Specifications

Publication 1794-SG002D-EN-P - May 2012
About the FLEX Ex I/O Systems 73
FLEX Ex Typical
Configurations
The following are typical configurations of FLEX Ex I/O in an intrinsically safe
system:
• FLEX Ex I/O modules are interfaced through a ControlNet Ex I/O
adapter module to a coax ControlNet segment that is confined to the
hazardous area. This coax ControlNet Ex segment is interfaced through a
ControlNet Ex coax drop repeater module and ControlNet Ex fiber media
port adapter to a fiber-optic ControlNet segment, which is fed through
from the safe area. A FLEX Ex power supply powers the repeater module,
fiber media port adapter, ControlNet Ex I/O adapter module, and I/O
modules individually. This configuration is best for long distances and a
large number of nodes.
• The FLEX Ex ControlNet barrier allows connection to a ControlNet Ex
I/O adapter module in the hazardous area via coax directly from the safe
area. The barrier is mounted in the safe area. This is more economical for
intermediate distances and nodes.
• Sensors and actuators in a hazardous area can be connected to FLEX Ex
I/O modules, which are connected through a bus isolator module and
connector to a FLEX I/O adapter in a safe area thus allowing connectivity
to DeviceNet, ControlNet, Universal Remote I/O, and EtherNet/IP. This
configuration may be most economical for low-point applications or when
networks other than ControlNet are required.
• FLEX Ex I/O modules in a hazardous area can be connected through an
extender cable to a FlexBus feed-through connector in an explosion-proof
enclosure. Inside the enclosure, the feed-through connector is connected
through a FLEX Ex extender cable, and then a bus isolator module and
connector, to a FLEX I/O adapter.