Advantech Expands Line of Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces four new managed industrial Ethernet switches with integrated 100Mbps fiber optic ports; the EKI-7554MI, EKI-7554SI, EKI-7559MI, and EKI-7559SI. The EKI-7554MI and EKI-7554SI offer four 10/100Base-TX ports and two 100Base-FX fiber ports, while the EKI-7559MI and EKI-7559SI offer eight 10/100Base-TX ports and two 100Base-FX fiber ports. All models are equipped with SC type optical fiber connections, and are available in multi-mode (MI models) and single-mode (SI models) fiber configurations. Additionally, these ruggedized switches feature an extended operating temperature range of -40 to 167°F (-40 to 75°C).

"In response to customer demand, we're pleased to offer these new additions to our product line", said Paul Wacker, Advantech's Product Manager for Industrial Communication products. "With integrated fiber ports, they're ideal for applications beyond the 100m (328 ft.) distance limitation of copper Cat5 cabling, and in those requiring the total electrical isolation inherently provided by optical fiber.”

The dual fiber connections can be used to connect multiple managed switches in a self-healing ring configuration, which provides a secondary communications path in the event that the primary is interrupted. In addition to open standard Spanning Tree (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), the EKI-7000 family switches also support Advantech's ultra fast X-Ring, which guarantees recovery in less than 10 ms.

According to Advantech, these ruggedized switches have been designed to withstand extreme shock and vibration, extended operating temperatures of -40 to 167°F (-40 to 75°C), and include redundant 12 to 48 VDC power inputs for resiliency. Packaged in a metal IP30 rated chassis, these switches feature standard DIN-rail or direct panel mounts. Plus, they are UL/CSA, FCC, CE, and RoHS/WEEE certified.