Easy and Flexible Remote I/O Solutions for Hazardous Areas

The remote I/O system ANTARES plus made by BARTEC (Germany) can be connected to any conventional control system by means of different bus systems (PROFIBUS-DP, ProfiNet, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP). The system is certified according to the latest ATEX and IECEx directives and is installed directly in hazardous areas in zone 1+2 or in zone 21+22. The intelligent approval concept has made it possible to obtain a flexible system approval. Plant manufacturers can now for the first time freely design and construct their system and install it into a mechanically protected standard industrial casing. An Ex system type plate is included in the manufacturer´s scope of delivery.

Due to its large power resources, the system offers efficient and compact I/O configurations. Up to 32 multi-channel modules can be supplied via one single rail control unit (RCU), which results in a very high number of input/output channels. The RCU is the central unit of the system with host communication, Ethernet switch, power management and I/O data management. Due to the support of many open communication standards, ranging from completely redundant PROFIBUS-DPs to Ethernet standards such as PROFINET, MODBUS TCP and Ethernet/IP, a comfortable integration is ensured. Besides, standard bus systems can be coupled directly to the system, any additional explosion-proof components (isolation amplifiers) can be dispensed with. The system is hot-swappable, i.e. it is possible to change modules during ongoing operation of the energized system. Due to its intuitive operability, the associated ANTARES plus designer software allows the system to be projected and configured with just a few mouse clicks.