Ethernet switches deliver seamless communications

Moxa introduced its PowerTrans series of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 compliant Ethernet switches suitable of electric utility substation environments. Designed for 19-in. rack mounting, these switches feature, according to the company, high reliability through the company’s Turbo Ring IEEE802.1W/D technology with faster network fault recovery.

By Staff September 1, 2007

Moxa introduced its PowerTrans series of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 compliant Ethernet switches suitable of electric utility substation environments. Designed for 19-in. rack mounting, these switches feature, according to the company, high reliability through the company’s Turbo Ring IEEE802.1W/D technology with faster network fault recovery. Additional features include fan-less operation at a wide temperature range of–40 to 85 C, dual redundant and integrated power supplies for high availability, and high EMI immunity. The company says that these features allow the products to withstand extreme conditions and electromagnetic interference commonly found in power substation automation. Modular design with high fiber optic and gigabit port density yields maximum flexibility. Optional rear or front wiring makes the switches suitable for many applications.

Utility substations are beginning to take advantage of the flexibility of Ethernet for mission-critical substation’s LANs. Different communication protocols used by devices from different manufacturers, however, often interfere with developing substation automation systems.

The substation switches, which fully comply with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613, are proven to be reliable and resilient to data loss when exposed to various EMI conditions. IEC-61853-3 attempts to standardize all aspects of communication protocols between newer devices and legacy devices in such networks. The standard specifically defines environmental and electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity for communication networks and system in substations. IEEE 1613 is another industry standard that promotes error free device operation for challenging substation automation applications.

Moxa’s rack mounted switches are designed for completely fan-less operation.

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