IS-certified data converter made in SA

28 September 2011 News

Booyco Electronics has introduced what it claims is the first locally designed and manufactured IS-certified USB to RS485 data converter.

Intrinsic safety (IS) is a protection technique for safe operation of electronic equipment in explosive atmospheres and under irregular operating conditions. The concept was developed for safe operation of process control instrumentation in hazardous areas. As a discipline, it is an application of inherent safety in instrumentation. The theory behind intrinsic safety is to ensure that the available electrical and thermal energy in the system is always low enough that ignition of the hazardous atmosphere cannot occur.

When installed outside a hazardous area, it is possible for Booyco’s converter to communicate directly to IS serial devices installed in hazardous areas without the unit having to be in an explosion proof enclosure. Only when the unit is installed in a hazardous area must it be contained in an explosion proof enclosure. There is no need for external serial isolators or barriers, or even additional IS power supply units.

The unit is powered directly from the USB port on a PC. The serial communication is able to operate up to distances of 1200 metres (cable dependent). Easy to understand LEDs indicate the power status and TX/RX transmission on the serial communication lines.

For more information contact Anton Lourens, Booyco Electronics, 0861 BOOYCO, www.booyco-electronics.co.za

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