Process Calibrator Is Certified Intrinsically Safe

June 23, 2003

The 707EX Loop Calibrator from Fluke is the first in a line of test tools developed specifically for hazardous environments like petrochemical plants, oil platforms and refineries, and other places subject to risk of explosion. The 707Ex meets Factory Mutual (FM) certification for 707Ex N.I. Class 1 Division 2, Groups A-D. It also complies with the latest European ATEX (ATmospheric EXplosibles) directive. The calibrator combines Fluke's technology in handheld test tools with the latest ATEX certification.

Its ergonomic design combines the best of both knob- and button-based calibrators in a single, easy to use device with features like span checking, manual stepping, and automatic ramping. Pushbutton-selectable 25% voltage steps allow quick, easy linearity checks, while a built-in span check function enables fast zero and span confirmation. Both loop current sourcing and simulating are standard. Selectable slow ramp, fast ramp, and step functions provide users with test signals needed for valve slewing and loop functional tests. Readings are in "mA" and "%." A single 9-V battery can be changed without breaking the calibration seal. Available now, it costs $875.

See associated figure

Fluke Corp.www.fluke.com

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.