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I/O functionality for industrial Ethernet switches

7/19/2011

Belden has extended its Hirschmann™ product range with a digital E/A media module for the MICE family Fast and Gigabit switches.

Available with version 7.0 of the "Layer 2 Professional" software this module with four digital inputs and outputs enables MICE Switches to send signals and status messages via the network to be analyzed. An auxiliary output provides 24 VDC voltage with 3W power to control the connected components directly without an additional power source. Further features include IP20 protection class, high shock and vibration resistance and extensive immunity to electrostatic discharges and magnetic fields. The standard version is configured for a temperature range of 0º to +60º C. Two versions with an extended range of -40º to +70º C are also offered, which differ in that one of their PCBs have a conformal coating to protect them against condensation. The I/O Media Module can therefore also be used under extreme climactic ambient conditions.

The Media Module, which boasts a MTBF rating (mean time between failures) of 107.6 years, can be installed with plug and play. The Command Line Interface (CLI) can be used for configuration. The input/output and voltage supply status is displayed via LEDs on the front and - with an Internet browser - via the user interface of the MICE switches. Large title blocks enable module identification and clear connection assignment.

The digital inputs comply with the ISO 61131-2:2007/type 3 standard. The digital outputs are floating relay changeover contacts, which can each resist a current load of 1 A. The inputs and outputs are connected via eight-pole or twelve-pole terminal strips on the module's underside. There is also a two-pole terminal strip for the auxiliary output here.

The MICE family switches, which are specially designed for use in tough industrial environments, consist of a switch unit with integrated backplane, which can be fitted with up to seven media modules. The switches support both Fast and Gigabit Ethernet and various routing, redundancy and security methods. Fanless cooling and a redundant 24 VDC voltage supply contribute to high operational reliability. As the switches can be mounted on top-hat rails, they can also be used both centrally in the switch cabinet and decentralized in the distribution boxes.

With the new Hirschmann™ Media Module, Belden has now succeeded in equipping industrial Ethernet switches with I/O functionality. Product Manager Pascal Unterdorfer comments: "Signals can now be sent both locally and across large distances, and the status of the connected components can also be reliably monitored at the same time. This can include sensors and actuators, which, for example, can be used to control doors, conveyor belts or lighting elements."

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