IT in Manufacturing


Hirschmann's new workgroup switches

June 2010 IT in Manufacturing

Profitek expands Hirschmann portfolio with three new MACH100 devices.

These new Gigabit Ethernet switches, characterised amongst other things by fanless (passive) cooling, can be used for connecting workgroups to the backbone in production environments using twisted-pair cables as well as optical fibres. Each of the three versions, designated MACH104-20TX-F, MACH104-20TX-FR and MACH104 TX-F-4PoE, provides 20 RJ45 ports (10/100/1000 BASE-TX) as well as four combination ports (100/1000 BASE-FX) for SFP (small formfactor pluggable) fibre-optic transceivers.

Further features include comprehensive management and redundancy procedures, various configuration and diagnostic functions, high resistance to shock and jarring and extensive insusceptibility to magnetic fields and electrostatic discharge. This is complemented by a redundant power supply on the MACH104-20TX-FR, and by four PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports with a rated output of 15 W per connected field device. The required 48 VDC is generated from the 24 V supply voltage in compliance with the regulations for electrical isolation as specified by IEEE standard 802.3af.

With these new switches, Hirschmann has further expanded its leading position in the industrial Ethernet segment. “All managed switches are based on a platform strategy for combining various Layer-2 and Layer-3 software packages with different hardware components,” explains Profitek’s Fons de Leeuw. “Altogether, the product offering comprises over 10 000 device versions all operating under a consistent user interface. This facilitates the realisation of integrated data networks from the management to the control and through to the field level without the need for repeated training of the customer’s personnel.”

Redundancy procedures, such as HIPER ring, MRP (IEC ring function), rapid spanning tree, dual homing and link aggregation provide high network availability. Security mechanisms include access control according to IEEE 802.1x, IP and MAC port security as well as SNMP V3 und SSH. Detailed information can be displayed by means of a standard web browser. A further central management function is offered by an integrated SNMP interface, the use of network management software such as HiVision.

The units are designed for an operating temperature range of 0 to +50°C, assembly in 19 inch cabinets and plug-and-play commissioning. They can be configured by either means of CLI (command line interface), Telnet, BootP, HiDiscovery, Watchdog Configuration or DHCP Server. If saved to an optional ACA 11 or ACA 21 USB auto-configuration adapter, all configuration data can be recalled at any time required.

For more information contact Fons de Leeuw, Profitek, +27 (0)12 664 4998, [email protected], www.profiteksa.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

South Africa’s AI revolution is here – but are we secure?
IT in Manufacturing
South African businesses are sprinting to embrace generative AI, lured by its potential to drive efficiency, productivity and innovation. But here’s the stark reality: without a rock-solid cybersecurity foundation, AI will become a Trojan horse, opening the floodgates to sophisticated cyber threats.

Read more...
Black Rock Mining centralises mining operations with AVEVA
IT in Manufacturing
Black Rock Mine Operations replaced and upgraded its existing infrastructure, and installed additional capacity to expand production from 3 to 4,6 million tons in three years. The new system is powered by a suite of AVEVA solutions.

Read more...
Shaping data resilience strategies with AI and hybrid cloud solutions
IT in Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are under growing pressure to secure their operations against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, including those that leverage AI to enhance the success rate of attacks. In this landscape, it has become essential to ‘fight fire with fire’ – harnessing AI as a means to counter these threats.

Read more...
Cloud or on-prem? Decoding the choices for South African enterprises
IT in Manufacturing
The debate between on-premise and cloud computing architectures remains a prominent topic among businesses, particularly in South Africa.

Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
IT in Manufacturing
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.

Read more...
Quantum computing power: four steps to protecting your business
IT in Manufacturing
Are you ready for Q-day? Post-quantum cryptography isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a business continuity concern. Quantum computing is fast becoming a reality.

Read more...
Schneider Electric relaunches legacy access control systems
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric South Africa has relaunched its comprehensive access control platform to help customers upgrade from ageing and obsolete systems.

Read more...
Digitalisation in mining - the advantage you need now
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digitalisation offers immense and proven benefits such as streamlining operations, reducing error and accelerating workflows. Mining operators today leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and very importantly, safety.

Read more...
The shape of water – automating hydropower operations
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Hydropower is undoubtedly one of the building blocks of today’s renewable energy industry and its operations need to be efficient, reliable and sustainable. Automation must therefore form part of today’s modern hydropower operations to improve resource management and enhance reliability.

Read more...
What lies beneath – the hidden cost of AI
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The world is quickly realising that with the rapid advancement in AI there are also caveats. In short, apart from environmental implications, it also has major significant financial ramifications.

Read more...