Category Archives: Industrial Electronics

Safety is by Choice, Not by Chance.

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Phoenix Contact's Safety RelaysAre you selecting a safety relay just to meet the SIL3 requirements?

Who will be responsible for conducting the Proof Test to ensure it is still safety relays are still safe to use?

Which is critical? Safety relays without diagnostics or the Safety relays with diagnostics?

Safety is a Choice, Not by Chance

The graphics below explains the functional principle of the force guided /positive driven contacts in the event of a welded contacts and that’s where the normally closed contacts come into action to provide feedback to inform the system of the failure in relay contacts.

In this case when the relay is de-energized, the normally closed contact cannot close properly having a gap of 0.5mm.

Animation of how Force-guided relays work

Click the image to see the animation of how Force-guided relays work

Safety relays for ESD-Emergency Shut-Down Systems should have:

1) Force guided relay enables a feedback path just in case of welded contacts and eliminates the need for simplifies Proof Testing. (ESD-Emergency Shut Down and F&G-Fire & Gas systems)

Emergency Shut Down System Circuit

Emergency Shut Down System Circuit

Safety relays for F&G-Fire & Gas Systems should have:

The diagram below shows connection details for a safety relay used by Fire & Gas Systems. The Fire & Gas System is always on standby mode and it becomes more important to have multiple diagnostics to make sure the Fire and Gas System Safety Relay is still functional and all wirings are connected.

Fire & Gas System

Fire & Gas System

  1. Diagnostics for lost power input to field devices: Beacons, Solenoid Valves, Fire Alarm Bell.
  2. Field devices disconnection diagnostics.
  3. Short circuit field device diagnostics.
  4. Diagnostics for any welded contacts.
  5. Proof Test points (TP1, TP2, TP3) without the use of external power.
  6. All diagnostics via the same cable (A1,A2) by the use of test pulse filtering.
  7. Option for redundant connection (A1’, A2’).

If you have sales enquires to know more about this product, please feel free to send us an enquiry at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and a sales visit can be arranged to discuss in more detail.

Cost Savings Through Optimising Space Usage

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Trying to save cost by using less cabinets or smaller junction boxes in order to better optimize your plant in terms of space as well as maximized the energy and cabling installation cost for signal conditioning?

Phoenix Contact MACX Phoenix Contact Mini Analog Pro

Phoenix Contact’s MACX / MINI Analog is your solution.

Phoenix Contact has an Innovative way to maximized space, wiring installation and energy cost for better return of your plant investments.

First and foremost, Phoenix Contact has…

Slimmest worldwide with width of 12.5 mm
User Benefit: Space saving in the cabinet up to 30% space

MACX Space saving

Lower power consumption using Low loss Technology (Patented)

User Benefit: Longer operational lifetime of the devices and less ventilation of the cabinet required resulting in savings in energy cost.

Mini Analog Pro Heat Signature

Mini Analog Pro Heat Signature

Power bridging from “bottom”

User Benefit: Reduced wiring for power distribution, fast installation, hot-swap replacement, expansion-options by bridging and saves time and money!

Conventional Daisy Chain Power Distribution

Conventional Daisy Chain

Conventional Daisy Chain

Power Bridging using T-BUS connector and Supply Module

T-BUS on DIN RAIL        MACX T-BUS

MACX Supply and Error Message

From highly compact 12.5 mm signal conditioners and functionally safe signal conditioners to signal isolators for intrinsically safe circuits in hazardous areas, Phoenix Contact signal conditioner range offers a solution for all applications in Analog signal conditioning.

User Advantages:

  • Space savings in the cabinet up to 30% space.
  • Longer operational lifetime of the devices and less ventilation of the cabinet required resulting in savings in energy cost.
  • Reduced wiring for power distribution, fast installation, hot-swap replacement, expansion-options by bridging and saves time and money!

 If you would like to know more about this product, please feel free to send us an enquiry at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and a road show can be arranged to discuss in more detail with your team.

Radioline: The only Wireless System you need

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Finding it difficult to avoid the cost of laying long cables?

Fed up of laying long, 5km cables just to establish communication signals across your site?

Have issues optimizing your plant’s communication to get better monitoring and control?

Look no further! Say no to messy, cluttered and costly cables and say hello to wireless technology.

Introducing Phoenix Contact’s RADIOLINE Wireless Technology!

Radioline

Radioline

Phoenix Contact provides an INNOVATIVE way to upgrade and optimize industrial plants while eliminating costly cables and unnecessary downtimes.

No programming, no software. Less hassle, more productivity.

Phoenix Contact Radioline Wireless I/O mapping at the turn of a wheel allows for easy deployment in extensive plants – without any programming or complex configuration.

Radioline I/O mapping

Don’t be fooled by the colorful arrows, they’re not wires mind you but wireless signals transmitting across the RADIOLINE units.

It allows modular extension of every station up to 32 I/O-modules per station (hot-swappable) and creates multiple network structures up to 250 stations (yes, you heard it. Up to 250 stations! Impressive).

Radioline T-Bus

Radioline T-Bus

Phoenix Contact Radioline is THE wireless product for large systems.

So if you have a large system or a big plant to manage, Radioline is the answer.

Again did we also mention that the Radioline does not need any software or programming? Yes we did. By simply turning the thumbwheel, the Radioline is ready to go.

By simply turning the thumbwheel, the Radioline is ready to go.

No complicated software. Just easy thumb action.

Just watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrL6Lob8tnA

If she could do it, you could too!

Thanks to the Trusted Wireless 2.0 technology using 868 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2.4 GHz radio frequency, Phoenix Contact Radioline is the ideal choice for reliable use in industrial environments up to 5 km of signal communications.

Cables are a thing of the past and they cannot withstand demanding environments, not to mention the effort and cost in installing them.

Stop wasting time and money. Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and make the switch to Phoenix Contact’s Radioline TODAY.

Eliminate Extra Terminal Blocks Using Phoenix Contact’s PLC Relay

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Pluggable Compact (PLC) Relay

Pluggable Compact PLC Relay

Is space and cost a concern for you when designing-in relays for automation?

Phoenix Contact’s PLC Relay eliminates the need for extra terminal blocks, helping you reduce both space and cost. Let us see how.

PLC Relay Actuator Series

PLC Relay-Actuator Setup

Relay-Actuator Setup

In applications where only one normally-open(N/O) contact function is required, you can use Phoenix Contact’s PLC to Actuator output relays to interface with actuators, such as motors, contactors or solenoid valves.

You can connect all actuator connections, including the load return line, directly to the relay. Hence, eliminating the need for additional output terminal blocks to transfer power.

The benefit is daisy-chaining or looping the wiring for the power will not be necessary. This is illustrated in the wiring layout below.

PLC Relay-Actuator Interface

Relay-Actuator Interface

PLC Relay-Actuator Schematic

Relay-Actuator Schematic

 

PLC Relay Sensor Series

PLC Relay-Sensor Setup

Relay-Sensor Setup

Likewise, Phoenix Contact’s PLC to Sensor input relays can be used to interface with sensors, such as proximity switches, limit switches or auxiliary contacts, where only one normally-open(N/O) contact function is required.

PLC Relay-Sensor Interface

Relay-Sensor Interface

PLC Relay-Sensor Schematic

Relay-Sensor Schematic

Similar to the Actuator Series, you can also connect all sensor connections, including the supply voltage for the sensors/switches.

As you can see, available with screw, spring or push-in field terminals, Phoenix Contact’s relays will:

  • Open up Space on the DIN rail
  • Reduce Labor and components costs
  • Eliminate an extra point of failure

Ultimately, you can save approximately 80 Pecent on your DIN rail and approximately 60 percent less time on installation.
To find out more, click here

Signal Conditioning – Why we need to isolate, convert, filter and amplify control signal

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When dealing with Measurement and Control signals, Signal Conditioners are crucial for the healthy operation of the whole system. Let’s find out why:

  1. Electrical Isolation – The most important task of a signal conditioner is the electrical isolation of signals. A reliable Signal Conditioner offers consistent isolation of input, output, and supply. As such, ground current loops can be prevented in the event of potential differences, which would otherwise lead to a distortion of the measured process values.

    MINI Analog Pro isolating signals

    MINI Analog Pro Isolating Signals

  1. Convert – An advantage of signal conversion is the conversion of sensor signals into a signal that can be read by the controller, such as PT100 in 4…20 mA. In addition, failure-prone signals such as 0 – 10 V, for example, can be converted into non-prone current signals.

    MINI Analog Pro converting signals

    MINI Analog Pro converting signals

  1. Amplify – Signals always need to be amplified in the event that cables are long or if high loads are to be driven. It is here where the signal conditioners must provide a high output power at a low input power.

    MINI Analog Pro amplifying signals

    MINI Analog Pro amplifying signals

  2. Filter – In industrial environments, interference often occurs as a result of high-frequency signals. The input filters of the signal conditioners therefore reliably filter out such interference signals.

Getting cold feet? No fear, Phoenix Contact has the all in 1 solution to save the day. To find out more, click here:

Ethernet HART Multiplexer – Transmit Process Data Via Ethernet

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Process plant with engineersDid you know that in the Process Industry, there are more than 40 million devices that are running on the HART Protocol and more than 75% of them are HART-enabled. However, up to 90% of these HART-enabled device are being under-utilized, used only to read the 4…20mA signal.

In the current trend of IIOT, there is a growing need for diagnostic data to be analyzed in order to reduce operating cost and increase system availability. The time from obtaining the diagnostic data to analyzing and determining the next course of action has to be almost instant.

In the past, if access to the HART data was needed, users typically installed an RS485 HART multiplexer connected to a PC. Whenever data from a particular field device is needed to be read, it can take a long time depending on the number of field devices connected to the RS485 HART multiplexer. This is because RS485 HART multiplexer works on a “master and slaves” principle.

Ethernet HART Multiplexer

HART Multiplexer

HART Multiplexer

Instead of using the RS485 HART multiplexer, Phoenix Contact introduced the Ethernet-based HART multiplexer. Our Ethernet HART multiplexer allows the user to easily parameterize and monitor field devices on the Ethernet network. The modular Ethernet HART multiplexer accesses other HART-enabled field devices using Ethernet-based fieldbuses such as PROFINET, Modbus/TCP, and HART IP.

Each device is an individual HART master which can be connected to higher-level, fast Ethernet network infrastructures. Up to 40 HART devices can be connected to existing configuration tools such as PACTware, Simatic PDM, Honeywell FDM, HART OPC server or HART server. End users therefore save time and costs since configuration and calibration, e.g. partial stroke test, process monitoring or current loop tests, are controlled via Ethernet and everything can be performed during active operation.

To find out more about Phoenix Contact’s HART Multiplexer, click here.

A Simple Tip to Help Ensure Your Power Supply Is Running Efficiently

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The power supply is typically the largest processor of power in the cabinet and therefore power efficiency is an important factor.

Low-efficiency power supplies translate into extra heat in a control cabinet, which necessitates the need for a larger cooling system, resulting in higher energy consumption.
Engineers need to be aware of the efficiencies of the power supplies they design into their control systems.

Power Supply Efficiency

Power Supply Efficiency

The typical temperature within a control cabinet operating at 80% nominal power measures approximately 30°C; assuming the power supply is 92% efficient. However, if the power supply is 2% less efficient (90%), it may increase the temperature in the cabinet by as much as 10°C.

Most power supplies today have an efficiency rating above 90% but there is still room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency by the way we load our power supplies.
The best practice is to ensure that the power supply has only 50% loading.

If your project requires 5A of power, choose an efficient power supply that is able to offer 10A. This ensures that at the maximum operating capacity of the design, you are always running at 50% loading (assuming no additional loads were added to the system). But how do you know if your power supply is supplying 50% to the load? You can always use the tried and tested way of using the multimeter.

QUINT 4 LED Display

QUINT 4 LED Display

Phoenix Contact’s new QUINT 4 power supplies have onboard power LEDs displays that will let you know at what level of output your power supply is performing. The LEDs will let you now if the DC supply is “On“, performing at “>50%“, “>75%” or “>100%“. Even without a multimeter, you will be able to determine the current loading of your power supplies in real time.

In my next article, I will show you how to create a redundant, balanced power supply system that will provide you with adequate power efficiently and also extend the life of your power supply.

Click Here to find out more about Phoenix Contact’s QUINT 4 Power Supply.

Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

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Exhibition Image

Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

We will be participating at the 4th International Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar Exhibition from the 13th – 15th of October at the Myanmar Event Park (MEP) in Yangon.

Come down and join us to find out more about what we can do for you in the area of Power generation and transmission and solar. We are located at G16, Singapore Pavilion.

Click here to register at the event’s website.

A Wireless Solution – Easy Expansion Without the Hassle.

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Radioline – A Wireless Solution

What do you do when you need to collect more information from the field than you are currently able to? Traditionally, you would excavate then lay cables from the transmitter to the field device. A lot of hassle if your expansion was for just 4 signals. We may have just the wireless solution for you.

Recently, a water reclamation plant in the western part of Singapore had an existing system that required an expansion of 4 additional analog signal points. The distance between the field and the control room was only about 200 meters. However, to add just 4 signal from the field, proper wiring had to be done, including excavation and cable laying.

Our team, with the assistance of our system integrator met up with the customer to understand their needs. After determining the scope of work, a wireless solution was proposed. Instead of the labour-intensive cable solution, the team proposed the Phoenix Contact Trusted WirelessTM Radioline RAD-2400-IFS and the I/O extension module – RAD-AI4-IFS and RAD-AO4-IFS as an alternative.

Installing a wireless transmitter at both the field and the control room, our engineer then connected the analog signals to the IO cards, enabling the signal to be transmitted back securely. All this, from start to finish, we achieved in under an hour.

Trusted WirelessTM

Trusted WirelessTM 2.0 is a wireless technology specifically developed for industrial use. It provides rugged and reliable communications for your applications. In a 2.4 GHz band, Trusted WirelessTM 2.0 uses a Frequency Hopping Spread Specturm (FHSS) with up to 440 possible individual frequencies. Thus reducing the effects of interference signals.

radioline_solution

We not only saved our customer a significant amount of time and manpower with the Radioline Wireless solution, future expansions would only require the addition of IO modules.

If you are currently facing any issues and would like us to offer you our solutions, click here and send us the details and I will get back to you.

To find out more about Phoenix Contact’s Trusted WirelessTM Radioline, click here.

Photovoltaic Monitoring System With Visualisation – A Project with ITE College East

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Photovoltaic (PV) Monitoring System With Visualisation

The Photovoltaic (PV) monitoring system was designed to monitor the performance of the PV panels’ output versus the temperature on the PV panel. There were two different types of PV panels used for monitoring, namely the mono-crystalline and amorphous silicone (Thin Film). The data that was collected were the DC output and the temperature on the PV panels.

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