MTL F2XX Megablock Wiring Hubs

The MTL F2XX Megablock wiring hubs are DIN-rail mounted passive hubs designed for use in Foundation fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA networks. They provide a simple means of connecting field devices to the network trunk cable, and they protect the segment from spur short circuits. The choice of rising cage clamp screw or spring clamp terminals simplifies installation and maintenance.

Megablocks minimize hand wiring and allow individual devices to be added to and removed from the segment without disrupting network communication. A green power LED on each unit indicates whether at least 9V DC is present. MTL Megablocks are available in four, eight, ten and twelve drop versions, depending on the model. Multiple Megablocks are easily wired to one another to allow larger segments to be constructed.

The Megablocks feature built-in SpurGuard, a device-port, short circuit protection technique that minimizes susceptibility to single points of failure. SpurGuard protectors prevent a short circuit in any of the individual transmitters or spur cable runs from bringing down the entire fieldbus segment. A red LED near each spur connection indicates that a spur is shorted and is in "overcurrent" mode.

The F2xx-XE Megablocks are designed to meet the requirements for installation in an Ex e junction box in Zone 1. Within Zone 1, the F2xx-IS Megablocks are designed for installation in intrinsically safe applications, and are compatible with FISCO or Entity-approved field instruments. An intrinsically safe fieldbus allows live connection and disconnection of the fieldbus without the need for a gas clearance certificate, which assists in commissioning, maintenance and system expansions.

Pluggable surge protection components for the fieldbus trunk and individual spurs are available as an option, reducing the installed cost of providing surge protection on fieldbus networks.