The new remote I/O system Antares made by Bartec is a compact and decentralized multiple input and output unit for digital and analog data transmission as well as for the consistent connection of field devices via digital communication to the central system in an industrial plant. According to the current guidelines for applications in explosion-hazardous areas, the system is suited for ATEX zone 1 and zone 2 (gas) and ATEX zone 21 and zone 22 (dust) as well as according to IECEx.
The new and successful concept of Antares becomes manifest in a completely new casing technology. The combination of Ex d, Ex e and Ex i and a specially developed plug-in technology has been implemented in a very small space. Due to the special development concept, the system does not require an expensive explosion-proof casing for device category 2G (Ex e). For the user, this implies cost savings and a reduced engineering expenditure. All modules are hot-swap-capable, i.e. that the modules can be changed during the running operation of the current-carrying system. In addition, standard bus systems can be coupled directly to the system, no additional explosion-protected components (buffer amplifiers) are required.
By means of various bus systems (Profibus-DP, Profinet, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP), the system can be connected to any conventional control system and for the first time allows to use ProfiNet and Ethernet IP in the Ex area. A high-capacity power supply unit (100 watt) allows, for the first time, to supply power to maximally 32 modules, which implies a very high number of input/output channels. Eight different I/O modules are available: digital and analog inputs and outputs. By interconnecting two rail control units with a simple jumper, real redundancy is achieved.
The accordant Antares designer software allows that the system can be projected and configured with few mouse clicks due to its intuitive operability.

Advantages:

• Profinet and Ethernet IP for the Ex area
• No Ex e casing required, a simple standard casing is sufficient
• No external safety barriers or buffer amplifiers required
• The same bus typology as in the non-Ex area
• Integrated Ethernet switch allows to establish bus lines
• High-capacity power supply unit for up to 32 modules
• Really redundant system
• Innovative design
• Designer software with intuitive user surface