March 18, 2013 - Weidmuller announces serial to fiber-optic Ethernet converters. These converters provide a simple and reliable method for integrating serial port devices into industrial Ethernet networks for transmission over longer distances. Weidmuller’s serial converters help maintain existing automation components while upgrading the overall infrastructure. Typically within large facilities, it is common to transmit serial data to multiple remote devices. The challenge today is overcoming the 15-meter cable length limit when using copper-based interfaces for RS-232.
Weidmuller’s converters extend serial transmission channels to up to 5km and protection from electromagnetic interference. Weidmuller’s compact and reliable solution offers conversions from an RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 into fiber-optic signals. Fiber-optic multimode technology allows for signal transmission distance of up to 5km without any external signal boosters. These devices come in both SC and ST fiber connection options. The converters are equipped with automatic baud rate recognition allowing for simple installation and reduced setup times.
If the baud rate changes, the signals are still routed without any loss data loss. The universal compatibility with RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 allows almost any serial terminal device to be connected. Weidmuller’s serial to fiber-optic media converters provide the chaining of converters, allowing networks to extend with multiple fiber connections. It also provides real time connection to multiple remote serial devices all connected on the network. An advantage to this feature is a network, which can now be created up to 100km in length without any loss of neither data nor significant lag time.
The converters are ideal for use in harsh industrial environments, and offer extended surge voltage protection for the serial connections and power supply. Robust screw-type terminal blocks ensure the power supply and serial connectors are reliably connected. DC power supply inputs (12-48 VDC) and low power consumption provide safety and reliability. Weidmuller’s converters have an extensive temperature range of -40° C to +75° C as well as cULus approvals. Weidmuller supports customers and partners around the world with products, solutions and services in the industrial environment of power, signal and data.
The company develops innovative, sustainable and useful solutions that set standards in Industrial Connectivity today and continually work toward providing solutions for the technology challenges of tomorrow. The Weidmuller Group owns manufacturing plants, sales companies and representatives in more than 80 countries.
