Specification :

MTL is a world leader in products designed for use in areas where there is a probability of explosive atmospheres, i.e. hazardous areas.

The products range from industry renowned barriers and isolators through to sophisticated process control products; all have been designed for the harsh environments often encountered in the process industry.

For the majority of IS applications there is a choice of either a barrier or an isolator. MTL offers a comprehensive range of both technologies in DIN rail and backplane mounting formats.

The main reasons for choosing barriers or isolators are listed below.

Barrier

Use if existing system is predominantly barriers

Simple

Versatile

Low dissipation

Loop-powered

Restricted voltage available in hazardous area

Higher packing density

Safety earth fundamental

Lower cost

Good frequency response (100KHz)

Higher accuracy and linearity (0.1%)

Imposes a '0' volt level on system

More vulnerable to lightning and other surges

Isolator

Use if existing system is predominantly isolators

Complex ~ lower MTBF

Application specific

High dissipation (2VA)

Separate power supply

Higher voltage (power) available in hazardous and safe area

Lower packing density

Safety earth has reduced significance

Higher cost

Limited frequency response

Lower accuracy and linearity (0.25%)

Complete isolation between signals

Less vulnerable to lightning and other surges

MTL Barriers - Introduction

MTL is a pioneer in the development of the "shunt diode" safety barrier. This is a passive network device that uses Zener diodes, resistors and fuses to safely divert excess electrical energy to ground and thus prevent sparking in or overheating of equipment in hazardous areas. Their key benefits are low cost and the ability to operate with data in analogue DC or high-speed digital forms.

MTL became a world leader with its ranges of shunt diode safety barriers and its support role in the emergence of this new technology.The early Series soon established itself as an 'industry standard' with a reputation for quality and reliability.

The ranges have evolved over the years but the latest series is unique in providing a broad range of benefits that the instrumentation engineer looks for in a modern barrier.

With the new MTL7700, and continuing support for our other ranges, MTL's commitment to zener barriers is confirmed for many years to come.

MTL Isolators - Introduction

MTL offers the best choice in DIN-rail and backplane mounting isolators to meet the requirements of modern systems.

The DIN-rail mounting MTL5000 series isolator range provides a wide choice of functions with high accuracy and reliability.

The backplane mounting MTL4000 series is established as the leading IS system interface with solutions for all the major DCS companies.

The is the latest generation of backplane mounting products, building upon the heritage of MTL4000 and introducing many key application benefits.

MTL also has key modules, in the MTL4000 and 5000 series ranges, fully certified to the IEC61508 functional safety standard for use in safety instrumented systems.