Description
1. Product Description
The GE IS420ESWBH2A is an unmanaged Industrial Ethernet/IONet switch designed by General Electric (GE) for use in Mark VIe and Mark VIeS safety control systems. Part of the GE Speedtronic Mark VIe series, the IS420ESWBH2A is engineered for high-reliability industrial networking, supporting real-time communication in critical applications. It features two 100BASE-FX multi-mode fiber ports with LC connectors and 10/100BASE-TX copper ports with RJ45 connectors, enabling seamless integration into industrial automation environments. The switch is built to withstand harsh conditions, with a robust design that includes high-stress connector durability (up to 200 insertion/removal cycles) and compliance with hazardous location standards (Class 2, Zone 2/Class 1, Div 2/ATEX). The IS420ESWBH2A ensures stable performance in demanding settings, making it ideal for power generation, manufacturing, and process control systems.
2. Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Industrial Ethernet/IONet Switch |
| Manufacturer | General Electric (GE) |
| Series | GE Speedtronic Mark VIe |
| Part Number | IS420ESWBH2A |
| Ports | 2 x 100BASE-FX multi-mode fiber (LC connectors); 16 x 10/100BASE-TX copper (RJ45) |
| Power Requirements | 24/28V DC, 1A max (redundant power inputs) |
| Voltage Range | 20–32V DC |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 70°C (operating); -40°C to 85°C (storage) |
| Mounting Method | DIN-rail (with optional mounting clips) |
| Weight | 2 lbs 5 oz (1.05 kg) |
| Hazardous Location Rating | Class 2, Zone 2/Class 1, Div 2/ATEX |
| Compliance | G3, IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x |
IS420ESWBH2A
3. Advantages and Features
- High Reliability: Redundant power supply inputs and a soft-start mechanism limit inrush current to <200% of normal operating current, ensuring stable performance during voltage fluctuations.
- Durable Design: RJ45 connectors support up to 200 insertion/removal cycles, making them suitable for high-stress industrial environments.
- Hazardous Location Compliance: Certified for use in Class 2, Zone 2/Class 1, Div 2/ATEX zones, ideal for oil, gas, and chemical industries.
- Real-Time Performance: 256 KB buffer and 4K MAC addresses enable efficient handling of multicast/broadcast traffic, reducing latency in critical networks.
- Flexible Installation: DIN-rail mounting with optional clips allows versatile deployment in control panels.
4. Application Areas and Use Cases
Industries: Energy (gas turbines, power plants), manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical processing, and industrial automation.
Scenarios:
Scenarios:
- Mark VIe Safety Control Systems: Integrates with GE’s Mark VIe platform to manage real-time data traffic in power generation turbines.
- Factory Automation: Connects sensors, actuators, and controllers in smart manufacturing lines.
- Process Control: Ensures reliable communication in distributed control systems (DCS) for continuous processes.
Case Study: A gas turbine plant in Texas upgraded its network infrastructure with the IS420ESWBH2A, achieving 99.99% uptime over 3 years. The switch’s redundant power and hazardous location certification minimized downtime in a high-risk environment.
5. Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to standard industrial switches, the IS420ESWBH2A offers:
- Enhanced Safety Compliance: Certified for hazardous zones, unlike many general-purpose switches.
- Redundant Power Design: Dual inputs ensure continuous operation during power interruptions.
- Optimized Latency: Buffering mechanisms reduce delays in time-sensitive industrial protocols.
- GE Integration: Seamless compatibility with Mark VIe systems, eliminating retrofit complexities.
IS420ESWBH2A
6. Selection Recommendations
- Compatibility: Ensure integration with GE Mark VIe/VIeS systems; verify port types (fiber/copper) match network requirements.
- Environment: Consider temperature range (-40°C to 70°C) and hazardous location needs.
- Budget: Evaluate new, refurbished, or repaired options (3-year warranty available for GE-certified parts).
- Scalability: Choose based on port count (16 copper + 2 fiber ports) for network size.
7. Precautions
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Power Stability: Avoid voltage sags (brownouts); manual reboot may be required if the switch fails to recover.
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Installation: Follow GE’s GEH-6855 and GEH-6725 manuals for DIN-rail mounting and wiring.
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Maintenance: Regularly inspect connectors and ensure proper airflow for thermal management.
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Safety: Use only GE-approved mounting clips and comply with hazardous location wiring standards.
