IS421ESWBH2A - IONet Switch

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS421ESWBH2A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
G3 Compliant: Yes
Operational Temperature: -40 to 70°C
Storage Temperature: -40 to 85°C
Mounting Method: DIN-rail mounted
Product Type: IONet Switch
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VIeS

Functional Description

IS421ESWBH2A is an IONet Switch developed by GE. It is a part of the Mark VIeS control system. It plays a role in the system architecture by enabling deterministic, real-time communication across various control and safety modules in a distributed control environment. This switch is classified under Active status, signifying ongoing manufacturing support and suitability for integration in both existing and new Mark VIeS deployments.

Network Connectivity and Interface Configuration

Engineered for robust industrial networking, supporting both copper and fiber optic interfaces to provide flexible and scalable I/O network (IONet) topologies:

Copper Ports:

• Equipped with 16 RJ-45 ports, each supporting 10/100Base-TX Ethernet.
• Auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X capabilities allow seamless connection to various Ethernet-enabled devices without the need for crossover cables.
• Designed for full-duplex transmission to optimize bandwidth and minimize packet collisions.

Fiber Ports:

• Features 2 x 100Base-FX multi-mode fiber optic ports with LC-type connectors.
• Supports optical communication over longer distances, typically up to 2 km, depending on fiber quality and transceiver specifications.
• Immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for electrically noisy environments often found in power generation and heavy industrial settings.
• These port configurations enable ring, star, or daisy-chain topologies, enhancing design flexibility and fault tolerance across safety and control networks.

Power Requirements and Redundancy

• The switch supports dual power input capability to allow for redundant power configurations, minimizing single points of failure in critical control applications.
• Nominal Input Voltage: Typically operates at 24 VDC, but exact voltage range and current draw should be verified in the product’s hardware manual for integration into specific system designs.
• In the event of a power source failure, the second power input ensures continued operation without system downtime.

Environmental and Mounting Considerations

• Designed for DIN-rail or panel mounting within industrial enclosures.
• Operates reliably within extended temperature ranges typically specified for industrial control components (e.g., -40°C to +70°C, depending on the model variant).
• The unit is built to withstand high vibration and humidity, aligning with IEEE and IEC standards applicable to safety-critical environments.

Protocols and Deterministic Communication

• The switch is optimized for GE’s IONet protocol, which provides deterministic and real-time communication between Mark VIeS controllers, I/O packs, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Ensures low-latency data transfer and synchronization across redundant control networks using time-sensitive Ethernet protocols.
• Supports VLAN segmentation and port-based traffic prioritization, enabling network isolation and QoS (Quality of Service) control for safety and control data streams.

Physical Dimensions and Cooling

• Height: 18.8 cm (7.40 in)
• Width: 8.6 cm (3.40 in)
• Depth: 5.6 cm (2.20 in)
• Cooling: Convection cooled, eliminating the need for fans and reducing maintenance requirements.
• Its fanless cooling mechanism enhances reliability, especially in dusty or high-vibration environments.

Cabling Requirements

The switch supports industry-standard cabling for reliable and efficient data transmission:

• Copper Connections: Cat 5e UTP cables with RJ-45 connectors (8P8C) are required for wired Ethernet connectivity.
• Fiber Connections: Uses LC-type multi-mode fiber connectors for long-distance data transmission with minimal interference.
• This ensures flexibility in installation and compatibility with existing network infrastructure.

Safety and Hazardous Location Certification

Designed for operation in industrial and hazardous environments, meets stringent safety and certification standards:

• Safety Rated: Non-interfering, ensuring minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI) with surrounding equipment.

Hazardous Location Certification:

• Class 1, Div 2 – Suitable for areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present.
• Class 2, Zone 2 – Certified for environments with combustible dust.
• ATEX Certified – Meeting European safety standards for hazardous locations.

The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark VIeS requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IS421ESWBH2A?
It is an IONet Switch developed by GE under the Mark VIeS series.

What type of power supply does it require?
The switch operates on 24 / 28 V DC, with a maximum power consumption of 1A. It has two independent power inputs (TB1 and TB2), which are Diode-OR’d to provide redundant power in case one source fails.

What type of cooling does the switch use?
It is convection cooled, meaning it does not require fans. This enhances reliability and makes it suitable for dusty or high-vibration environments.

What types of cables are required for the switch?
Copper Connections Cat 5e UTP cables with RJ-45 connectors (8P8C). Fiber Connections LC-type multi-mode fiber cables.