"Because the converters do not use a switching method such as store and forward or cut-through, but transmit the signals bit by bit, they are many times faster than 'conventional' media converters," explains Ralph Engel, Managing Director of EKS Engel. "They implement a pure point-to-point connection and transmit the signals bit by bit, which means that the latency is so low that they can also be used in TSN networks, for example. The same applies to protocols that are very time-sensitive, such as Sercos or Varan."

The media converters called "e-light-1000-XSG-SFP" and "e-light-100-XS-SFP" transfer data packets from 4P twisted pair Ethernet cables to fiber optic cables, support Gigabit or Fast Ethernet and are available with or without PoE function. They each have an electrical RJ45 and an SFP port, which can be flexibly equipped with transceivers for single and multimode fibers. This allows transmission distances of up to 20 km to be achieved - versions for even greater distances are available on request. Because the data packets are transmitted bit by bit, a latency of <500 ns is guaranteed regardless of their length.

The media converters support Link Fault Pass Through (LFP), which signals a connection failure of the media converter on one side to the media converter on the other side. The main application scenarios include connecting remote end devices such as controllers, HMIs, drives or IP cameras to a local network. The PoE variants provide an output of up to 90 W in accordance with IEEE 802.3bt so that they can also be supplied with power directly via the Ethernet cable.

The Ethernet media converters "e-light-1000-XSG-SFP" and "e-light-100-XS-SFP" from EKS Engel enable transmission distances of 20 km.

© EKS Angel

The media converters are designed for a power supply of 12 to 32 VDC. A supply voltage of 54 VDC is required for the PoE variants. Different PoE classes can be operated using Dual Signature. The RJ45 port supports auto-negotiation / auto-MDI/MDI-X, and the optical interface can also be equipped with BIDI transceivers, which allow data to be transmitted in two directions via just one fiber.

The media converters have a DIN rail mountable stainless steel housing measuring just 25 mm x 62 mm x 62 mm. The status of the power supply, PoE support and data connection is indicated by LEDs on the front. This information can also be evaluated in monitoring systems via a signaling contact. Other features that ensure reliable operation include protection class IP30, an extended temperature range of -40 °C to +75 °C and extensive immunity to electromagnetic interference.