HydITEx - Ex PERIPHERALS USB

Explosion-proof Ex peripherals via USB 2.0

Not all peripherals via USB 2.0 can become explosion-proof. They must comply with certain electrical parameters, be made of only approved electronic components, be protected from external influences, and not accumulate static electricity.

Barrier for USB

Main USB devices

USB 2.0

USB 2.0 Type A is the most common connector for connecting peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen, joystick control, microphone, RFID tag scanner, webcam, barcode scanner, endoscope camera, flash drive, fingerprint reader, FIDO security key and other USB devices. USB 2.0 allows you to connect peripheral devices at a distance of up to 5 meters in High-Speed mode at a speed of 480 Mbps. Despite the advent of newer USB versions like USB 3.0 and USB-C, USB 2.0 remains relevant due to its widespread compatibility and backward compatibility with newer ports.

Human interaction and recognition technologies (HIRT) play a significant role in enabling the human-centricity feature of Industry 5.0. The last-gen HIRT had many difficulties identifying the human’s behavior spatial complexity, emotions, and action characteristics. The emerging HIRT under Industry 5.0 agenda aims to optimally interconnect and integrate humans with machines so that the resulting human-machine interaction offers safer, streamlined, and more pleasant physical and cognitive tasks. Vision-guided robotics, short-wave infrared technology, sensor fusion, sensor data triangulation, embedded vision systems, adaptable human intention and trajectory prediction, and multi-lingual speech and gesture recognition are examples of vital emerging HIRT that can play a significant role in Industry 5.0. No sensing and cognition technology has the necessary emotional intelligence to seamlessly judge the ever-changing working condition and arrive at the best replication of what humans would genuinely do in a given situation. Indeed, HIRT may only deliver its functions while interacting with other technological constituents of Industry 5.0, such as CAI, C-CCP, cloud data, and edge computing. USB communication and power may be suitable for human interface RT (HIRT) devices.

The widespread adoption of USB-connected devices in general computing and consumer electronics presents a significant challenge when integrating these technologies into hazardous industrial environments. This creates a fundamental tension: how to leverage the benefits of common, often cost-effective, and user-friendly USB technology without introducing catastrophic ignition risks. The demand for specialized "Ex" solutions for USB peripherals directly addresses this need, bridging the gap between conventional information technology (IT) and industrial safety. The convenience and versatility of USB, particularly for "human interaction and recognition technologies (HIRT)" within the framework of Industry 5.0 , underscore its operational value, while simultaneously highlighting the critical need for rigorous safety management. For USB peripherals, which are inherently electrical and often low-voltage, the selection of the appropriate protection method is critical. The consistent mention of "Ex USB 2.0 intrinsically safe barrier" for USB peripherals, and its ability to facilitate "hot-plug" functionality while avoiding the "cost and bulk of explosion proof enclosures" , indicates that intrinsic safety is a highly effective and preferred method for these low-voltage, data-centric devices. This suggests that for USB peripherals, the industry leans heavily towards preventing ignition altogether, rather than merely containing it, due to the operational benefits and inherent suitability of intrinsic safety for low-power electronics. Ex USB peripherals are certified for a specific group of gases or dusts present in their working environment. HydITEx focuses on the most challenging gas group (IIC), which includes hydrogen.

For operation in Ex hazardous areas, peripheral devices are connected directly to the Ex USB 2.0 intrinsically safe barrier or via an Ex USB 2.0 Type A explosion-proof connector, depending on the needs of the reserve.

Implemented intrinsically safe Ex USB 2.0 barrier for hazardous areas outdoors and indoors, underground mines and quarries, dangerous for gas (methane), coal dust; according to explosion protection marking.