Industrial

Stop Ripping and Replacing Old Fiber! Look at Softing Fiber Ethernet Networking Solutions.

Phoenix Digital redundant fiber Ethernet networking modules from Softing are compatible with legacy fiber, and they can prevent legacy fiber and remote I/O replacements.

Upgrading industrial networks is a complicated undertaking, especially when your plant is a mix of new, old, and really old. Since many manufacturers of managed switches require newer OM3 or OM4 cables, it may be necessary to replace really old cabling and I/O that you didn’t even intend to touch.  When you suddenly realize you are restructuring the entire architecture, this can easily push your project deadlines, break budgets, and force you to postpone projects multiple times. With critical systems, postponing a necessary upgrade will bite you in the future.

Fortunately, you now have an alternative. Instead of spending time and money ripping and replacing, Phoenix Digital networking modules enable network upgrades while still using legacy cables like OS1, OS2, OM1 and OM2, keeping your costs down and project deadlines on track. Learn more in our new blog post.

Ethernet Modules With Robust Capabilities

Built for critical networks, Phoenix Digital networking fiber Ethernet modules are designed to connect programmable logic controllers (PLC) and field devices in critical industrial applications, providing your network with a redundant fiber backbone. Programmable without a complicated command line interface, these modules are easy to use and feature hot-swappable, plug-and-play capabilities for starting, maintaining and controlling the system. 

In addition, Phoenix Digital networking modules support Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) safety practices and can transport multiple Ethernet protocols — like Ethernet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus TCP — at the same time. Because they support current industrial protocols and controllers while using legacy cables, these networking modules facilitate quick, simple and cost-effective network upgrades.

Additional features include:

  • CompactLogix, ControlLogix, SLC-500 and PLC-5 in-chassis modules available
  • DIN rail-mountable
  • No complex command line interface configurations
  • Powers up in 10 seconds
  • Simultaneous industrial protocol transport
  • Enables long-distance fiber networks
  • Eliminates ground loop issues
  • Avoids electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Connects copper Ethernet to a diverse range of PLCs and field devices
  • Zero-second network convergence time in the event of fiber or module failure, avoiding productivity slowdowns

Supporting Different Types of Fiber Optic Cable

Regardless of which fiber optic cables you use in your network, whether single-mode or multimode, Phoenix Digital networking modules support both. With a diameter of just 9 micrometers, single-mode cables have a very small fiber core running through them. Multimode cables, on the other hand, feature core diameters of either 62.5 micrometers (OM1) or 50 micrometers (OM2, OM3 and OM4). Single-mode fiber cabling communicates effectively at distances up to 90 kilometers, so it’s best for long-distance applications. Multimode fiber cabling is best for single buildings or factory campuses, performing best up to 10 kilometers. 

In addition, single-mode fiber is categorized as either OS1 or OS2, depending on the construction. OS1 fibers are tightly bundled together, while OS2 fibers are loosely bundled to reduce physical stress on the optical fibers. OM1 and OM2 cables use LED-based equipment, while OM3 and OM4 are laser-optimized.

To learn more about Phoenix Digital networking modules, visit our product page.

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Buxbaum Automation GmbH

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