What Is a Pulse Isolator?
A pulse isolator is a device with inputs and outputs that converts and distributes pulse signals. It internally shapes the pulse signal received from the device connected to the input side.
The pulse isolator is a device that outputs the wave-formed pulse signal to the device connected to the output side.
Since the input and output sides are isolated inside the pulse isolator, it can be used without problems even when the potential of the input side differs from that of the output side. Noise and other effects generated on the input side are not transmitted to the output side.
When inputting measurement results from industrial equipment or measuring instruments to another device for data processing, direct input is not possible if the signal level, duty, etc. are different.
In this case, a pulse isolator is a device that matches the signal specifications and passes the signal between devices.
The pulse isolator also functions as a signal distributor when inputting measured data to multiple devices.
Uses of Pulse Isolators
Uses of pulse isolators include the input of pulse signals from measuring instruments that output pulses, such as encoders that detect motor rotation, flow meters, watt-hour meters, counters, and proximity switches, to PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and display devices, which are separate devices. The input pulse is converted into a pulse signal that matches the output device and output.
The pulse isolator also divides the signal input to the pulse isolator into two separate signals for input to two systems of PLCs or display devices, and outputs them. Since the inside of the pulse isolators are insulated, they can be used without problems even when the potentials of the input and output sides are different. It also serves to isolate noise generated on the input side from being transmitted to the output side.
Thus, it is a very effective device for electrically isolating circuits on the input side and the output side.
For example, circuit isolation ensures that even if the input side is damaged by a breakdown and an abnormal current is generated, the circuit and equipment on the output side will not be affected and will be protected.
Features of Pulse Isolators
Pulse isolators are devices designed to connect signals with different electrical specifications and distribute the signals. They have many signal conversion functions. For this reason, the input and output specifications of pulse isolators can be changed as desired by the internal settings of the device. As a result, various pulse signals can be converted and connected.
First, pulse isolators can convert and transmit logic signals of different levels. When transferring signals, the input and output signal levels must be matched. This function is useful when the input signal level is insufficient. As an example, a logic signal with an input signal of 3V can be converted to a 5V logic signal for output.
Next, if the output specification of the device connected to the input side of the pulse isolators is voltage output, open collector, or line driver, the input can be enabled by changing the pulse isolator setting.
Similarly, if the input specification of the device connected to the output side of the pulse isolators is voltage output, open collector, or line driver, changing the pulse isolator setting will enable output. In this way, pulse isolators can perform many signal conversions by combining input and output specifications.
Depending on the model, some pulse isolators also have a function to receive a zero-crossing signal (a signal whose polarity is inverted at 0V) on the input side and convert it into a general logic signal.
Thus, the use of pulse isolators makes it possible to connect devices with different signal levels.
When selecting pulse isolators, note that there are restrictions on the specifications of the power supply and pulse signals that can be handled.