Description
Product Overview
The MTL 8103-AI-TX is a specialized Analog Input Isolator and Repeater designed for hazardous area applications, manufactured by MTL (Measurement Technology Ltd, part of Eaton). This module serves a critical role in process measurement and control systems by performing two primary functions: it provides galvanic isolation for a 4-20 mA current input signal, and it can optionally power a 2-wire transmitter located in a hazardous area. The designation «AI» indicates Analog Input, and «TX» typically denotes its capability to supply loop power to a 2-wire transmitter. Its core purpose is to safely interface a field-mounted transmitter (such as a pressure, temperature, or level transmitter) located in a potentially explosive atmosphere (hazardous area) with a control system (e.g., DCS, PLC) located in a safe area.
The value of the MTL 8103-AI-TX lies in its safety, signal integrity, and integration. It acts as a certified barrier that protects the sensitive control system equipment from dangerous energy, transients, and ground loops that could originate in the field wiring or hazardous area. By providing isolation, it ensures accurate and noise-free transmission of the vital 4-20 mA measurement signal. The integrated transmitter power supply feature (TX) simplifies loop configuration by eliminating the need for a separate, external power supply for the field device. For instrumentation and control engineers in industries like oil & gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, the 8103-AI-TX is a fundamental building block that enables safe, reliable, and compliant acquisition of process data from transmitters installed in Zone 0/1/2 hazardous locations, forming a reliable and standardized interface point in the signal chain.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter Name
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Parameter Value
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Product Model
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MTL 8103-AI-TX
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Manufacturer
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MTL (Eaton)
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Product Type
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Analog Input Isolator / 2-Wire Transmitter Power Supply (for Hazardous Areas)
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Primary Function
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Provides galvanic isolation and loop power for a 2-wire 4-20 mA field transmitter.
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Input (Field Side — Hazardous Area)
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Connects to a 2-wire transmitter. Supplies the necessary DC voltage to power the transmitter (typically 10-30V DC, limited current) and receives the 4-20 mA measurement signal from it. Certified for connection to Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) apparatus.
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Output (Safe Area Side)
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Provides an isolated, re-generated 4-20 mA output signal to the DCS/PLC/recorder input card. The output is a precise, low-impedance current source.
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Power Supply for Transmitter (TX Feature)
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Integrated DC power supply for the 2-wire transmitter. The output is energy-limited to meet intrinsic safety requirements.
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Intrinsic Safety Certification
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Certified as an Associated Apparatus for use in Intrinsically Safe (IS) circuits. The field-side connections are designed to be intrinsically safe (typically Ex ia IIC or similar), allowing installation in Zone 0/1/2 when used with a certified IS transmitter.
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Isolation
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High-grade galvanic isolation (typically 1500 Vrms) between the field (hazardous area) input, the safe-area output, and the module’s power supply. This breaks ground loops and blocks dangerous voltages.
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Accuracy
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High accuracy, typically ±0.1% of span or better, ensuring faithful signal reproduction.
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Power Supply (for Module)
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Requires an external DC supply (e.g., 24V DC) for its own operation and to source the power for the field transmitter.
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Hazardous Area Certification
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Carries major international certifications: ATEX, IECEx, UKEX (e.g., [Ex ia] IIC T4 Ga).
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Mounting
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Compact, DIN-rail mountable design.
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Operating Temperature
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Standard industrial range, e.g., -20°C to +60°C.
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Diagnostics/Indication
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Typically includes LED indicators for power and loop status (e.g., to indicate open circuit or fault conditions).
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Key Features and Advantages
MTL 8103-AI-TX is distinguished by its integration of isolation and transmitter power. Its key advantage is combining two essential functions—signal conditioning/power for the field device and protection for the control system—into a single, compact, and certified device. This simplifies loop design, reduces panel space, minimizes wiring, and lowers installation costs compared to using separate isolators and power supplies.
Robust signal integrity and intrinsic safety are at the core of its design. The module provides high-performance isolation that eliminates ground loop currents, suppresses common-mode noise, and protects the control system from voltage transients and faults on the field side. As an Associated Apparatus, its field-side circuits are intrinsically safe, meaning they are designed to limit electrical and thermal energy to levels below what is required to ignite a specific hazardous atmosphere. This allows safe connection to transmitters in the most hazardous zones (Zone 0).
Reliability, compliance, and ease of use are significant benefits. Manufactured by MTL, a leader in hazardous area technology, it is built for reliability in critical measurement loops. Its use ensures compliance with international standards for installations in explosive atmospheres, which is a legal requirement. The clear terminal design and DIN-rail mounting facilitate quick and error-free installation. For system designers, the 8103-AI-TX provides a standardized, off-the-shelf solution that streamlines the interface design for thousands of analog measurement points, enhancing both safety and project execution efficiency.
Application Areas
The MTL 8103-AI-TX is used to interface 2-wire, 4-20 mA field transmitters located in hazardous areas with control systems in safe areas.
Typical applications span all process industries with classified areas:
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Oil & Gas: Connecting pressure, temperature, level, and flow transmitters on wellheads, pipelines, separators, and refinery process units.
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Chemical & Petrochemical Plants: Interfacing with transmitters for reactor pressure, tank level, and analytical instrument outputs.
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Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: For measurements in areas where flammable solvents are used.
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Paints & Coatings: In environments with flammable vapors.
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Grain Handling & Storage: For level and pressure measurement in areas with combustible dust (Zones 21/22).
Essentially, it is the standard solution for any application where a 2-wire 4-20 mA transmitter located in a Zone 0, 1, or 2 area needs to be safely and accurately connected to a DCS, PLC, or other monitoring system.
Related Products
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Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) 2-Wire Transmitters: The field devices powered and interfaced by the 8103-AI-TX (e.g., pressure, temperature, level transmitters).
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MTL 8100 Series Power Supplies: 24V DC power supplies to power the 8103-AI-TX modules and other system components.
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DCS/PLC Analog Input Cards: The destination for the isolated 4-20 mA output signal.
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Other MTL 8100 Series Isolators: For different signal types (e.g., 8104-AO for analog output, 8107-DI for digital input).
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Hazardous Area Junction Boxes and Cables: For proper field wiring installation in classified areas.
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DIN-rail Marshalling/Interface Cabinets: The standard location for installing these isolators.
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