Pepperl+Fuchs extended its portfolio of SIL 3 isolated barriers with its last addition of SIL 3 current drivers. These isolated barriers are designed for all types of signals, both as modules for DIN rail mounting and as isolating components for termination boards. Positioners in a SIL 3 application can now be connected directly to the controller with a single interface module. A SIL 3 application must no longer be realized via the elaborate path of redundant SIL 2 devices.
Analog field devices in SIL 3 applications in hazardous areas can now be controlled directly, without using a workaround
SIL 3 applications are also widely used in safety-related applications in which field devices in hazardous areas must be controlled using analog signals. It can be possible to put a workaround with redundant SIL 2 devices in place. A SIL 3-compatible interface module would require significantly less effort compared to a structure comprising two redundant SIL 2 modules. In addition, isolated barriers with SIL 3 suitability can even be useful in SIL 2 applications, for instance, when the longest possible proof time is to be achieved.
The new, single-channel current drivers have a width of 12.5 mm, line fault detection, and a separate fault output. This allows users to build SIL 3 applications from a single portfolio, whether with SIL 3 isolated barriers or with redundant, SC3-capable SIL 2 modules.
