Universal Marshalling – Simply Plug and Play

The patented technology of the Universal Barrier by Pepperl+Fuchs can detect I/O requirements independently and automatically adjusts to the required signal type. No hardware or software adjustments are required: Simply plug and play – regardless of the signal type.

The universal device can transfer the following signals:

• as an Analog Input (AI / HART): 0/4 mA ... 20 mA
• as an Analog Output (AO / HART): 0/4 mA ... 20 mA
• as a Digital Input (DI): signals from NAMUR sensors or dry contacts
• as a Digital Output (DO): max. 45 mA

The device permits the bi-directional pass-through of the HART communication.

The HiC2441 Universal Barrier requires no configuration, adapts itself automatically and therefore provides maximum flexibility when planning and commissioning equipment. As this one device covers all signal types and connections in the field, it simplifies the process for loop engineering, storage, installation, maintenance, and any subsequent changes in a plant. It’s the only solution in the market that truly extends the Universal Channel Technology of the Process and Safety I/O module by eliminating any manual marshalling, but most importantly, allows immediate configuration without the need for various hardware.

The Universal Barrier helps to significantly reduce time and cost for planning, engineering, standardization and configuration.

As the HIC2441 Universal Barrier supports all signal types, there’s no room for errors as there’s only this “ONE” unit in the engineer’s bill of material. Any complex and detailed predefined bill of materials for each individual signal type is eliminated. This cuts down on engineering efforts, possible errors in ordering wrong material and allows a last minute adaptation to the final IO-assignment of the Universal I/O. Typical configuration errors caused by confusion due to the use of many different barriers are excluded due to the auto-adaptation feature. Pepperl+Fuchs’ Universal Barrier solution is fully Compliant to Honeywell’s LEAP™ (Lean Project Execution Methodology) approach.

The Universal Barrier enables to design a standardized cabinet layout and allows the pre-fabrication of standard marshalling cabinets by enabling the H-System Termination Boards to be prewired without having to take signal types into account.

It is no longer necessary to constantly create new wiring plans, power supply calculations, and heating calculations. In addition, the simplified infrastructure with only “ONE” barrier type guarantees rapid implementation and project execution. The high flexibility of the Universal Barrier offers and allows last minute changes to the system without any impact on any hardware or interface infrastructure. This technology therefore reduces up front CAPEX and optimizes the cash flow in the early stages of the project execution. Once a system is in operation, the use of only “ONE” barrier reduces the OPEX. Only this one barrier type needs to be managed, simplifying the maintenance and saving on storage costs due to reducing the number of required spare parts to just this “ONE” interface.