Description
The MTL838B-HON is a specialized version of the MTL838B Analogue Multiplexer Receiver, specifically engineered to interface with Honeywell LLMUX (Low Level Multiplexer) cards. As part of the MTL830 range, this receiver is designed to aggregate signals from hazardous-area sensors and provide them in a format compatible with legacy Honeywell control systems.
While standard MTL838B units typically provide Modbus (RS485/RS422) outputs, the “-HON” suffix identifies a configuration or hardware adaptation tailored to communicate directly with Honeywell’s proprietary multiplexing infrastructure.
Key Functions & Purpose 🔄
The primary role of the MTL838B-HON in an industrial control environment is to act as the “Safe Area” component of a data acquisition system.
- Signal Translation: It receives multiplexed data signals originating from an MTL831B transmitter (located in a hazardous area) and translates them into the required electrical format for the Honeywell LLMUX card.
- Wiring Efficiency: By using this system, industrial plants can significantly reduce installation costs. It communicates the status of up to 32 analogue inputs (such as thermocouples or RTDs) over a simple, dual-redundant twisted-pair data highway, eliminating the need for long, expensive runs of individual compensation cables for every sensor.
- System Compatibility: It bridges the gap between field-mounted MTL multiplexer hardware and the specific input requirements of Honeywell DCS/PLC interfaces.
Technical Highlights 📋
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MTL Instruments (Eaton/Crouse-Hinds) |
| Model Type | Analogue Multiplexer Receiver (HON configuration) |
| Compatibility | Honeywell LLMUX Cards |
| Data Highway | Supports redundant data highway connections |
| Hazardous Area Input | Designed to work with MTL831B transmitters |
| Status | Discontinued by manufacturer (as of late 2018) |
Important Considerations for Maintenance & Replacement ⚠️
- Discontinuation: The MTL838B series, including the -HON variant, has been discontinued by the manufacturer. If you are troubleshooting a failure, you may need to source refurbished units or consider a system modernization plan to replace the aging multiplexer infrastructure with modern I/O solutions.
- Configuration: Like other units in the MTL830 range, the configuration (such as alarm settings and sensor types) is often managed via internal DIL switches or specific PC-based software (PCS83).
- Safety Isolation: If your MTL831B transmitter is mounted in a hazardous zone, ensure that the data highways are protected by the correct intrinsic safety barriers (typically the MTL3052) before they enter the safe-area receiver.
