Intrinsically safe mobile smartphone: Airo Wireless A25is

The Airo Wireless A25is cell phone, smartphone, and personal digital assistance (PDA) is ruggedized and intrinsically safe.

March 22, 2010
Intrinsically safe mobile smartphone: Airo Wireless A25is

The A25is cell phone, smartphone, and personal digital assistance (PDA) is ruggedized and intrinsically safe, certified under the North American UL 913 standard, with European ATEX certification underway, according to Airo Wireless.

Cell phones, smart phones, PDA’s and other hand held devices can be ignition sources for explosives. An intrinsically safe cell phone is designed so it will not ignite explosives. Airo Wireless says, "Not only is it thoroughly ruggedized, the A25is is also inert. With an Intrinsically Safe rating similar in achievement to its ruggedized pedigree, the A25is is about as safe as you can get for explosive hazardous environments."

The company says every Airo handset "has been independently tested and conforms to the International Electronic Commission highest rating (IP67), and has been independently tested and conforms to Military Standard 810-F & G for drops, shocks and vibrations."

Operating system for the phone is Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0/6.1 Professional; it uses an Intel XScal PXA270, 416 MHz processor. Networks are GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. Display is 240 x 320 pixels. For other specifications, see https://www.airowireless.com/docs/A25isSpecs.pdf

Airo Wireless says intrinsically safe (IS) is a protection certification for safe operation with electronic equipment in explosive atmospheres. The concept was developed for safe operation of process control instrumentation in hazardous areas, particularly around petrochemicals. A device termed "intrinsically safe" is designed and certified to eliminate or encapsulate any components that produce sparks or which could generate enough heat to cause an ignition in areas with flammable gas, dust, or fuel.

Also read:
– Intrinsically Safe or Explosion Proof?
– Process Control channel from Control Engineering
– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering , www.controleng.com