System Integration & Control Systems Design


Solve current loop issues forever

September 2017 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Instrument loop problems are frustrating at the best of times and can be really time-consuming affairs to solve. Most of the time, these problems are related to isolation and ground faults. Thankfully, eliminating these problems is now quick and easy with Omniflex’s Omniterm range of DIN-rail mount current loop isolators. Utilising the latest electronic techniques to achieve extremely high accuracy with minimum loop losses and zero field calibration, these modules are designed to isolate instrument current loops from circulating ground currents, thereby preventing system inaccuracies, and at worst, instrument failures.

Features of loop isolators (single LPI and dual LPD):

• No field calibration required.

• Unique loop break protection.

• Extremely low insertion loss to avoid loop overload.

• Operates over 0–50 mA allowing loop errors and overload conditions to be properly detected.

• Suitable for SIL1 applications.

LPI and LPD applications: use the LPI to remove ground current loops in 4-20 mA applications where power is unavailable. LPD is a dual version, incorporating two LPIs in a single 22,5 mm housing, ideal for when space is at a premium.

Features of loop repeaters (LPR) and splitters (LPS):

• Approved 1 kohm load drive capability on repeated current signal, allowing additional instruments to be added to an overloaded loop.

• Isolation on repeated current allows grounded instruments to be added without any worry of creating ground loops.

• Extremely low insertion loss to avoid loop overload.

LPR and LPS applications: the LPR and LPS modules are specifically designed for applications where additional current loop signals are required from an existing current loop, and are designed in such a way that they have minimal effect on the impedance of the existing current loop. Also, use the LPR to increase 4-20 mA drive capability or add additional instruments to an existing current loop. Use the LPS to create two independently isolated current loops from a single input loop or add instruments to an existing current loop.

For more information contact Ian Loudon, Omniflex, +27 (0)31 207 7466, sales@omniflex.com, www.omniflex.com



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