Isolating Safety Barriers for PS2 Keyboards and Devices

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Isolating Safety Barriers for PS2 Devices

Photo of Exloc Instruments Model EX210 intrinsically safe PS2 keyboard and mouse isolator

Exloc EX210 Keyboard & PS2 Isolator

FM approved
Intrinsically safe
Galvanically isolated
No I.S. ground required
PS2 connection
Loop-powered by the PC
Compact package

Scenario: Installing a PC in a hazardous area can be quite a challenge. The CPU and monitor can be mounted inside a pressurized enclosure, but the keyboard and mouse need to be accessible to the operator. Fortunately, there are a number of intrinsically safe keyboards and pointing devices available, but these must be used in conjunction with an intrinsic safety barrier.

Problem: Traditional Zener type safety barriers introduce voltage drop in the connections, and require a high-integrity ground connection to meet code. This can be problematical for mobile equipment, not to mention ground loop issues when data and signal connections are brought together from different systems with different power sources.

Solution: The Exloc EX210 PS2 Isolating Barrier overcomes these issues by providing galvanically isolated ground-free power and data connections. It hooks up using familiar industry standard DIN plugs and cords, and derives it's 5V power directly from the PC. The isolator is designed for direct surface mounting inside the pressurized PC enclosure using two screws.

More EX210 Information

Photo of Extronics Model iSOLATE100 intrinsically safe isolator for keyboard, mouse, or barcode laser scanner used in hazardous classified locations

iSOLATE100 I.S. PS2/Serial Isolator

ATEX certified
Intrinsically safe
Galvanically isolated
No I.S. ground required
Dual-channel PS2 connection
Loop-powered by the PC
PS/2 Wedge, RS232, RS485 versions

The iSOLATE100 intrinsically safe interface enables suitably certified hazardous area peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, or barcode laser scanner to be connected to a PC in a safe area. It uses a combination of galvanic and optical isolation to transfer power and data. Alternative versions permit PS/2, RS232, and RS485 operation. The keyboard or pointing device may be located up to 65 feet (20 meters) from the PC using PS/2 cable, or up to 230 feet (70 meters) using CAT6 STP cable.

iSOLATE100 Specifications
Electrical Connections	Screw terminals and PS/2 connectors – supplied with two (2) PS/2 leads for connection to PC ports
Certification	ATEX II (2) GD [EEx ia] IIC
Ambient Temperature	-22 to +140°F (-30 to +60°C)
Power Supply	Typically powered from a PS/2 port on the PC, or separate 5VDC supply
Materials	Housing: aluminum
Weight	Approx. 0.55 lbs. (250g)
Dimensions	4.13" x 6.54" x 1.73" (105mm x 166mm x 44mm)
Mounting	Surface, using two brackets supplied
Environmental Protection	IP20
Relative Humidity	0 to 75%, non-condensing
Ordering Codes
iSOLATE100-EX01	Intrinsically Safe Interface 2x PS/2 to PS/2
iSOLATE100-EX02	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 Keyboard Wedge
iSOLATE100-EX03	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 and RS232
iSOLATE100-EX04	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 and RS485
Accessory	USBCONV1 = PS/2 to USB convertor

Photo of Extronics Model iSOLATE100M intrinsically safe isolator for keyboard, mouse, or barcode laser scanner used in hazardous classified locations

iSOLATE100M I.S. PS2/Serial Isolator

ATEX certified
Mountable in Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas
Intrinsically safe
Galvanically isolated
No I.S. ground required
Dual-channel PS2 connection
Loop-powered by the PC
PS/2 Wedge, RS232, RS485 versions

The iSOLATE100M can be installed in a Zone 1 or 2 hazardous location. It enables suitably certified hazardous area peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse or barcode laser scanner to be connected to a PC in a safe area. It uses a combination of galvanic and optical isolation to transfer power and data and provides a more practical solution than conventional safety barriers. Alternative versions permit PS/2, RS232, and RS485 operation. The keyboard or pointing device may be located up to 65 feet (20 meters) from the PC using PS/2 cable, or up to 230 feet (70 meters) using CAT6 STP cable.

iSOLATE100M Specifications
Electrical Connections	Multiple connection options: cable glands with flying leads, Exe terminal enclosures, or PS/2 plugs – see ordering codes below
Certification	ATEX: II 2 G EEx m [ia] IIC T4; II D T75°C IP67
Ambient Temperature	-22 to +140°F (-30 to +60°C)
Power Supply	Powered from a PS/2 port on the PC, or separate 5VDC supply
Materials	Housing: aluminum
Weight	Approx. 3.53 lbs. (1.6Kg)
Dimensions	Main Unit: 4.13" x 6.54" x 1.73" (105mm x 166mm x 44mm)
Mounting	Surface, using two brackets supplied
Environmental Protection	IP67
Relative Humidity	0 to 75%, non-condensing
Ordering Codes
iSOLATE100M-EX01	Intrinsically Safe Interface 2x PS/2 to PS/2
iSOLATE100M-EX02	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 Keyboard Wedge
iSOLATE100M-EX03	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 and RS232
iSOLATE100M-EX04	Intrinsically Safe Interface PS/2 and RS485
Add Suffix (+) for type of connection for PC/safe side	1 = Flying leads 2 = Exe terminal enclosure
Add Suffix (+) for type of connection on hazardous side	1 = PS/2 connections 2 = Exe terminal enclosure
Accessories	USBCONV1 = PS/2 to USB convertor CE120 = Keyboard/Mouse extender

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