The primary function of a signal isolator is to eliminate ground loops that may exist between two or more instruments. A classical application isolates the control room equipment (computers, PLC, DCS etc.) from field devices which may have different ground potentials. In addition to breaking up ground loops, the isolators protect control room equipment from damaging transient spikes and noise generated in the field. Some isolators are able to produce two identical outputs for routing to different instruments, for example a recorder and a controller. However, choosing the proper and most cost-effective isolator requires an understanding of the application and consideration of future expansion requirements.

Acromag offers dozens of isolator models to cover all the possible system configurations because one size definitely does not fit all. Should you use two-, three-, or four-wire electrical connections. Will the isolator operate off AC, DC, or loop power? Do you need an input, output, or 3-way (input, output, power) isolators? Then there are the mounting, calibration, and load resistance issues.

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