MTL 5042 Isolator | mV/mA Input, 4-20mA Output, IS, DIN Rail, ATEX/IECEx/FM Specs

MTL 5042 Isolator | mV/mA Input, 4-20mA Output, IS, DIN Rail, ATEX/IECEx/FM Specs

MTL 5042 mV/mA transmitter specifications. Millivolt or milliampere input, 4-20mA output, intrinsic safety, 24V DC, DIN rail. ATEX/IECEx/FM approved for hazardous areas.

Product Overview

The MTL 5042​ is a single-channel, universal mV/mA isolator and transmitter​ from MTL's 5000 series. It accepts a wide range of millivolt (mV) or milliampere (mA) input signals​ from hazardous area devices, provides intrinsic safety (IS) isolation and signal conditioning, and delivers a precision, isolated, and linear 4-20mA output​ to the safe-area control system. Certified for Zone 1 hazardous locations, it is a versatile solution for interfacing with load cells, pressure sensors, flow transmitters, potentiometers, and other mV/mA output devices.

Technical Specifications

Note: Specifications are based on MTL 5000 series documentation. DIP-switch configurable models are common. Some variants may be software-configurable. Always verify with the latest product datasheet.

Key Features

• Universal mV/mA Input:​ One device handles a vast array of voltage and current input signals, reducing spare part inventory.

• High Accuracy & Stability:​ ±0.1% accuracy with excellent noise rejection and low temperature drift.

• Intrinsic Safety Barrier:​ Certified for Zone 1/21, protecting equipment in hazardous areas.

• Wide Range Selection:​ Multiple pre-defined mV and mA ranges, including bipolar (±) inputs.

• Easy Configuration:​ Typically configured via onboard DIP switches for input type, range, and burnout response.

• Compact & Dense Design:​ Only 12.5mm wide for high-density DIN rail installations.

• Comprehensive Diagnostics:​ Includes sensor burnout (open-circuit) detection for mA inputs.

• Galvanic Isolation:​ 500V isolation prevents ground loops and protects against transients.

• Global Hazardous Area Approvals:​ Suitable for international installations.

Common Input Range Applications

Input Circuit Details

• For Voltage Inputs (mV/V):​ High-impedance (>1MΩ) differential input. Suitable for sourcing (active) field devices.

• For Current Inputs (µA/mA):​ The input impedance is a low-value, precision "burden" resistor (e.g., 100Ω for 0-20mA range). The field device must be capable of driving this burden voltage. The 5042 is typically a passive (sinking) input for current loops.

Entity Parameters (for Hazardous Area Loop Design)

Note: The connected field device in the hazardous area must be intrinsically safe certified. Its entity parameters and the cable parameters (Cable, Lo) must satisfy the IS loop calculation.

DIP Switch Configuration Overview (Typical)

Refer to the product manual for the exact DIP switch coding table, as it is specific to the input type and range selection.

Wiring Configurations

1. Voltage Input (Active Field Device):

[Field Device +] ----- 5042 Input+
[Field Device -] ----- 5042 Input-
[Field Device 0V] -------------------- (May connect to IS ground if applicable)

2. Passive Current Input (2-Wire Transmitter):

[24V IS Supply +] ----- [2-Wire Xmtr +]
[2-Wire Xmtr -]   ----- 5042 Input+
5042 Input-       ---------------------- [24V IS Supply -]

The 5042 acts as the load resistor in the current loop.

Typical Applications

• Weighing Systems:​ Interface with load cells and strain gauges (mV signals).

• Pressure/Force Measurement:​ Low-level output from pressure transducers.

• Valve Position Feedback:​ From potentiometers or 0-10V positioners.

• Analytical Instrumentation:​ pH, conductivity, gas detector outputs (often mV or µA).

• Signal Re-transmission:​ Isolating and re-transmitting an existing 4-20mA signal to another system.

• Speed/Tachometer Signals:​ From magnetic pickups or other sensors.

• Solar/Power Monitoring:​ From shunt resistors (mV drop) or current transformers (mA).

Important Technical Notes

1. Input Type Selection:​ Crucially important.​ Applying a voltage to a current-input configured module (or vice versa) can damage the device or cause incorrect operation.

2. Passive vs. Active Input:​ For current input​ mode, the 5042 typically provides a passive input​ (requires an external loop power supply for a 2-wire transmitter). For voltage input​ mode, it is an active (high-impedance) input.

3. Burnout Detection:​ Only functional in current input​ mode. It detects an open circuit in the current loop.

4. Loop Power for Current Input:​ When connecting a 2-wire transmitter, ensure the external intrinsically safe power supply​ provides sufficient voltage: V_supply > (V_xmtr_min + V_burden), where V_burden = I_max * R_burden (e.g., 20mA * 100Ω = 2V).

5. Shielding & Noise:​ For low-level mV signals, use shielded, twisted pair cable. Ground the shield at the 5042 end only​ (terminal provided). Keep away from power cables.

6. Bipolar Inputs:​ For ± ranges, the 4-20mA output is still unidirectional. The input span is mapped linearly (e.g., -10mV to +10mV input maps to 4mA to 20mA output).

7. Configuration:​ Double-check DIP switch settings against the field device's output specification. An incorrect range setting will scale the output incorrectly.

8. Calibration:​ For critical mV applications, span and zero adjustments may be necessary using the input signal and monitoring the output.

Note: This data sheet provides general specifications for the MTL 5042 mV/mA isolator/transmitter. For complete installation instructions, detailed DIP switch tables, wiring diagrams, intrinsic safety guidelines, and certification details, consult the official MTL 5000 Series Technical Manual​ and the product-specific data sheet. Always ensure the selected configuration matches the field device's output signal.

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