Industrial Ethernet Switch is configurable through serial port.
Press Release Summary:
CTRLink® EISC16-100T has 16 10/100 Mbps twisted-pair ports, one RJ-45 connector, and programmable fault relay that interfaces to annunciator devices or acts as input to controller. In addition to auto-negotiation of data rate, duplex, and flow control, these settings can be manually configured for each port. EIA-232 serial port is used for configuration of unit. Parameters can be saved and restored, and port status can be monitored.
Original Press Release:
New Industrial Ethernet Switch Places the Engineer More in Control Than Ever
Downers Grove, Illinois (October 9, 2003)-The Ethernet switch is at the center of the automation network and crucial to its operation. Engineers not only require ruggedized hardware but the ability to set parameters in the switch and monitor the network's health. Contemporary Controls has addressed these needs with the design of its new, configurable switch in the CTRLink® family-the EISC16-100T.
This new product has 16 10/100 Mbps twisted-pair ports plus an extra RJ-45 connector for an uplink connection. Engineers need to know if there is a fault in the network which can be accomplished through a programmable fault relay within the switch. The fault relay contact can interface to annunciator devices, or act as an input to a controller (PLC, PC, etc). Programmed monitored faults include power loss to the switch, communication link down and unexpected communication link up on any number of ports.
In addition to auto-negotiation of data rate, duplex and and flow control, these same settings can be manually configured for each port to allow quick dependable operation upon powerup.
An EIA-232 serial port is used to configure the EISC16-100T utilizing a Windows-based configuration program shipped with the unit. Parameters can be saved and restored. These same parameters can be accessed by a Modbus master utilizing the Modbus RTU protocol. Port status can be monitored including the status of the programmable fault relay.
A built-in troubleshooting aid allows each port's signal strength to be checked by viewing a dynamic bar graph using the configuration program in order to study cable conditions. Other troubleshooting aids include LEDs that display each port's link, status and data rate as well as power and fault relay status LEDs.
The EISC16-100T also supports several advanced features: Port VLAN allows the engineer to isolate certain devices in order to improve throughput and security; Trunking provides multiple connections between switches to improve throughput; Quality of Service (QoS) gives higher priority to critical messages on specified ports.
The unit can be DIN-rail or panel mounted and can operate over a wide-range, low-voltage AC or DC power source. Redundant power connections are available for backup power schemes.
The price for the unit is $795.
