R. STAHL's IS1+ Remote I/O system is the ideal solution for the current requirements of the process industry. The reason? It ensures fast and reliable data transmission all the way to hazardous areas of Zone 1 with full digital access to all data from sensors and actuators that is relevant to process and asset management. And it goes without saying that IS1+ guarantees integration via digital high-speed Ethernet networks using the latest real-time protocols like PROFINET.
R. STAHL's remote I/O system for Zone 1 uses intrinsically safe communication interfaces in order to enable extensions, modifications or maintenance work during operation, even in explosive atmospheres – without any time-consuming approval processes or even shutdowns. The PROFIBUS DP and Modbus RTU connection is still based on the intrinsically safe RS485-IS standard. With the PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, HART-IP and OPC UA Ethernet protocols, IS1+ uses the new, standardised Ex i version for 4-wire Ethernet with 100 Mbits/s: 100BASE-TX-IS. The specifications were drawn up by a consortium of companies a few years ago. The first solution with Ex certification is now available in the form of IS1+. This allows IS1+ systems to be connected using affordable standard CAT cables and industrial RJ45 plug connectors and operated using an intrinsically safe Ethernet network in Zone 1.
The Ex i isolator required for intrinsically safe circuits and networks is also available in the form of a media converter, Series 9723. To overcome the length restriction of 100 m for copper-based 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, the 9723 media converter converts intrinsically safe 100BASE-TX-IS into 100BASE-FX fibre-optic cables. Depending on the variant used, multi-mode cables can reach up to 2 km, while single-mode cables can even be used up to approx. 30 km. The media converter is certified for installation in Zone 1 and can therefore be integrated into IS1+ field stations on-site, for instance. In order to make use of the flexibility of the intrinsic safety in Zone 1 when it comes to fibre-optic cables too, the fibre-optic interface meets the specifications for class 1 laser products according to DIN EN 60825-1. This means that this interface does not require the certified "op is" type of protection according to DIN EN 60079-28 "Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation". The fibre-optic cables can be connected and disconnected at any time during operation in Zone 1, provided that the destination device also complies with class 1 or "op is". The 9723 media converter is fully transparent in operation. No configuration or parameterisation is required. All that's needed is a 24 V DC auxiliary power supply, while plans are being developed for 120 to 230 V AC, too.
With the remote I/O function package for Zone 1 that is now available – an intrinsically safe Ethernet connection, up to 16 I/O modules which can be connected, multi-protocol support including OPC UA and HART-IP, and an extended temperature range from -40 to +75 °C – IS1+ is currently the most powerful solution for incorporating conventional sensors and actuators into digital networks. Paired with R. STAHL's new Ethernet-APL field switches, users now have at their disposal an all-encompassing platform of solutions for their digitalisation projects in hazardous areas.
Press contact:
R. STAHL
Kerstin Wolf
Am Bahnhof 30, 74638 Waldenburg, Germany
T: +49 7942 943 4300
E: presse@r-stahl.com