Belden (www.belden.com) has introduced the Hirschmann OZD Profi G12 ATEX, Profibus FO repeaters, which are certified for use in hazardous environments as well as in zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. With intrinsically safe optical ports and a maximum transfer rate of 12 Mbps, the repeater comes with a plastic or stainless steel housing. Its Ex approved optical function module is also offered without a housing. This enables it to save valuable time as it can now be integrated in the same housing of other components.

Utilizing signal strength outputs that can be incorporated in the process control system allows the continuous monitoring of the FO repeater’s optical performance.

The FO repeaters feature one optical port and two optical ports, which are designed as Ex-e terminals, much like the error relays connections, redundant 24 Volt power supply and measurement signals. Bus monitoring and termination of signal quality can be activated through an integrated switch. On-site maintenance and installation are aided by LEDs, which show data transfer activity, link status and error situations.

A valuable addition to the company’s tried and tested OZD Profi family, the Hirschmann OZD Profi G12 ATEX 1 is also well-matched with all other devices in the series.

“The ATEX model can be used in any hazardous location up to zone 1 where a fast and reliable Profibus fiber optic repeater is required,” said Product Manager Rolf-Dieter Sommer.

“This repeater will also be the device of choice in food industry where there is a potential risk of dust explosions, such as mills,” said one FO expert.