Author Archives: Remus Lim

PSD Signal Towers

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Clear signalling at all times, in all places

Reducing downtime and costs is the only way to ensure a competitive advantage. Unmistakable signalling status of the machine or system states is a crucial requirement. These modular signal towers of the PSD (Phoenix Signalling Devices) product range are characterized by their wide range of alarm signals in optical as well as acoustic modules.

If you require central monitoring of the machine or system status, even in an environment without network infrastructure, you are able to choose between two cost-effective alternatives. The PSD signal tower allows for the connection of a wireless interface and also enables direct or subsequent evaluation on the PC.

The PSD signal tower is also flexible when it comes to system expansion and conversions due the modular design.

Advantages of the PSD signal towers from Phoenix Contact:

Clear status indication

The optical elements are available in a choice of 5 colours with various different signal types.

Clear audible indication

The acoustic elements are available in siren, buzzer and voice output.

Fast installation

A signal tower can be erected or extended without using any tools in a matter of seconds by simply placing the individual signal elements on top of each other and turning the bayonet locking system. This automatically establishes an electrical connection between the elements. The control lines are then connected to the screw or spring-cage terminal blocks in the base elements.

Service life

Minimum LED service life of 50,000hrs which adds up to an estimated lifespan of 6 years if it is in operation for 24hrs a day, 356 days a year.

Various mounting options

The signal tower portfolio is completed by a wide range of mounting elements, which ensure optimum mounting of signal towers according to the conditions. You are able to choose from surface mounting or tube mounting.

High degree of protection

IP65, when installed.

Central monitoring and control

Using the WIN (Wireless Information Network) system, it is possible to simultaneously monitor the status of up to 50 machines at a central point by transmitting the status via wireless elements integrated into the signal towers (slaves) to a receiving element (master) that is connected to the USB port of a PC.

A slave element has a wireless range of up to 300m. The distance of the slave element from the master can be increased by up to 900m with the help of integrated repeater and routing devices.

Advantages of our WIN system:

  • Simultaneous monitoring of a large number of machines
  • Central monitoring is possible, even in area without network infrastructure (example, Ethernet)
  • Can be operated parallel to other wireless applications
  • High wireless range
  • No programming or parameterization required
  • Graphical evaluation of machine status
  • Retrospective analysis of machine status
  • Error messages alarm via e-mail

Optimum detection of machine status

The signal towers are used to indicate the status of the machines or systems, including operating states, start up, normal operating, warnings, error alarm messages, pending critical states, acknowledgement requests, etc. There are also a numerous other applications, such as the status display of access controls and cabinet systems.

Interested to find out more? Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Termitrab Complete – The Narrowest Surge Protection

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The latest surge protection, Termitrab Complete (TTC) for MCR offers a peace of mind for users. With the TTC, you can reliably protect your signals against surge voltages from the field to the controller.

The TTC product range is a tailored product range for almost all applications in measurement and control technology. Depending on the type of signal to be protected, with TTC, you will find an ideally suited circuit version in the portfolio.

The areas of application for TTC are so diverse that they can be used in any industry. Thanks to the narrow overall width, starting at 3.5mm, the product range is ideal for process technology, as very often, a high density is required in the distribution cabinets. They protect up to 572 signals in one meter, which mean more products can be installed in the cabinets. The number of cabinets can be reduced so as to save cost. The various approvals permit use in onshore and offshore applications. The TTC portfolio offers the widest range of features and therefore an optimum selection of products for your applications.

The narrowest surge protection

Starting from an overall width of 3.5mm, Termitrab Complete is the world’s first surge protection solution for measurement and control technology.

Remote Signaling

You can decide if and when you require the remote signalling modules that are available. Up to 40 protective devices are visually monitored with the optional remote signalling modules.

To monitor retrospectively, you can easily align remote signalling modules to protective devices that are already installed.

If a protective element is disconnected in the event of surge voltages, the disconnected device closes the monitoring channel and group remote signalling is triggered. The overloaded device is displayed on site by the status indicator (in the picture highlighted in red). This is purely mechanical, without consuming energy from the signal lines.

Pluggability

For repeated tests, remove the surge element connector from the base of the multi-piece protective device without impedance. The signals are not interrupted and the controllers do not immediately detect an impedance change in the measuring circuit.

Testing and documentation takes place in the CHECKMASTER 2. If a replacement is required, the affected surge element connector can be replaced without accessing the installation.

Innovative knife disconnection

The integrated two knife disconnection enables the signal path to be broken so as to carry out isolation measurements. An open signal path is easy to detect from the projecting function screws. The screws are equipped with overwind protection.

Versatile

Certain applications require special tests and approvals. TTC meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Furthermore, versions with ATEX, IEC Ex and GL approvals are available as well.

If you would like more information about Termitrab Complete, feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Smart Power Supply Unit – The Fourth Generation Quint Power

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The fourth generation of the high performance QUINT power supply units ensures superior system availability by means of new functions. Signalling thresholds and characteristic curves can be individually adjusted via Near Field Communication (NFC) interface.

The unique Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB) technology and preventive function monitoring of the QUINT power supplies increase the availability of your application.

QUINT 4 power supplies standard products are already equipped with comprehensive diagnostics that provide constant monitoring of the output voltage and output current. This preventive function monitoring visualizes critical operating states and informs the controller of them before errors occur.

Why are the QUINT 4 power supplies called a SMART power supply unit?

Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB) Technology

Even standard circuit breakers can be tripped reliably and quickly with SFB technology and withstand six times the nominal current for 15ms. Faulty current paths are switched off selectively, the fault is located, and important system parts remain in operation.

Example: Normal Power Supply Unit will take around 8-20 seconds to trip the circuit breakers. In this duration, the end device is drawing maximum power from the power supply unit which may cause the end device to be burnt. In this aspect, the QUINT 4 power supply unit ensures that the end device is well protected, thanks to the SFB technology.

Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology

With Near Field Communication (NFC), you are able to set the parameters for the power supplies easily by using a mobile phone or PC, adjusting signalling thresholds (current/voltage/power can be set differently depending on use). This saves time, minimises errors and facilitates customised applications.

Example: In a large scale project, the parameters of the power supply units can be easily set and also duplicate the rest of the QUINT 4 power supply units by using the NFC function. The parameters, MTBF (Mean Time between Failure) and serial numbers of the power supply unit can be displayed on the mobile phone or PC by NFC when it is online without interrupting the operation. Security passcodes can be set to prevent unauthorized personnel changing the parameters of the power supply unit.

Preventive Function Monitoring

Diagnostics on the bar graph help during operation and maintenance. The user is able to visualize the status of the QUINT 4 power supply unit during maintenance checks. The load current is able to be displayed as a percentage status on the bar graph. This enables the user to upgrade or maintain the panels in the future without using additional measuring tools like multimeters.

Critical operating status can be reported before errors occur. This flexible function is provided by a variety of contact configurations (relay contact, digital signal, analog signal, optical bar graph). These contacts allow the monitoring of output voltage, output current, output power, operating hours, prewarming derating, overvoltage protection and input voltage.

Power reserve

  • Easy system extension with static boost with sustained power of up 125% of the rated load current.
  • Increase of power for the future without additional power supply unit, which leads to a reduction of extra cost.
  • Reliable starting of heavy loads with dynamic boost with up to 200% power for 5 seconds – for components with high inrush current.

Example: When powering up a motor, the initial start will require high power from the power supply unit before going back to its nominal current state. The QUINT 4 power supply unit is able to start this application smoothly without disturbing the other components in operation.

High level of immunity to interference

  • Due to an integrated gas-filled surge arrester, the QUINT 4 power supply unit is protected from any transients from the incoming supply.
  • More than 20ms mains buffering time – in case of any power dip, the QUINT 4 power supply unit will maintain a suitable output.
  • High MTBF > 500,000 hrs – estimation of more than 50 years, assuming 24hours operation. 

Worldwide use

  • International approval – Class 1 Div 2, IECEX, ATEX, CE, UL, GL, EAC etc.
  • Input voltage of 100 – 240Vac or 110 – 250Vdc.
  • Automatic switch enables simple plug and play in any part of the world.

QUINT POWER 4 is the power supply that is truly a SMART Power supply. If you have any queries, feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Intelligent surge protection for data interfaces

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The new Plugtrab PT-IQ-5-HF surge protection introduces intelligent arresters for data interfaces. The switching options are characterized by the safe transmission of higher data rates and are therefore suitable for the protection of bus systems such as Profibus, RS 485, RS 422, Interbus, Canbus, or Modbus. Continue reading →