Fieldbus surge protection

MTL Instruments has released a new Surge Protection Device (SPD) that can be retrofitted to FOUNDATION™ fieldbus systems. The FS32 prevents surges and transient over-voltages conducted along the Trunk, or Spurs, of fieldbus systems from damaging the associated electronics such as terminators, spur blocks and the bus control equipment. Designed to fit MTL’s latest fieldbus products to protect spurs, the FS32 can also be used to protect spurs on Megablock wiring hubs. In addition, the plug-in format makes the product easy to retrofit, and the small footprint assists in the reduction of the size of junction boxes.

The multi-stage hybrid surge protection network at the heart of the FS32 uses a combination of solid state electronics, and a gas filled discharge tube, to provide surge protection up to 20kA. This impressive surge protection circuit is designed to exhibit exceptionally low line resistance, and has negligible voltage drop to the spurs.

In operation the FS32 does not adversely affect the performance, or operation, of the fieldbus or connected equipment. The FS32 allows signals to pass with little attenuation, whilst diverting surge currents safely to earth (ground) and clamping output voltages to safe levels. Fully automatic in operation, the FS32 device reacts immediately to ensure that the equipment is never exposed to damaging surges between lines or the lines to earth (ground). Reacting instantaneously, the FS32 redirects surges safely to earth (ground) and then resets automatically.