Ethernet fiber switches provide noise immunity, extra ports

Contemporary Controls’ family of configurable Ethernet switches is now complete with fiber versions that double the number of ports. The growing need for fiber underscores the demand for noise-free signal transmission.

By Control Engineering Staff January 8, 2004

Contemporary Controls’ family of configurable Ethernet switches can be DIN-rail or panel mounted.

Contemporary Controls ’ family of configurable Ethernet switches is now complete with fiber versions that double the number of ports. The growing need for fiber underscores the demand for noise-free signal transmission.

The EISC12-100T/FT has ten twisted-pair wired ports, and two multimode fiber (1,300 nm) ports with ST connectors. The EISC12-100/FC is identical except it has SC connectors. The EISC12-100T/FCS also uses SC connectors but with single-mode (1,300 nm) ports.

They are said to have advanced features typically only available in high-end switches: Port VLAN, trunking, QoS (Quality of Service) and programmable fault relay, configured via a console port connected to a Microsoft Windows-based configuration program included with each product. Fiberoptic cable systems extend connections and reduce signal errors by providing longer distances (up to 15 km with the single-mode version) and immunity to radio signals and electrical noise.

The units can operate over a wide-range, low-voltage ac or dc power source. Redundant power connections are available for backup power schemes.

Price of the EISC12-100T/FT is $1,095, the EISC12-100T/FC is $1,095 and the EISC12-100T/FCS is $1,495.

Contemporary Controls is based in Downers Grove, IL.

—Edited by Mark Hoske, Editor-in-Chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com