Description

MTL 8104-AO-IP Analog Output Isolator

Product Description

The MTL 8104-AO-IP is a high-performance, loop-powered analog output isolator and signal conditioner from MTL (Measurement Technology Ltd), a leading brand in industrial process safety and instrumentation. This device is a critical interface component in control systems, designed to take an analog control signal (typically 4-20mA) from a system I/O card or controller, isolate it, and reliably drive the final control element, such as a control valve positioner or a variable speed drive, in potentially hazardous areas. Engineered for robustness and safety, the MTL 8104-AO-IP provides galvanic isolation between the safe-area control system and the field, protecting sensitive electronics from ground loops, voltage transients, and faults. For comprehensive technical data sheets, safety certifications, and installation guides, please visit the official product resource: MTL 8104-AO-IP. The integration of the 8104-AO-IP into a control loop ensures signal integrity and system protection, making it a vital component for safe and reliable process control in industries like oil & gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Its loop-powered design simplifies installation by deriving its operating power directly from the input signal, eliminating the need for a separate power supply.

Product Parameters

• Product Model: MTL 8104-AO-IP
• Device Type: Loop-Powered, Isolated Analog Output (Current) Repeater / Isolator.
• Input Signal: 4-20mA input from a controller or system I/O card.
• Output Signal: Isolated, conditioned 4-20mA output to the field device.
• Power Supply: Loop-powered; operates from the voltage drop across the input signal loop (typically requires 7-28V DC at the input terminals to function).
• Isolation: High-performance galvanic isolation between input and output circuits (typically 1500V AC). Also provides intrinsic safety (IS) isolation when used as part of a certified IS loop.
• Accuracy: High typical accuracy (e.g., ±0.1% of span).
• Load Capacity: Can drive a specified maximum field load (e.g., up to 750Ω at 24V).
• Hazardous Area Certification: Key feature – certified for installation in Intrinsically Safe (IS) and Non-Incendive (NI) circuits for use in hazardous areas (e.g., ATEX, IECEx, FM). The “-IP” suffix often denotes “Intrinsic Safety” and “Polarity Protection”.
• Response Time: Fast response time suitable for process control loops.
• Mounting: Designed for standard DIN-rail mounting.

Advantages and Features

• Intrinsic Safety (IS) Integration: The primary advantage of the MTL 8104-AO-IP is its certification for use in intrinsically safe applications. It acts as a key component in an IS loop, allowing safe-area control equipment to safely interface with field devices in hazardous (classified) locations.
• Galvanic Isolation: Protects the control system from damaging ground loops, high-voltage transients, and noise picked up in long field cable runs, improving overall system reliability.
• Loop-Powered Simplicity: Eliminates the cost, wiring, and space required for a separate isolator power supply, simplifying system design and reducing potential failure points.
• High Accuracy and Reliability: Provides precise signal repetition with excellent long-term stability, ensuring the control signal sent to the field device is an accurate representation of the controller’s command.
• Robust Industrial Design: Built to withstand the electrical noise, temperature variations, and vibration found in industrial environments. The polarity protection (“-P”) prevents damage from accidental reverse wiring.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Oil & Gas (Offshore Platform): Isolates and transmits the control signal from the DCS to a control valve on a wellhead or separator located in a Zone 1 hazardous area, as part of a certified IS loop.
• Chemical Processing Plant: Protects the PLC output card from faults while driving the I/P (current-to-pneumatic) transducer that controls the air pressure to a reactor feed valve.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Used in solvent handling areas (Class I, Div 1) to safely interface a batch controller with a modulating valve for precise ingredient dosing.
• Grain Handling & Milling: Provides isolation and protection for control signals going to actuators in dust-laden, potentially explosive (ATEX Zone 21/22) atmospheres.

Comparison with Competing Products

The MTL 8104-AO-IP competes with analog output isolators from brands like Pepperl+Fuchs, Turck, and Phoenix Contact. Its key differentiator is MTL’s strong heritage and reputation as a leader in intrinsic safety technology. While many competitors offer isolators, the 8104-AO-IP is specifically designed and certified as a component for building complete IS systems, with proven compliance to global safety standards. Compared to using a standard analog output card without isolation, it provides essential protection and safety certification that standard cards do not offer.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Hazardous Area Classification: Mandatory: Confirm the hazardous area classification (Zone/Division, gas group, temperature class) of the installation site. The MTL 8104-AO-IP must be used within the limits of its entity parameters and as part of a fully certified and documented intrinsically safe loop.
2. Entity Parameter Matching: In IS applications, you must perform an “entity parameter” verification. Ensure the output parameters of the associated safe-area device (e.g., the controller’s I/O card) and the input parameters of the field device are compatible with the 8104-AO-IP‘s entity parameters (Ui, Ii, Pi, Ci, Li). This is a critical safety step.
3. Load Calculation: Verify that the total resistance of the field loop (wire resistance + field device impedance) does not exceed the isolator’s specified maximum load capacity at the available supply voltage.
4. Installation and Wiring Compliance: Installation in hazardous areas must be performed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, national electrical codes, and IS system documentation. This includes using approved cables, maintaining separation from non-IS wiring, and proper grounding.

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