MU-T Series FTA  Introduction 

Terminal connectors on the Field Termination Assembly (FTA) provide the connection points for the process control wiring. Fuses, relays, and resistors protect the FTA circuitry, and sense, condition, or operate the connected device. The FTA communicates with an associated IOP, which in turn communicates with the HPMM(s) through the I/O Link Interface.

FTAs types

Standard types of FTAs, as described, interface the field wiring and provide communication with an associated IOP. They are categorized as “standard” because Galvanically Isolated FTAs are also available as described. 

A family of Field Termination Assemblies (FTAs) are available that accept plug-in Galvanic Isolation Modules. These FTAs are used for connecting input and output signals to field devices in Division 1 (Zone 0 and Zone 1) hazardous areas. The FTAs are compatible with the IOPs that support the companion standard FTAs

Usage advantages

The isolating nature of the intrinsically safe connection removes the necessity to install a potential-equalizing conductor where it is called for in any certification. The resultant simplification and reduction in cost of the installation is a considerable advantage, and makes the use of the Galvanic Isolators the preferred method over conventional shunt-diode safety barriers for this type of installation. There are many occasions when the lack of information about the precise site conditions is solved by using the isolators to minimize installation and security problems.