Phoenix Contact scalable fieldbus infrastructure solutions

Preconfigured field distribution boxes allow Profibus PA or Foundation fieldbus process devices to be directly connected in the field. The stainless steel or aluminium housing modules accommodate components that permit the connection and termination of the fieldbus trunk cable. Surge voltage protection and different shielding concepts can be subsequently added. Users can freely select which types and how many modular device couplers are connected, and can also expand these at a later date.

Depending on the actual requirements, short-circuit limiting and intrinsically safe couplers for hazardous zones, for example, are available. These devices can be custom installed to the particular application so that installation costs are minimised and the housing size reduced. At the same time, single-point integrity is achieved with the one-to-one relationship between coupler and device, which increases the operational reliability.

Redundant fieldbus power supplies are also available to supply the various segments. The availability of the complete process is increased as a result of the modular basis for each segment. Space required in control cabinets is also significantly reduced, and costs for unutilised capacities are avoided as a result of this consistently employed, scalable architecture. The power supply modules employ ACB technology, which ensures a maximum service life as a result of the uniform load distribution across the two sections of the redundant system.