Patent ID: 6366436
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G01F,H05K

Abstract:
An electronic device for use in regions subject to explosion hazards, comprising:a housing having a connecting chamber and an electronics chamber; a measurement instrument operable to generate measurement signals; the connecting chamber comprising walls designed to contain an explosion within the connecting chamber; a connecting element arranged in the connecting chamber and operable to receive electric lines supplying a current, a voltage, and a power; a limiting circuit arranged in the connecting chamber, the limiting circuit operable to receive the current, the voltage and the power from the connecting element and provide a limited operating current, a limited operating voltage and a limited operating power that are below prescribed limiting values selected to ensure that if a fault occurs insufficient heat is produced to generate an igniting spark; the electronics chamber is separate from the connecting chamber, the electronics chamber comprising an opening and a cover that is operable to close the opening; an electronic system arranged in the electronics chamber and powered by the limited operating current, the limited operating voltage and the limited operating power from the limiting circuit, the electronic system operably coupled to the measurement instrument to receive measurement signals and designed to ensure if a fault occurs insufficient heat is produced to generate an igniting spark; and a bushing between the connecting chamber and the electronics chamber; wherein the connecting chamber and the electronics chamber are separated within the housing, and the limiting circuit is operable to provide the limited operating current, the limited operating voltage and the limited operating power to the electronic system via at least one output line that is fed through the bushing and coupled to the electronic system.