MTL​ (Measurement Technology Ltd) is a global leader in industrial instrumentation and hazardous area protection solutions. Specializing in intrinsic safety barriers, signal conditioners, and surge protection devices, MTL serves oil & gas, chemical, and process industries worldwide. With over 50 years of expertise, the brand delivers reliable, certified products for critical safety applications, ensuring operational excellence in explosive environments.

Product Overview

The ​MTL4546C​ is a precision isolating driver designed for reliable signal transmission between safe-area control systems and field devices operating in hazardous areas. This single-channel module provides galvanic isolation and signal conditioning for 4-20mA HART communication systems, featuring advanced line fault detection capabilities for critical process control applications in oil and gas, chemical, and other high-risk industries. With its robust design and comprehensive safety certifications, it ensures secure operation in Zone 0/Division 1 hazardous locations while maintaining signal integrity and accuracy.

Key Features

• ​Advanced Line Fault Detection​ - Open-circuit detection capability for field wiring monitoring

• ​HART Communication Support​ - Bidirectional digital signal transmission for smart valve positioners

• ​Galvanic Isolation​ - 250V AC isolation between hazardous and safe areas

• ​High Accuracy Signal Conditioning​ - Precision signal repetition with minimal error

• ​Compact DIN Rail Design​ - Space-efficient module for high-density installations

• ​Visual Status Indicators​ - Green LED for power and operational status

• ​Wide Operating Voltage​ - 20-35V DC power supply flexibility

• ​International Safety Certifications​ - ATEX, IECEx, FM, and CSA approvals

Technical Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

Power Specifications

• ​Operating Voltage Range​ | 20-35V DC ±10%

• ​Current Consumption​ | Maximum 35mA at 24V DC

• ​Power Dissipation​ | 0.8W typical at 24V DC

• ​Isolation Voltage​ | 250V AC between circuits

Signal Performance

• ​Input Signal Range​ | 4-20mA standard (1-24mA extended range)

• ​Transfer Accuracy​ | Better than 20μA at reference temperature

• ​Temperature Stability​ | <1.0μA/°C drift across operating range

• ​Output Ripple​ | <40μA peak-to-peak maximum

• ​Response Characteristics​ | Fast 100ms settling time to within 200μA of final value

Load Capabilities

• ​Maximum Load Resistance​ | 800Ω at 20mA

• ​Minimum Load Resistance​ | 90Ω for short-circuit detection

• ​Over-range Capability​ | 24mA output with load ≤520Ω

• ​Under-range Capability​ | 1mA minimum output signal

Safety Certifications

Hazardous Area Approvals

• ​ATEX Certification​ | II 1G Ex ia IIC T4-T6 Ga

• ​IECEx Certification​ | Ex ia IIC T4-T6 Ga

• ​FM Approval​ | Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D

• ​CSA Certification​ | Canadian Standards Association approval

• ​Zone Classification​ | Suitable for Zone 0, IIC, T4-T6 hazardous areas

• ​Division Rating​ | Division 1, Group A hazardous locations

Safety Parameters

• ​Maximum Voltage (Uo)​​ | 28V

• ​Maximum Current (Io)​​ | 93mA

• ​Maximum Power (Po)​​ | 651mW

• ​Maximum Input Voltage (Um)​​ | 253V RMS or DC

• ​SIL Capability​ | SIL2 capable for single device, SIL3 capable for redundant configurations

Performance Characteristics

Signal Conditioning

• ​Signal Integrity​ | Maintains signal accuracy across isolation barrier

• ​Noise Immunity​ | High immunity to electromagnetic interference

• ​Line Fault Detection​ | Open-circuit detection with preset current drop

• ​HART Communication​ | Supports bidirectional digital communication

Environmental Performance

• ​Operating Temperature Range​ | -20°C to +60°C

• ​Storage Temperature Range​ | -40°C to +80°C

• ​Humidity Range​ | 5-95% RH non-condensing

• ​Vibration Resistance​ | Suitable for industrial environments

Mechanical Specifications

Physical Construction

• ​Housing Material​ | Industrial-grade materials

• ​Enclosure Design​ | Compact form factor

• ​Mounting System​ | DIN rail compatible (35mm standard)

• ​Connection Method​ | Screw terminal blocks

• ​Weight​ | Approximately 110g

Dimensions

• ​Module Width​ | 17.5mm

• ​Height​ | 109.8mm

• ​Depth​ | 123.6mm

• ​Mounting​ | Standard 35mm DIN rail

Applications

The MTL4546C is ideal for:

• ​Process Control Systems​ - Signal isolation for critical process variables

• ​Valve Positioner Control​ - HART communication with smart valve positioners

• ​Hazardous Area Instrumentation​ - Interface between safe and hazardous areas

• ​Oil and Gas Facilities​ - Wellhead control and safety systems

• ​Chemical Processing​ - Reactor control and safety interfaces

• ​Pharmaceutical Manufacturing​ - Process control in classified areas

• ​Water Treatment Plants​ - Signal isolation and conditioning

Installation & Operation

Mounting Configuration

• ​DIN Rail Mounting​ | Standard 35mm DIN rail installation

• ​Orientation​ | Any mounting position supported

• ​Clearance Requirements​ | Standard industrial spacing

• ​Group Installation​ | Can be mounted with other MTL series devices

Electrical Connections

• ​Terminal Connections​ | Screw terminal blocks for secure wiring

• ​Wiring Specifications​ | Follow manufacturer's torque specifications

• ​HART Communication​ | Supports bidirectional digital communication

• ​Grounding​ | Proper grounding for safety and performance

Configuration

• ​No Configuration Required​ | Plug-and-play operation

• ​Status Monitoring​ | Green LED indicates proper operation

• ​Function Verification​ | Simple operational verification procedure

Why Choose MTL4546C?

• ​Proven Safety​ | Certified for most demanding hazardous areas

• ​Reliable Performance​ | High accuracy signal conditioning

• ​Advanced Diagnostics​ | Line fault detection for predictive maintenance

• ​Easy Integration​ | Simple installation and operation

• ​Global Compliance​ | International safety certifications

• ​Technical Support​ | Backed by manufacturer's expertise

• ​Long Service Life​ | Designed for industrial durability

Maintenance & Service

• ​Visual Inspection​ | Regular check of physical condition and LED status

• ​Performance Verification​ | Periodic signal accuracy testing

• ​Terminal Check​ | Verify terminal tightness during maintenance

• ​Environmental Protection​ | Ensure operating within specifications