New Brad direct-link industrial Ethernet switches from Molex

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc., the leading global supplier of interconnect solutions, has introduced a B series of managed and unmanaged Brad Direct-Link Ethernet Switches that provides reliable and robust performance across complex industrial networks in a wide range of control and monitoring functions.

“Our next generation Brad Direct-Link Ethernet Switches feature new enclosure designs, broader operating temperature range and more compact 16- and 18-port designs,” comments Michael Frayne, global product manager, Molex. “Industrial control applications require complex networks with high data rates and time-sensitive devices whilst harsh environments on the plant floor create vibration, heat and other hazards. The Brad Direct-Link Ethernet Switches meet the three main design challenges posed by industrial Ethernet applications – determinism, robustness and ease of integration.”

Determinism is the assurance that control communication will occur in a set period of time and this requires the use of industrialized IEEE 802.3 protocols, such as Ethernet/IP*, PROFINET† or Modbus ‡TCP.

Built in accordance to UL508 and UL1604 safety standards, the Brad Direct-Link Industrial Ethernet Switches can withstand extreme operating conditions. Unmanaged, standard duty (SD) switches in tough Lexan polycarbonate provide a cost-effective network solution for a wide range of low-end DIN rail applications. For tougher, heavy-duty (HD) industrial DIN rail or panel mounting applications, the aluminum enclosure provides IP40 performance and reliable operation between -40 to +85°C.

The Brad Direct-Link Industrial Ethernet Switches from Molex offer plug-and-play simplicity at power up; no software installation or configuration is required ensuring fast and easy integration.

The managed Brad Direct-Link Switches support the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) for multicast filtering and increased determinism. This saves downstream devices in the Ethernet network from dealing with unnecessary traffic. The switches also support Virtual LANs (VLANs) for convenient, programmable traffic segmentation, QoS/CoS (priority Queuing) for real-time operation with the added security benefit of authentication and encryption techniques, and Real-Time Ring compliant redundant Ethernet ring capability.