The industrial Ethernet infrastructure is utilized in automation to transmit information from devices to the control system and vice versa. This technology has been the industry standard for decades. Today, more field automation products are utilizing Ethernet for their control, parameterization, and diagnostic signals, which is driving the industry to develop Ethernet switches for the field.
Antaira Technologies, a supplier of industrial Ethernet switches, wireless routers, PoE switches, and many more products, has answered the call for more industrial automation switches with the latest release of the LNP-0500G-M12-67-T, a five-port unmanaged Ethernet switch that uses M12 ports instead of the standard RJ45.
An IT installation of an Ethernet network. Image used courtesy of Unsplash
Industrial M12 Ethernet Switches
Standard Ethernet switches use an RJ45 plastic connector. These connectors work great for IT and desktop switches, but when you have an Ethernet device subjected to moisture, dust, and vibrations, you need a more solid connection.
Antaira’s new LNP-0500G-M12-67-T is an unmanaged Ethernet switch that uses industry-standard M12 X-coded connectors. These switches can be mounted on weldments, guarding, and right in the equipment. By having the switch directly inside the equipment, designers can save cables and design smarter network cable routes.
The switch is powered by a single M12 A-coded power connector with an internal reverse polarity and overload current protection. The entire device is IP67 rated and comes with a five-year warranty.
The LNP-0500G-M12-67-T is a five-port PoE Ethernet switch for use in harsh industrial environments. Image used courtesy of Antaira
What Is PoE and PoE+?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that facilitates powering devices through the data conductors in the Ethernet connection. By using a PoE device, you no longer need to run additional cables and wires to power the device, along with communication cables; everything is included in one standard Ethernet cable. The PoE+ technology offers double the power consumption through the same cable, up to 30 W.
Antaira’s new switch offers four 30 W PoE+ ports to power PoE-equipped devices with standard cabling.
An RJ45 connection for standard Ethernet communications. Image used courtesy of Unsplash
Networked Field Devices
As devices like Antaira’s new switch hit the market, designers can redefine how industrial networks are laid out. When networks need to be connected, there are two options: simply run a long cable between the two main switches or build a control cabinet, install a standard switch, and connect the two switches via cables.
With industrial switches like the LNP-0500G-M12-67-T that use M12 connectors, users can now simply mount the switch on the side of a weldment or guarding and connect devices to the same network. This technology enables designers to build small networks, possibly one per cell, and connect the networks via the main switch in the control cabinet, thus reducing the cost of long cable runs and multiple control cabinets.
Antaira’s new compact Ethernet switch that utilizes POE technology gives designers the power of options when designing an industrial network for either an automated assembly line or an automated process. At the same time, the LNP switch provides solid connections that will reduce downtime due to troubleshooting lost connections and damaged ports.
