The Hirschmann RS2-4TX/1FX EEC stands as a paragon of reliability in the realm of industrial networking,explicitly engineered as a Hardened Industrial Switch to thrive in conditions that would incapacitate standard commercial equipment.This Industrial Ethernet Switch delivers robust connectivity with a blend of copper and fiber optic ports,ensuring network stability in electrically noisy and physically challenging settings.Its compact,DIN-rail mountable design,coupled with an extensive operating temperature range and a proven track record of high reliability,makes it an indispensable component for building resilient network infrastructures in sectors like factory automation,process control,and transportation systems.This device embodies the core principle of operational technology:seamless performance over an extended lifecycle with minimal downtime.
1.Product Overview and Core Functionality
The Hirschmann RS2-4TX/1FX EEC is a non-managed Industrial Ethernet Switch that employs a store-and-forward switching mode,supporting both 10 Mbit/s Ethernet and 100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet standards.Its primary function is to provide a highly reliable and maintenance-free network segment,connecting critical devices in an industrial control system.The"Hardened"designation is no mere marketing term;it is a direct reference to the unit's ability to withstand extreme temperatures,strong vibrations,and electromagnetic interference,ensuring consistent data transmission where it matters most.
As part of Hirschmann's renowned RS2 series,this switch is built around a"set-and-forget"philosophy,requiring no configuration while offering essential network management features like automatic address learning,automatic polarity recognition,and automatic crossover on its copper ports.This plug-and-play capability significantly reduces installation time and complexity.The integration of both electrical and optical interfaces allows for flexible network design,enabling the extension of the network over long distances and the creation of a stable backbone that is immune to electrical noise.
2.Technical Specifications and Physical Design
Port Configuration and Network Interfaces
This Hardened Industrial Switch is equipped with a total of six ports,strategically divided to offer connectivity versatility.It features four 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports for connecting devices via standard twisted-pair copper cabling.These ports support auto-negotiation and auto-polarity,simplifying the connection of PCs,PLCs,HMIs,and other field devices.Crucially,it also includes two 100BASE-FX multi-mode fiber optic ports with SC connectors.The inclusion of fiber ports allows the switch to bridge different network segments over distances immune to EMI/RFI,a critical feature in industrial environments.
Electrical and Environmental Robustness
The switch operates on a 24 V DC power input with a wide tolerance range of-25%to+30%.It features a power redundancy capability,allowing for a more reliable power supply setup.With a maximum power consumption of 5.4 W,it is an energy-efficient component in any control panel.The device's ruggedness is underscored by its operational temperature range of-40°C to+70°C and a storage temperature range of-40°C to+85°C,ensuring performance is maintained in unheated warehouses or under direct sun exposure.It is protected to IP20 standards,making it safe from contact with large solid objects.
Physical Build and Reliability Metrics
Housed in a compact,robust metal casing measuring 47 mm x 135 mm x 111 mm(Width x Height x Depth),the switch is designed for efficient use of space on a standard 35 mm DIN rail.Weighing only 320 grams,it is both sturdy and lightweight.A key indicator of its robustness is its calculated Mean Time Between Failures(MTBF)of 51.4 years(according to MIL-HDBK-217F standard),a testament to its exceptional design longevity and suitability for critical applications where failure is not an option.
3.Key Features and Operational Advantages
Unmatched Ruggedness and Industrial Compliance
The defining characteristic of this Industrial Ethernet Switch is its hardened design.It complies with stringent industrial EMC standards,including immunity to electrostatic discharge(ESD)at 6 kV contact and 8 kV air discharge,electrical fast transients(burst)at 2 kV on power lines,and surge immunity as per EN 61000-4-5.Furthermore,it meets vibration and shock resistance standards(IEC 60068-2-6 and IEC 60068-2-27),guaranteeing that it will remain operational in environments with heavy machinery and constant vibrations.
Comprehensive Diagnostics and Safety
Despite being a non-managed switch,it provides essential diagnostic feedback through LED indicators for power,link status,data activity,and faults.It also includes a signal contact(fault relay)that can be used to trigger an external alarm in the event of a power supply failure,providing an essential layer of system monitoring.The device carries several safety certifications,including cUL 508 for industrial equipment,cUL 1604 for hazardous locations(Class 1 Div 2),and cUL 60950 for IT equipment,ensuring its approval for use in a wide range of geographies and industries.
Simplified Network Integration and Maintenance
The auto-features of the copper ports(auto-negotiation,auto-MDI/MDIX,auto-polarity)make installation virtually foolproof,eliminating the need for crossover cables or manual configuration.The store-and-forward switching mechanism with automatic address learning ensures efficient and collision-free forwarding of data packets.This combination of features results in a device that requires no ongoing maintenance or technical networking knowledge to operate,contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
4.Primary Application Areas and Industry Solutions
This Hardened Industrial Switch finds its purpose in a multitude of demanding sectors.In factory automation,it is deployed on the shop floor to connect PLCs,motor drives,robotic controllers,and sensor arrays,forming a reliable network backbone that is immune to the EMI generated by high-power motors and drives.Its robust construction makes it ideal for use in automotive manufacturing,packaging lines,and other harsh industrial settings.
In process industries such as water treatment,oil and gas,and chemical plants,the switch's ability to operate in wide temperature ranges and its certifications for hazardous locations make it a safe and reliable choice.The fiber optic ports are particularly valuable in these environments for creating long-distance links between control rooms and remote field installations,often spanning several kilometers,while maintaining signal integrity and isolation.
The transportation sector,including railway and traffic management systems,also benefits from the switch's vibration resistance and extended temperature operation.It can be used in roadside cabinets for traffic light control or in railway signaling applications,where network failure is not an option.Its compact DIN-rail design makes it equally suitable for deployment in energy distribution substations and for building automation control networks.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the primary advantage of using a'Hardened Industrial Switch'like the RS2-4TX/1FX EEC over a standard office switch?
The paramount advantage is superior reliability under extreme conditions.A standard office switch is designed for a climate-controlled environment.In contrast,this Hardened Industrial Switch is built to withstand extreme temperatures from-40°C to+70°C,strong vibrations from machinery,and significant electromagnetic interference.Its rugged metal housing,secure DIN-rail mounting,and conformal-coated internal components protect it from dust,moisture,and corrosive atmospheres,ensuring uninterrupted network operation where it is needed most.
How do the fiber optic ports on this switch enhance network design in an industrial setting?
The two 100BASE-FX multi-mode fiber optic ports provide two critical benefits:noise immunity and long-distance extension.Electrical noise from motors and drives can severely degrade signals on copper cables.Fiber optic cables are completely immune to this electromagnetic interference(EMI),ensuring data integrity.Furthermore,fiber connections can span much greater distances than the 100-meter limit of standard copper Ethernet,allowing you to connect network segments between buildings or across a large factory floor without signal degradation.
Is this switch suitable for a location with a potential explosion hazard?
Yes,the Hirschmann RS2-4TX/1FX EEC holds the cUL 1604 Class 1 Division 2 certification.This means it is approved for use in hazardous locations where flammable gases,vapors,or dust may be present under abnormal conditions.This certification makes it a safe and compliant choice for deployment in many areas within the oil and gas,chemical,and pharmaceutical industries.
What does the 51.4-year MTBF(Mean Time Between Failures)rating signify for a user?
The MTBF rating of 51.4 years is a statistical projection of reliability,calculated according to the MIL-HDBK-217F standard.For a user,this translates to an exceptionally low probability of failure over the switch's operational life.It provides a high degree of confidence in the product's long-term durability and reduces the total cost of ownership by minimizing the risk of unplanned downtime and the associated maintenance and replacement costs.
Can this switch be used to create a redundant power supply system?
Yes,the switch supports 24 V DC power redundancy.This feature allows you to connect two separate 24 V DC power sources to the switch's terminal block.If the primary power supply fails,the switch will seamlessly continue operation using the secondary supply without any interruption to network traffic.This is a critical feature for applications where maximum network availability is required.
FAQ
1.Who are We?
Beijing Zhongping Technology Co., LTD., is a one-stop integrated service provider of intelligent manufacturing, belongs to the Gong Doctor Group, is a scientific research, design, marketing, technical services, industrial Internet, international import and export services as one of the science and technology companies.
2.What can you buy from us?
PLC, inverter, human-machine interface, hydraulic products, low-voltage power distribution, industrial robots and core components
3.Is the item in stock or need to be purchased from another supplier?
We have a large inventory of goods and have our own warehouse.
4.What advantages do we have over other suppliers?
Our company has a large amount of inventory and a number of warehouses, but also in the country's important industrial provinces and cities with offices and a number of overseas service points. To provide you with intelligent manufacturing one-stop comprehensive services, save efforts, labor and cost.
5.Can you provide 100% new original authentic products?
We only sell new original genuine, no renovation, no fake, only for the original factory original!
6.How long is the delivery time?
If there is a stock, it will take 2-3 working days to ship, if the quantity is large, it will take 5-7 working days after receiving the payment, if it is not a conventional model, it will take some time, we will inform you of the specific delivery time.
7.Is there technical support available?
Of course, we have a professional technical team that can help you solve technical problems.
8.How do we guarantee quality?
We have three processes to control the quality of goods.
1). Our engineers will inspect the production and quality control in the factory regularly.
2) Incoming materials shall be inspected by experienced purchasing engineers before they can be stored.
3). At least 2 people in the logistics department cross-check the goods to be sent before delivery.
9.Can you guarantee the safe and reliable delivery of your products?
Yes, we strictly adopt the international standard packing. We also use special packaging for dangerous goods, and refrigerated shipping for items with temperature requirements. Special item packaging and general cargo standard packaging requirements may incur additional costs.
10.How about the freight?
The cost depends on how you choose to get the goods. Express is usually the fastest but also the most expensive way. Sea freight is the best solution for large quantities of goods. The exact shipping cost depends on the purchase amount、quantity and weight of your order. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
010-64225983
+8613811814778
info@zhongpingtech.com
Building 26, Liyuan Community, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
