Schneider BMENOC0301 Communication Module M580
The Schneider BMENOC0301 is a high-performance Ethernet communication module for the Modicon M580 (formerly Unity) programmable automation controller (PAC). It provides a 3-port Gigabit Ethernet switch (10/100/1000Base-T) integrated into a single module, enabling daisy-chain or ring topologies without external switches. The module supports dual ring architectures for media redundancy and is designed for seamless integration into IIoT systems.
Port and Switching Capabilities
The BMENOC0301 has three RJ45 ports (ETH1, ETH2, ETH3) with auto-negotiation and MDI/MDI-X. It acts as an Ethernet switch with store-and-forward architecture, supporting 1000 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 10 Mbps. The switching capacity is 6 Gbit/s non-blocking. The module can be configured as:
Daisy-chain (line) topology using two ports as upstream/downstream.
Device-level ring (DLR) with up to 50 nodes, recovery time < 50 ms.
Standard switch mode (all ports independent).
Protocol Support
The module supports simultaneous operation of multiple industrial protocols:
Modbus TCP (client and server, up to 64 connections).
EtherNet/IP (scanner and adapter).
PROFINET IO (controller or device, with GSDML).
OPC UA (server, up to 16 sessions).
SNMP for network management.
The module also supports I/O scanning (cyclic data exchange) for distributed I/O (Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP).
Integration with M580 CPU
The BMENOC0301 mounts on the M580 backplane (X80 platform) and communicates with the CPU via the PCI Express bus. It is configured using EcoStruxure Control Expert (formerly Unity Pro). The module provides 32 MB of buffer memory for data exchange. It supports up to 128 simultaneous remote device connections and 512 I/O words per scan.
Diagnostics and Security
LEDs: RUN (green), ERR (red), ETH1–3 (link/activity, green/yellow), and an SD card activity LED. The module includes a web server for diagnostic pages (IP configuration, port statistics, ring status). Security features: HTTPS, SNMPv3, IP filtering, and user authentication (radius). An integrated SD card slot (microSD) allows logging of diagnostic data and configuration backup.
Power and Environmental
Power supply: 5V DC (500 mA) from backplane. Power dissipation: 2.5 W. Dimensions: 105 mm height, 35 mm width, 130 mm depth. Weight: 0.2 kg. Operating temperature: 0 to 60°C; storage: -40 to 85°C. Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing. Protection class: IP20. Vibration: 2 g (10–150 Hz).
Redundancy and Performance
The BMENOC0301 supports media redundancy (MRP, RSTP) and can be used in redundant CPU configurations with dual Ethernet modules. Data throughput: up to 1,500 packets per second per port. The module uses hardware timestamping (IEEE 1588) for time synchronization across the network.
Compatibility
Compatible with M580 CPUs: BMEH582040, BMEP582040, BMEH584040, etc. Also works with M340 platform (with backplane adaptor). Not compatible with Quantum or Modicon 984.
Typical Applications
Used in large process control systems, water treatment plants, and conveyor networks requiring high-speed Ethernet communication and ring redundancy. The 3-port switch reduces hardware cost and wiring complexity.
Ordering and Documentation
Order number: BMENOC0301. The module includes a protective cover for unused ports. Manual: M580 Ethernet Communication Module User Guide (EIO0000002021). RoHS compliant.
