Eaton MTL MTL5541 Single Channel 4-20mA Current Loop Intrinsic Safety Isolator
The MTL5541 is a high-performance 1-channel galvanically isolated barrier from Eaton's MTL5500 series, designed as a repeater power supply for 2-wire and 3-wire smart transmitters located in hazardous areas. This device provides a fully-floating DC supply to energize conventional 4-20mA transmitters while accurately repeating the current to drive a safe-area load, ensuring complete galvanic isolation between input, output, and power supply.
Model Number Decoding: MTL5541
| Code Segment |
Meaning |
| MTL |
MTL Instruments Group (now Eaton) |
| 55 |
MTL5500 series - Galvanic isolators with DIN rail mounting |
| 41 |
Specific configuration - Repeater power supply for 2/3-wire transmitters |
| (S suffix) |
Current sink version for safe-area connection (MTL5541S) |
Key Features & Benefits
- Galvanic Isolation - No IS Earth Required: Total AC and DC isolation eliminates the need for high-integrity earth ground
- Repeater Power Supply Function: Provides floating DC supply for 2-wire or 3-wire 4-20mA transmitters in hazardous areas
- Bidirectional HART Communication: Supports full HART configuration and diagnostics of SMART transmitters
- High Transfer Accuracy: Better than 15 µA accuracy with temperature drift of <0.8µA/°C
- Fast Response Time: Settles within 10% of final value in <50 µs
- High Transmitter Drive Capability: Provides 16.5V at 20mA to power field transmitters
- Compact 16mm Width: Slim design enables high packing density on DIN rails
- Plug-in Connectors: Easy installation, maintenance, and replacement without rewiring
- LED Status Indication: Green LED provides clear visual indication of power supply status
- Global Approvals: ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, CCC Ex certified for worldwide use
Technical Specifications
Power Supply
| Parameter |
Value |
| Supply Voltage |
20 to 35 V DC |
| Current Consumption (@24V, 20mA signal) |
51 mA |
| Maximum Power Dissipation (@24V, 20mA) |
0.7 W |
Hazardous Area Input (Field Side)
| Parameter |
Value |
| Location of Transmitter |
Zone 0, IIC, T4-6 hazardous area |
| Signal Range |
0 to 24 mA (including over-range) |
| Transmitter Voltage |
16.5 V at 20 mA |
| HART Communication |
Supported (bidirectional) |
Safe Area Output (Control Side)
| Parameter |
Value |
| Signal Range |
4 to 20 mA (under/over-range: 0 to 24 mA) |
| Load Resistance (@24mA) |
0 to 360 Ω |
| Load Resistance (@20mA) |
0 to 450 Ω |
| Safe-Area Circuit Output Resistance |
> 1 MΩ |
Performance Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Transfer Accuracy at 20 °C |
Better than 15 µA |
| Temperature Drift |
< 0.8 µA/°C |
| Response Time |
Settles within 10% of final value in < 50 µs |
| Isolation (Safe/Hazardous Area) |
1500 V RMS minimum (250Vrms working) |
Certifications & Approvals
| Certification |
Status |
Certificate Number |
Region |
| ATEX |
Current |
SGS23ATEX0019 |
Europe |
| IECEx |
Current |
IECExBAS23.0013 |
International |
| UKEX |
Current |
BAS23UKEX0026 |
United Kingdom |
| FM (Canada) |
Current |
FM16CA0102X |
Canada |
| FM (USA) |
Current |
FM16US0173X |
USA |
| CCC Ex (China) |
Current |
2020322316002263 |
China |
Note: For Japan installations, confirm current TIIS status or select NK-approved option.
Function Description
The MTL5541 is a galvanically isolated barrier that operates as a repeater power supply for 2-wire and 3-wire 4-20mA transmitters. It provides a fully-floating DC supply to energize transmitters in hazardous areas while accurately repeating the current to drive safe-area loads, with complete galvanic isolation between input, output, and power supply.
Hazardous Area (Field Side) Safe Area (Control Side)
2/3-wire 4-20mA Transmitter ──► MTL5541 ──────────────────► 4...20mA to PLC/DCS
(Zone 0, IIC, T4-6) ──► (Galvanic isolation) ──► 0-450Ω load
──► (Repeater power supply) ──► HART Communicator
◄── (Bidirectional HART) ◄──
20-35V DC supply
[No high-integrity earth required]
Applications
| Industry |
Application |
| Oil & Gas |
Isolating pressure and temperature transmitters on offshore platforms |
| Chemical Processing |
Reactor pressure/temperature monitoring in explosive atmospheres |
| Pharmaceutical |
Sterile processing parameter measurement in Ex ia IIC classified areas |
| Power Generation |
Boiler and turbine instrumentation isolation |
| Water/Wastewater |
Pump station pressure monitoring for remote 4-20mA transmitters |
Ordering Information
| Item |
Details |
| Part Number |
MTL5541 |
| Alternative Part Number |
5720-032-003 |
| Brand |
Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Product Family |
MTL5500 Range - Isolated Galvanic Barriers |
| Country of Origin |
United Kingdom |
| Condition |
New, Original, Factory Sealed |