Enhancing Safety in Industrial Control Systems with Galvanic Isolation Barrier

Multiple systems can be connected in industrial automation applications, and there are many benefits to doing so, but when there are high voltage differences between these systems, designers need to manage voltage inconsistencies, including large voltage differences in system grounding. Galvanic isolation barrier is the hardware technology that solves these analog and digital current isolation challenges. This article will introduce suitable industrial voltage isolation solution and its applications.

Basic Functions and Principles

The galvanic isolation barrier is a device for the isolation of electrical signals that prevents high voltages, currents, and electromagnetic interference from entering the control system. Its working principle is based on electromagnetic isolation technology, through the isolation transformer or photocoupler and other components, to realize the complete isolation of the signal in the electrical, so as to ensure the stability and safety of the control system.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The galvanic isolation barrier plays multiple roles in industrial control systems. First, it prevents external electrical noise and electromagnetic interference from damaging the control system. Secondly, it limits overcurrents and overvoltages and protects sensitive components in the control system from damage. In addition, signal transmission through the galvanic isolation barrier is more stable, reducing the possibility of signal distortion and malfunction, and improving the reliability and accuracy of the control system.

Excellent Safety

In the presence of a galvanic isolation barrier, there is no direct conduction path. The advantage of this type of circuit is that galvanic isolation barriers can be utilized to exchange analog or digital information through the use of light, magnetic, or electric fields. These fields open many doors. Through one of these gates, multiple systems can operate safely and correctly at different ground and voltage potentials. They can also exchange analog or digital information without interfering or destroying each other in the process.

Application Examples and Results Analysis

The safety and stability of many industrial control systems have been significantly improved with the introduction of galvanic isolation barriers. For example, in the petrochemical industry, control systems are often affected by electromagnetic interference and overcurrent due to the harsh production environment and complexity of electrical equipment. By introducing galvanic isolation barrier, these disturbances and overcurrents are effectively isolated, and the stability and safety of the control system are significantly enhanced.

In industrial automation applications, where multiple systems have difficulties in handling both analog and digital transmission signals, galvanic isolation barriers play an important role in improving the safety of industrial control systems. By using this hardware technology, safe and stable operation of industrial systems can be realized.