Ethernet/USB in hazardous environment

The inlets and receptacles eXLink Ethernet and eXLink USB extend the proven connector series eXLink for hazardous areas. They can be used for plug-in connection for industrial LAN/Ethernet and USB applications with each other in areas with an explosion hazard. The normally used electrical isolation of an intrin­sically safe interface is no longer necessary. The Ex-de technology of the connectors allows the use of full industrial Ethernet power without barriers. This increases the efficiency of the bus architecture and reduces the sus­ceptibility to faults and therefore the costs.

The sockets of the inlets and receptacles designed with Ex-de degree of protection have the proven CEAG contacts of shutter-like, punched and specially treated copper-beryllium band which provides a perfect electrical connection continuously with its large number of contact points. An Ex-d space around each plug pin provides a reliable ex-d chamber for explosion protection during connection and dis­connection of the connectors in zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. To rule out incorrect assignment, the inlets and receptacles are coded according to time similar to the IEC 60309 system. In accordance with the requirements of a contemporary, safe and time-saving assembly, all the components are equipped with earthing cables, cable stub and pre-assembled RJ plug male/female or USB plug male/female.

With the M20 screw-in thread the nickel-plated brass components (optionally stainless steel) can be integrated in all flameproof design enclosures, allowing the use of industrial Ethernet cards/instruments inside without limits.

Innovative connectors forEthernet systems

Combine the safety of an innovative explosion-protected connector system with the advantages of a homogeneous communication structure between the host, control and process level! With eXLink Ethernet and eXLink USB you can also use efficient, Ethernet-based communication systems in the hazardous areas. This enables you to use a modern information architecture at the same time as efficiently satisfying all criteria for explosion protection.

Conventional field bus systems are designed exclusively for data communication with the process and production control. With Ethernet as a communication medium you can implement a homogeneous infrastructure from the host level via the control level to the process level. In the industrial environment, eXLink connector systems replace the familiar connectors of the IT office world. Therefore this systems also offers you the real time performance of Ethernet networks – hot swap – in addition to high safety standards in areas with an explosion hazard.

Adapt your control to the changing production processes. Child‘s play with eXLink connectors because Ethernet components and explosion protection have a modular structure. This means that you can update your information architecture without having to change your explosion-protected installation by simply changing the components in their pressurised enclosures. You can use conventional industrial components because the explosion-protected connection to your network is provided by the eXLink installed in the enclosure which also enables hot swapping of your terminating equipment without isolating and without hot work permit.

The eXLink also put your data trans­mission on the safe side. Independent measurements of a well-known laboratory have classified the use of the eXLink 4-pole + PA up to 100 MHz and with transfer rates up to 100 Mbaud according to the requirements layed out in TIA/EIA-568-B.2 Category 5e as safe. The eXLink 4-pole + PA system can therefore be used in Fast Ethernet® or Ethernet® networks as well as for the implementation of explosion-protected USB interfaces such as hard disk driver.

• Hot swap
• Compact design
• High degree of protection IP66 / IP68
• Simple assembly
• Frequency range up to 100 MHz or USB 2.0
• Transfer rate up to 100 MBaud (Ethernet)
• Available for 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-T

• eXLink Ethernet 4-pole + PA
• eXLink USB 4-pole