November 2009Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Pepperl+Fuchs offers a wide range of over 60 signal conditioners in the K-system that meet the requirements for modern factory and process automation.
With the variety of process control systems available, it is often necessary to convert an input signal into a format that the system will accept. Signal conditioners take signals from an assortment of field instruments such as thermocouples and RTDs and convert these signals into any of several standard instrument signals (1-5 V, 4-20 mA, etc). Signal conditioners are also beneficial to the accurate transfer of these signals, isolation and the elimination of ground loops.
Operating principle
The key to process control is accuracy both in measurement and in signal conditioning. The biggest and most overlooked threat to process control is the presence of ground loops. Whenever analog data is transferred through long cable runs, there is a high probability that ground loop problems will occur. A ground loop exists when multiple earth ground connections are made in a system. A difference in potential between the grounds (VGND) generates an extraneous current flow in the signal conductor. The result is commonly known as noise. In its mildest form, noise in the signal line causes measurement offsets, incorrect sensor readings, and general signal corruption. In its most severe form, noise contamination can deteriorate communication to a point where control of the process is lost. Isolation between the ground circuits is essential for the prevention of ground loop currents and, therefore, the elimination of noise. Pepperl+Fuchs signal conditioners provide the necessary isolation as well as amplification, filtering and linearity corrections.
The K-system consists of a wide range of signal conditioners suitable for mounting on 35 mm DIN rail, each containing industry leading features and benefits. The K-system is easy to specify, integrate and expand and has become synonymous with safety and reliability. Its unique design permits simple additions to be made without requiring additional wiring and can be set up very easily for various redundant supply concepts. Low heat dissipation allows for vertical or horizontal mounting. The K-system components meet the requirements of SIL according to IEC 61508, ensuring that international security standards for systems and process can be met.
Depending on the functionality and application, K-system has different housing widths, interoperability between modules is guaranteed and each signal conditioner contains the same benefits and features.
The K-system signal conditioners are available with different supply voltages. The most widely used rating is 24 VDC. However, 115 VAC and 220 VAC are also available for applications where DC power is not available.
The universal units carry the complete range from 20 VDC to 90 VDC and 48 VAC to 230 VAC on the same input terminals. The supported supply voltage for each barrier is identified on the side plate.
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