IS & Ex


Intrinsically safe RF galvanic isolator

October 2013 IS & Ex

Extronics has announced the launch of its first certified intrinsically safe radio ­frequency galvanic isolator, the iSOLATE500. Resulting from four years of research and development, the iSOLATE500 is a breakthrough in hazardous area wireless networking. Featuring a unique galvanic isolation design, it blocks all possible faults, including hazardous transients and makes any RF output intrinsically safe.

Designed to be fully certified for use in ATEX and IECEx Zone 0, the iSOLATE500 enables standard wireless equipment to be deployed in the vast majority of hazardous areas without the need for costly assessment by notified bodies. Live connect/disconnect of antennas is now allowed and the whole process of deploying wireless networks in hazardous areas is made far simpler and more cost effective.

“In the last two years we have seen an upsurge in enquiries about hazardous area wireless networking,” says Extronics MD, John Hartley. “However, the complexity and expense of installation has been a significant inhibitor. Now companies can roll out their chosen standard Wi-Fi equipment across all areas of their business. The iSOLATE500 may only have a small form factor but we expect it to make a massive impact on the market.”



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