – even in confined spaces (Figure 2).
Current measurement without disconnecting the current loop
Under the slogan “Current measurement made easy”, the terminal blocks in the Mini Analog Pro series offer additional advantages. Normally, the current loop has to be disconnected in order to measure the current signal. Current measurement during operation therefore often results in limited functionality or even system failure. The current measuring points integrated into the connection terminal blocks of the devices in the MINI Analog Pro series now enable convenient current measurement on the safe side of the device. The current loop does not have to be disconnected for this (Figure 3).
The device versions in the Mini Analog Pro product family with intrinsically safe explosion protection are designed and approved for use in safety-related applications in accordance with IEC 61508. In the single-channel design (1oo1), they achieve safety integrity level SIL 3.
Wide temperature range and extended altitude range
The new circuit technology, which contributes to the slim design of the Ex i isolators and measuring transducers, allows the devices to be operated in a wide temperature range from -40°C to 70°C. These values apply to all signal directions and types, which is something that the majority of products currently available on the market with an overall width of 12.5 millimeters or more cannot do.
Use at high altitudes is of particular interest in the context of Ex i applications. Higher altitudes affect the air clearances and creepage distances in a signal conditioner. For the products in the Mini Analog Pro series, Phoenix Contact has documented an altitude range of up to 5,000 meters with suitable Ex i values for various altitudes above 2,000 meters. This results in less calculation work for the user (Figure 4).
Wide range of configuration options
Processor-based devices can be connected to a PC via a proven electrically isolating programming adapter and can thus be configured via the software without supply voltage. Special wizards support the user step by step when configuring or simply replacing the device in the system. The software monitoring functions are also very useful. In addition, a classic FDT/DTM solution is available as a free download and supports a manufacturer-independent configuration concept.
Like the existing portfolio for the Mini Analog Pro product family, the new Ex i and functionally safe versions can still be set using DIP switches. Furthermore, configuration is possible via the built-in NFC chip. The user can download the new and improved Signal Conditioner app free of charge from the usual app stores for iOS and Android.
