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4.1.2 General Description
Weidmüller’s ACT20X – new signal converters for
hazardous areas: Universal family of products
covers the entire field of hazardous area
applications with six different basic functions.
With the introduction of its ACT20X modules
Weidmüller is offering a completely new family of
signal converters for hazardous area applications.
With just 11 mm per channel these compactly
designed modules require very little space in the
electrical cabinet. All ACT20X converters can be
configured via a PC utilizing the software ‘WI-
Manager’. This software is based on vendor-neutral
FDT/DTM technology. The innovative modules are
designed to be installed in safe or hazardous areas
of Zone 2. The ACT20X family includes digital and
analogue intrinsically safe converters that both
isolate and convert signals from as well as into
hazardous areas. The innovative signal converters
process 2-wire HART, NAMUR, RTD, thermocouple
or DC signals as well as digital signals with electrical
connection to hazardous area Zone 0. All modules
have 3-way separation and are optionally available
with dual channel functionality. With high levels of
insulation resistance, accuracy and thermal stability
ACT20X modules provide a pure, disturbance free
signal at all times. A relay-based error monitoring
facility simplifies servicing. ACT20X modules can be
utilized in temperatures from –20 °C to +60 °C
without restrictions. They have all relevant
international approvals such as ATEX, IECEx,
GOST, FM – in other words, the modules are
predestined for use in applications all over the world.
Weidmüller specifically developed its ACT20X family
of products for process automation tasks in
hazardous and non-hazardous area applications.
The 16 different variants condition all conventional
input signals (2-wire HART, NAMUR, RTD,
thermocouple and DC signals) from sources within
hazardous area Zone 0 as equally as digital and
analogue signals into hazardous areas to control
field devices. To ensure rapid error identification the
integrated relay output supplies an error message
should an error occur – a facility that increases plant
availability.
Utilizing the ‘WI-Manager’ configuration software
based on FDT technology (Field Device Tool) makes
it possible to adapt all ACT20X products via a PC to
meet different process application requirements. For
this purpose Weidmüller provides the Device Type
Manager (DTM), which can be executed in any FDT-
based frame application. As well as fast and error-
free parameterization of individual devices DTMs
make it possible to evaluate measurement and
diagnostic data. In addition, it is possible to
unambiguously identify a connected device via DTM.
ACT20X modules are equipped with a cleverly
designed connection technology that supports
simple, coded mating. The integrated release lever
ensures the connection can be disconnected without
damage when servicing is required. Devices from
the ACT20X family have been designed to operate
in an ambient temperature range of –20 °C to
+60 °C – in other words in practically all fields of
industry. The hinged and transparent front plate can
easily be opened upwards. It has been designed for
simple accommodation of device markers.
Products from the ACT20X assortment are designed
to be installed in Zone 2 / Div. 2 or in non-hazardous
areas; international approvals such as ATEX,
ICEEx, GOST and FM (Class 1, Division 1 and 2)
allow processing of signals from Zone 0 / Div. 1. Put
succinctly, the modules are suitable for use in
applications across the globe.
4.1.3 The Six Basic Module Types in
Detail
NAMUR Isolator
The pulse isolator ACT20X-HDI-SDO is a special
signal isolator/converter for NAMUR sensor signals
from within Ex Zone 0. Transistor or relay outputs
are available on the output side. A dual-channel
version is optionally available
Solenoid / Alarm Driver
The digital actuator driver (solenoid valve
switch/alarm signaling facility) ACT20X-SDI-HDO is
