Omniterm FCX bidirectional contact repeater

Omniflex has launched the Omniterm FCX, a fibre-optic switch contact signal repeater unit that transmits a switch contact status signal bidirectionally up to 20 km. With a safety integrity level (SIL) 2 rating, the product can be built into safety-critical systems. The unit uses fail-safe 1oo2 architecture and is suitable for the controlled, emergency shutdown of electrical substations and other safety-critical applications.

The transceiver is compatible with either 850 nm multimode or 1310 nm single-mode fibre-optic cabling; the latter can send switch contact signals with up to 20 km of range. The product is powered from a 10–30 VDC power supply and can operate in a range of 0–60°C.

The unit is also a bidirectional transceiver, so it combines the transmission and reception capabilities into one device, eliminating the need for separate modules. One module is placed at either end of a duplex fibre-optic link; when the contact on the first is closed, the other module is energised, replicating the contact signal.

The product can also figure in mining and materials handling and nuclear radiological safety warning signals and monitoring functions. The SIL-2 rating is a mark of trust for system designers that the risk associated with transmitting switch contact signals over long distances can be limited to appropriate levels.