Segment coupler in power hub technology

April 2007 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

The FieldConnex Power Hub by Pepperl+Fuchs is a unified system platform for transparent connection of Profibus DP and Profibus PA. It consists of motherboards and standard plug-in modules for communication, power supply and extensive diagnostic functions. The Power Hub's modular design accommodates different power requirements and DCS connections. The Power Hub is certified for installation in Zone 2/Class I, Div 2.

Passive components and extensive isolation guarantee minimal signal distortion and maximum system availability. Power loss less than 2 W per module results in very low heat dissipation and contributes to packing density in the marshalling cabinet, benefiting the component life cycle. Power Module, DP-Master and Gateway redundancy add backup protection to ensure system availability.

Each Power Hub features CREST: crosstalk and resonance suppression technology suppresses crosstalk between fieldbus segments and prevents electronic interference of other sources such as frequency converters.

The base of the modular Power Hub is mounted on DIN rails. All connections are pluggable: fieldbus segments, DCS, bulk power, self-supervision and diagnosis relay.

The segment coupler/gateway translates data telegrams from Profibus DP to four Profibus PA segments. It operates transparent for DP-Master and field devices. Each device is engineered, configured and operated as Profibus DP slave, based on its native GSD file.

Power Modules feed up to 500 mA current per segment. Simple design and passive current conditioning contribute to very high availability. They are available in two versions:

* Power supply module with galvanic isolation and a choice of output voltages for topologies in safe areas and for explosion protection methods according to FISCO and FNICO. Segment protectors and FieldBarriers from FieldConnex installation technology is used in the field.

* Power conditioner modules feature current limitation without galvanic isolation.

Diagnostic functions monitor operation of power modules and communication. Conditions such as short circuit, overload or under-voltage are reported via potential-free contact and LEDs.

Power Hubs in redundant configuration also check redundancy status and proper combination of Power Modules.

Advanced diagnostics provides commissioning and maintenance personnel with important analysis of fieldbus communications.

Benefits include:

* Modular motherboard system simplifies wiring and allows for easy connection to any DCS via Profibus DP.

* Choice of redundancy for gateways and power modules ensures optimal plant availability.

* Four channels, each segment with local PA Master for faster transmission of cricital data.

* Drop-in replacement of Segment Coupler 2.

* CREST-Technology minimises signal distortion and crosstalk.

* High efficiency and maximum availability through passive current conditioning.

* Self-supervision with local display and signalling.

* Advanced diagnostics for troubleshooting and optimal plant availability.

* Installation in Zone 2/Class I, Div 2, EEx nA, certified by TüV.

Credit(s)

Pepperl+Fuchs PI SA (PROFIBUS & PROFINET SA)

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