Serviceline Industrial Sensors
Serviceline Explosion Protection

New USB Intrinsic Safety Barrier for Stand-Alone Applications

2019-03-12

USB intrinsic safety barrier
The SK-PC-Z1D1-UU1-10-HS USB intrinsic safety barrier complements the HMI portfolio.

Pepperl+Fuchs is adding a new USB intrinsic safety barrier to its portfolio of accessories for HMI devices. The new barrier connects a host device, such as an industrial PC, to a USB device, such as a Pepperl+Fuchs EXTA2 keyboard or a flash drive, in a Zone 1/21 environment.

To transmit USB signals from and into hazardous areas, the barrier converts the two USB channels into intrinsically safe circuits. The USB intrinsic safety barrier will allow users to operate input devices like EXTA2 keyboards with different mouse types within Zone 1/21 and 2/22 hazardous areas. The USB host powers the barrier, so there is no need for an extra power supply.



The USB intrinsic safety barrier is installed in the non-hazardous area, while connected devices are in explosion-hazardous areas.

Rugged Design and Flexible Installation

The new USB intrinsic safety barrier has a rugged design, which makes it highly shock and vibration resistant. Two 4-screw terminal blocks ensure a robust connection. Depending on the application and the user’s individual needs, the new USB intrinsic safety barrier can be flexibly installed. With its wide operating temperature range of -20 °C up to +60 °C, the USB barrier is also suitable for use in extreme temperatures.

A suitable enclosure that corresponds to at least IP54 in accordance with IEC/EN 60079-0 allows the barrier to be used in Zone 2/22, while the connected EXTA2 keyboard can be installed in Zone 2/22 or 1/21. 



A suitable enclosure allows the USB barrier to be installed in Zone 2.

Another option for use in explosion-hazardous areas is installing the USB barrier in a purged and pressurized enclosure. Since the USB barrier provides an intrinsically safe circuit, the connected USB keyboard does not need to be purged and pressurized if it is certified for use in Zone 1/21.


The USB barrier installed in a purged and pressurized enclosure.

At a Glance

  • Powered via USB host—no extra power supply needed
  • Flexible installation in non-hazardous areas
  • Various options allow installation in explosion-hazardous locations
  • Rugged design
  • Tested and qualified for use with Pepperl+Fuchs EXTA2 keyboards and qualified flash drives

e-news

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive regular news and interesting information around the world of automation.

Subscribe
amplify–The Pepperl+Fuchs Magazine

Discover our online magazine! Exciting success stories, application reports, interviews, and regional news are awaiting you.