Overview

The MTL 5046 Isolating Driver is part of Eaton’s MTL5000 series, designed to provide safe and reliable transmission of analog signals into hazardous zones. It allows a safe-area controller to drive a load in Zone 0 or Division 1 hazardous locations while maintaining intrinsic safety.

The unit supports bi-directional digital communication (e.g., HART® signals) between operator stations and field devices, ensuring compatibility with smart instrumentation. Additionally, the integrated Line Fault Detection (LFD) alerts operators to open or short circuits, improving system reliability and safety.

It is widely used in oil & gas, chemical, power generation, and pharmaceutical industries, where accurate signal transmission and intrinsic safety compliance are critical.

Technical Data

Typical Applications

• Oil & Gas facilities: Driving intrinsically safe transmitters and actuators in hazardous zones.

• Chemical plants: Safe signal transmission to process control equipment.

• Power generation: Integration of smart HART® devices with DCS systems.

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Safe monitoring and control in classified areas.

• SCADA networks: Reliable analog signal isolation with fault detection.

Engineers often deploy the MTL 5046 to connect smart transmitters in Zone 0 hazardous areas to safe-area controllers, ensuring both analog and digital signals are transmitted without compromising safety.

FAQ

Q1: What is the main function of the MTL 5046?
A1: It isolates and transmits a 4–20 mA signal from a safe-area controller to a hazardous-area load.

Q2: Does it support smart digital communication?
A2: Yes, it permits bi-directional transmission of HART® and other digital signals.

Q3: What is the load resistance range?
A3: 100–800 Ω (16 V at 20 mA).

Q4: Does it include fault detection?
A4: Yes, it has built-in Line Fault Detection (LFD) for open and short circuits.

Q5: What industries commonly use this isolator?
A5: Oil & gas, chemical, power generation, pharmaceutical, and automation sectors.