Fiber Optic Microswitch Provides EMI Immunity and Inherent Safety
Camarillo, CA – January 10, 2017 – Micronor’s MR386 ZapFREE® Microswitch is the world’s first fiber optic micro switch, purposely designed to meet the challenging requirements of MRI, medical and industrial applications. Engineers will appreciate the product’s interchangeability with the familiar, industry standard V15-series electrical micro switch.
The Micronor MR386 outperforms conventional electrical micro switches and limit switches. The entirely non-electrical, totally-passive sensor provides EMI and RFI immunity, isolation from high voltage and lightning, inherent safety in explosive atmospheres, and can operate interference-free over very long distances – up to 1500 meters.
Two models are offered – Industrial and MRI Safe. The Industrial model targets the most challenging environments and features an extended temperature range of -40ºC to +80ºC. The non-metallic MRI Safe model was purposely designed for use inside the MR bore and is magnetically invisible to the imaging process. With a temperature range of -5ºC to +60ºC, this model targets medical, hospital, laboratory and instrumentation applications.
In operation, the MR386 Microswitch connects to an MR380 series Controller via an industry-standard Duplex LC 50/125µm or 62.5/125µm multimode fiber link – up to 1500 meters. Two types of Controllers are offered – DIN Rail Mount model for installation in control cabinets and a low-cost, compact OEM PCB model to embed directly into the manufacturer’s product. The Controllers offer a generous optical loss budget, allowing for complex routing and daisy chaining of multiple switches. Both Normally Open and Normally Closed optical configurations are available depending on the nature of the application.
For ATEX applications and similar hazardous locations, the MR386 Microswitch is classified as a “simple mechanical device” and can be installed in any manner of explosive atmosphere – mines, gas and dust. The Controller outputs “inherently safe, optical radiation” and is approved for EPL Mb/Gb/Gc/Db/Dc applications.
For Machine Safety applications, the controller defaults to the emergency state when: (1) the optical path is blocked, (2) in case of a broken fiber, (3) a fiber is disconnected, or (4) loss of power to the controller link.
In small quantities, the MR386 Microswitch is $350, the MR380-0 OEM Controller is $250, and the MR380-1 DIN Rail Mount Controller is $540 – with typical lead time of stock to 2 weeks. Discounts are available for OEM applications.
About Micronor:
Since 2003, Micronor Inc. has been a pioneer of innovative Fiber Optic Kinetic Sensors for both industrial and medical applications. Products include Fiber Optic Position Sensors, Rotary Encoders, Linear Encoders, Signaling, E-Stop, Microswitch, Accelerometer, and Temperature Sensors. These sensors are designed for challenging applications where immunity to EMI, RFI, microwaves, high voltage, magnetic fields, radiation and/or explosive atmospheres is required, as well as MRI compatibility or long distance operation. Micronor maintains regional sales, service, engineering, and manufacturing facilities in both California, USA and Switzerland.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dennis Horwitz
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Micronor Inc.
900 Calle Plano, Suite K
Camarillo, CA 93012 USA
TEL: (805) 389-6600
FAX: (805) 389-6605
EMAIL: dennis@micronor.com
