Introduction: Modular design responds to complex industrial network requirements
In large-scale industrial automation systems, the port density, media type, and management functions of network nodes often need to be flexibly adjusted to adapt to constantly changing site conditions. The MS20 and MS30 switches in the Hirschmann MICE (Modular Industrial Communication Equipment) series, with their modular architecture, allow users to choose different numbers of 10/100M ports, gigabit ports, and various fiber or copper media modules according to their actual needs, thereby achieving "on-demand customization" of network infrastructure. MS20 focuses on 100Mbps access, while MS30 provides an additional 2 Gigabit uplink interfaces, both of which support redundant power supply, dual signal contacts, HIPER Ring network, and rich management functions. This article is based on the official installation manual and systematically outlines the basic modules and media module assembly, DIP switch redundancy settings, power wiring, LED display customization, and initial configuration process of MS20/MS30, helping engineers quickly grasp the deployment points of this flexible platform.
Chapter 1 Product Family and Modular Architecture
1.1 Collaboration between Basic Modules and Media Modules
The MICE system consists of a Basic Module and a pluggable Media Module. The basic module includes the switch core processing unit, management functions, redundant control, power interface, V.24/USB management port, and DIP switch; The media module provides actual network ports (RJ45, fiber optic DSC/ST/MTRJ, SFP slots, etc.), which are fixed to the slots of the basic module with 4 screws.
MS20 series: The basic module provides 8, 16, or 24 100Mbps port capacities (achieved by inserting 4-port media modules), without gigabit ports.
MS30 series: On the basis of MS20, it provides an additional 2 Gigabit ports (implemented through dedicated media modules or SFPs), suitable for scenarios that require higher upstream bandwidth.
The model code of the basic module (positions 6-9) indicates the number of ports that can be accommodated, such as 0800=8 100Mbps ports, 1600=16 ports, 2400=24 ports; MS30's 0802 represents 8 100Mbps+2 1G. The temperature range (position 10) includes S (0-60 ° C), T (-40~70 ° C), and E (-40~70 ° C with a three proof coating); The voltage range (position 11) includes A (18~32V DC), C (18~60V DC), and E (18~60V DC, 6-pin terminal); Certification (position 12) covers UL, ISA, GL, ATEX, EN 50121-4, etc.
1.2 Expansion Module MB20
For the MS20-1600 and MS30-1602 basic modules, an additional 2 media module slots can be added by installing the MB20 expansion module, increasing the number of ports from 16 to 24. The expansion module is installed on the right side of the basic module, and the side panel needs to be removed before pushing in and tightening the screws. It supports hot swapping (installation during operation).
Chapter 2: Selection and Installation of Media Modules
2.1 Module types and port combinations
The media module is divided into multiple sub series such as MM2, MM3, MM4, MM20/22/23/24, each providing a different number of ports and media types (refer to manual tables 2, 3, 4):
MM2 module (2 ports): such as MM2-2FXM3/2TX1 (2 multimode fibers+2 twisted pair cables) or MM2-4TX (4 twisted pair cables).
MM3 module (4 ports): such as MM3-4TX5 (4 M12 twisted pair cables), MM3-4FXM2 (4 multi-mode DSCs), MM3-2FXS2/2TX1 (2 single-mode DSCs+2 RJ45).
MM4 module (modular): MM4-4TX/SFP provides 4 RJ45 and 4 SFP slots (mutually exclusive, RJ45 disabled when inserting SFP), supporting gigabit SFP.
MM22 PoE module: MM22-T1T1T1T1 provides 4 PoE (IEEE 802.3af) ports and requires an external 48V PoE power supply (such as RPS 60/48V EEC) to be powered through a backup line (Alternative B).
MM24 Digital I/O Module: Provides 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs for on-site signal acquisition and control.
Installation steps: Remove the dust cover from the media module slot, align the module with the slot and push it in, then tighten the four corner screw (torque 0.5Nm). The module can be installed sequentially from left to right and supports hot plugging during operation.
2.2 Label Management
The accompanying label paper can be attached to the basic module and media module to record device names, IP addresses, MAC addresses, port assignments, and other information for easy maintenance and network document organization.

Chapter 3 DIP Switch and Redundant Function Configuration
The MS20/MS30 basic module is equipped with DIP switches at the bottom, which are used to enable HIPER Ring redundancy manager (RM) at the hardware level, select ring network ports, configure Stand by redundancy coupling, and determine configuration priority. These switches are all in the OFF state at the factory, and engineers need to set them according to the network design before powering on.
3.1 4-pin DIP switch (applicable to models with voltage range A/C)
The switch functions are as follows (refer to Table 6 in the manual):