Communication Enabler (PR 4511)

Signal conditioners traditionally give the control system one analogue value and nothing else. The PR 4511 changes that. It snaps onto the front of a compatible PR 3000-, 4000- or 9000-series module and connects it to an RS-485 Modbus RTU network, so the PLC or SCADA reads the process value digitally, together with the module's status, diagnostics and configuration, and can change parameters remotely. At the same time the front display shows the value locally, and the module can be programmed from the front without a PC.

The interface is powered through the host device, so installation is a matter of plugging it on and connecting the RS-485 cable. Communication is Modbus RTU over RS-485, and the PR 4590 ConfigMate PC interface and Modbus communication cables are available for configuration and commissioning. The PR 4511 is approved for installation in Zone 2 or Division 2, which suits it to remote cabinets and field enclosures on plant. Protection is IP20.

Applications are adding Modbus RTU communication, local display, programming, monitoring and diagnostics to compatible PR devices in process automation, oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, marine, power and industrial control, particularly where a row of isolators and converters should report to a supervisory system without a separate I/O card per channel.