TURCK MS13 Series Switching Amplifiers — MS13-22Ex0-R

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

TURCK MS13 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The TURCK MS13 series represents a well-established line of intrinsically safe switching amplifiers designed for signal conditioning in hazardous-area installations. Deployed extensively across global heavy industry — including petrochemical refineries, offshore platforms, nuclear auxiliary systems, and chemical processing plants — the MS13 range provides NAMUR-compatible sensor interface between Zone 0/1 field devices and safe-area control systems. These units conform to ATEX and IECEx certification frameworks, making them a standard specification item in SIL-rated safety loops and DCS I/O marshalling cabinets worldwide. The series occupies a critical position in legacy plant infrastructure, where installed base density is high and replacement cycles are driven by maintenance schedules rather than technology refresh.

The Evolution of MS13 Architecture

The MS13 series was introduced by TURCK as part of its barrier and signal conditioner portfolio targeting DIN-rail mounted, loop-powered isolation in Ex environments. Early variants used discrete relay output stages with fixed switching thresholds, targeting simple proximity sensor (NAMUR) interfaces. Subsequent revisions introduced configurable hysteresis, dual-channel configurations, and enhanced EMC shielding to meet evolving EN 50020 and IEC 60947-5-6 requirements.

As fieldbus and digital communication architectures (PROFIBUS, HART, Foundation Fieldbus) became standard in greenfield projects from the 2000s onward, the MS13 series retained relevance in brownfield retrofits where 4–20 mA and discrete signal wiring remained the installed infrastructure. The series is now in a mature-to-end-of-life phase for several sub-variants; TURCK's IM series and the IMX12 platform represent the current-generation replacements. However, the MS13 remains in active service across thousands of installed sites, and long-term maintenance support — including spare unit sourcing — is a primary procurement driver for plant engineering teams.

Compatibility note: MS13 units are designed for 24 V DC supply rails standard in European DCS marshalling cabinets. Retrofit into North American 120 V AC panel environments requires auxiliary power conversion. Backplane and terminal assignment follows TURCK's standard 6-pin DIN rail socket format, ensuring physical interchangeability within the same housing generation.

MS13 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the TURCK MS13 switching amplifier series, organized by output configuration and channel count. Each unit interfaces NAMUR sensors (EN 60947-5-6) from hazardous areas to safe-area switching outputs.

Single-Channel, Relay Output Variants

• MS13-22Ex0-R: Single-ch NAMUR amplifier, relay output, 24 V DC supply, ATEX Zone 1
• MS13-11Ex0-R: Single-ch NAMUR input, single relay output, compact DIN housing
• MS13-12Ex0-R: Single-ch NAMUR, dual relay output, independent switching contacts
• MS13-21Ex0-R: Single-ch, relay output, enhanced EMC filter, 24 V DC
• MS13-31Ex0-R: Single-ch NAMUR, relay output, extended temperature range variant

Dual-Channel Variants

• MS13-22Ex0-2R: Dual-ch NAMUR amplifier, two independent relay outputs, 24 V DC
• MS13-12Ex0-2R: Dual-ch NAMUR, dual relay output, shared power supply rail
• MS13-21Ex0-2R: Dual-ch, relay output, DIN rail, suitable for SIL 2 loop applications
• MS13-22Ex0-2T: Dual-ch NAMUR, transistor output stage, 24 V DC, PLC-compatible

Transistor Output Variants

• MS13-22Ex0-T: Single-ch NAMUR, NPN transistor output, 24 V DC, DIN rail
• MS13-11Ex0-T: Single-ch NAMUR, PNP transistor output, compact form factor
• MS13-12Ex0-T: Single-ch NAMUR, dual transistor output, independent channels

Specialty and Fault-Detection Variants

• MS13-22Ex0-RF: Single-ch NAMUR, relay output with wire-break and short-circuit fault detection
• MS13-22Ex0-2RF: Dual-ch NAMUR, relay output, integrated fault signalling per channel
• MS13-22Ex0-RK: Single-ch NAMUR, relay output, conformal-coated PCB for high-humidity environments
• MS13-22Ex0-2RK: Dual-ch NAMUR, relay output, conformal coating, marine/offshore specification

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete MS13 Parts

Several MS13 sub-variants have been discontinued by TURCK as the product line transitions to the IMX12 and IM series platforms. For plant operators running long-lifecycle assets — refineries, power generation facilities, and chemical plants with 20–40 year equipment horizons — sourcing discontinued MS13 units through authorized secondary-market channels is the standard maintenance strategy.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for TURCK MS13 series units, including discontinued variants. Our sourcing process covers:

• Direct stock from decommissioned plant equipment (tested and certified)
• New-old-stock (NOS) units from verified distributor closeouts
• Cross-reference mapping to current TURCK equivalents where direct substitution is feasible
• Documentation support: original datasheets, wiring diagrams, and ATEX certificates on request

Quality Control for the MS13 Range

TURCK MS13 units present specific test challenges due to their intrinsic safety barrier circuitry and relay output stages. DriveKNMS applies the following verification protocol to all MS13 units prior to dispatch:

• Zener barrier integrity check: Verification of Uo, Io, and Po parameters against ATEX certificate values using calibrated barrier test equipment
• NAMUR input simulation: Injection of standardized NAMUR sensor signals (8 mA active / 1 mA inactive) to confirm correct switching threshold response
• Relay output load test: Switching under rated resistive and inductive loads to verify contact integrity and bounce characteristics
• Supply voltage range test: Operation confirmed across 19.2–30 V DC to validate regulator and protection circuit function
• Fault output verification (RF variants): Wire-break and short-circuit fault conditions simulated to confirm correct fault relay state
• Insulation resistance test: 500 V DC applied between input, output, and supply circuits to verify galvanic isolation integrity
• Visual and mechanical inspection: Terminal block condition, DIN rail clip integrity, label legibility, and PCB inspection for corrosion or prior repair