Hirschmann MICE MS20/MS30 Installation and DIP Configuration

Hirschmann MICE MS20/MS30 Modular Industrial Switch Installation and DIP Switch Redundancy Configuration Detailed Explanation

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):

Switch 1 (RM): ON=Enable Redundancy Manager (this device acts as a ring network manager); OFF=disabled.

Switch 2 (Ring Port): OFF=The ring network ports are ports 1 and 2 of module 1; ON=The ring network ports are port 1 of module 1 and port 1 of module 2 (MS20) or port 1 and 2 of module 2 (MS30).

Switch 3 (Stand by): ON=Enable Stand by coupling function (for backup links between redundant ring networks); OFF=Normal mode.

Switch 4 (Configuration): OFF=Software configuration takes priority over DIP switch (other switch settings are invalid at this time); ON=DIP switch setting takes effect.

Combination logic (Table 8): When both RM and Stand by are OFF, ring network redundancy is turned off; When RM=ON and Stand by=OFF, only the ring network manager is enabled; When RM=OFF and Stand by=ON, enable the coupling manager (control port is module 1/port 3, coupling port is module 1/port 4); When both are ON, disable the ring network redundancy (dual ON is disabled mode).

3.2 3-pin DIP switch (suitable for 6-pin terminal models with voltage range E)

This model does not have Switch 4 (configuration selection), and the default DIP switch settings always take effect. The three switches correspond to RM, Ring Port, and Stand by, and have the same function as the 4-pin switch. Note: If all three switches are turned on, software configuration will be forcibly used (i.e. software settings override DIP).

3.3 DIP switch for media module MM20-A8A8

The AUI media module also has a 3-pin DIP for setting up SQE (signal quality error) testing and DTE power monitoring functions, which need to be adjusted according to the requirements of the connected transceiver.

Engineering point: In the design of the ring network, it is necessary to ensure that only one device in the ring network has enabled the RM function (i.e. "Ring Manager"), otherwise the ring network cannot function properly. Hardware settings through DIP switches can avoid multi master station conflicts caused by software configuration errors.

Chapter 4 Connection of Power and Signal Terminals

4.1 Terminal Types and Pin Definitions

MS20/MS30 offers two terminal forms:

4-pin terminal (voltage range A or C): Two independent 4-pin terminal blocks, each containing power+(P1/P2), power - (0V), and a pair of signal relay contacts (Relay 1/Relay 2). Pin 1=+24V, Pin 2=0V, Pin 3 and 4=Relay (normally open/normally closed configurable).

6-pin terminal (voltage range E): A single 6-pin terminal block, pin 1=+24V (P1), pin 2=relay 1, pin 3=0V, pin 4=0V, pin 5=relay 2, pin 6=+24V (P2). This design integrates two power sources and two signal contacts together.

4.2 Redundant power supply and signal monitoring

Power supply: Supports two independent inputs (P1 and P2), with internal diode decoupling, automatically selecting the higher voltage for power supply. If only a single channel is used, the device will report a power failure, which can be avoided by configuring shielding or simultaneously connecting two channels.

Signal contact: Two relay contacts (Relay 1 and Relay 2) can be independently configured to monitor events such as power loss, link interruption, ring network failure, temperature overrun, etc. The contact is normally closed and disconnected in case of malfunction. Attention: The contact capacity is 1A/60V DC or 0.5A/30V AC (resistive load).

4.3 External power supply for PoE media module

The MM22-T1T1T1T1 PoE module requires an additional 48V DC power supply (such as RPS 60/48V EEC) to be connected and powered through a 3-pin terminal (pin 1=+48V, pin 3=0V). This power supply must meet the insulation requirements of IEEE 802.3af (2250V DC withstand voltage) and have an output power of<100W. Note that this power supply does not meet the GL marine conduction emission requirements. If it needs to be met, other compliant power supplies must be selected.

Chapter 5 Display Status Customization and LED Diagnosis

5.1 "SELECT" button for basic modules

The front panel of the basic module is equipped with a "SELECT" button, which is used to switch the display content of the media module port LED. Each press (about 2 seconds), the LED display mode switches in a loop, and the current mode is indicated by the "Display Status LED" on the basic module. Automatically return to "L/D" mode after about 20 seconds of inactivity.

Available display modes (see page 41 of the manual):

L/D: Display link status (green constant=active, flashing=standby/disabled) and data activity (yellow flashing).

FDX: Display full duplex/half duplex status (green=full duplex).

1000: Display transmission speed (10/100/1000 Mbit/s).

AN: Display whether automatic negotiation is enabled.

RING: Highlight the port assigned to HIPER Ring.

STBY: Display the ports (control port/coupling port) coupled by Stand by.

TP/FO: Distinguish between twisted pair ports and fiber ports.

PoE: Display PoE power status (green=powered, yellow=searching for PD, off=faulty or not enabled).

TEST: All LED flicker tests.

This feature greatly facilitates on-site troubleshooting and port role confirmation, allowing for intuitive access to port status information without logging into the management interface.

5.2 System Status LED

P1/P2 (green): Indicates whether each power input is normal (≥ 18V).

RM (green/yellow): Indicates the status of the ring network manager (green=active and redundant port closed, yellow=active and redundant port open, flashing=ring network configuration error).

RUN (green): The system is starting (flashing) or ready (constantly on).

RL1/RL2 (red/yellow): Signal contact status (red=contact disconnection alarm, yellow=manual mode).

Chapter 6 SFP Module Installation and Fiber Optic Connection

6.1 SFP Installation

The gigabit slot of MS30 (located on the left side of the basic module) and the MM4-4TX/SFP and MM4-2TX/SFP media modules all support SFP transceivers. During installation, remove the SFP dust cap and push the SFP (lock closed) into the slot until it clicks into place. Hirschmann certified SFP modules must be used (see attached list), otherwise they may be incompatible or affect explosion-proof certification.

Note: After inserting the SFP, the corresponding RJ45 port will be automatically disabled (both share the same channel).

6.2 Fiber optic transmission distance

Table 12-15 in the manual lists the transmission distance of each fiber optic module (including 3dB system margin):

Multimode (MM, 50/125 µ m, 1300nm): 0-5km (100FX) or 0-550m (1000BASE-SX, 850nm).

Single mode (SM, 1310nm): 0-30km (100FX) or 0-20km (1000BASE-LX).

Long distance (LH, 1550nm): 23~80km (1000BASE-LH) and even up to 176km (G2, LH+).

Bidirectional SFP requires pairing (Type A and Type B pairing).

Strict rules: LH can only be used for LH, SM can only be used for SM, MM can only be used for MM, and mixing is prohibited.

Chapter 7 Initial Configuration and Security Management

7.1 IP Address Acquisition

DHCP is enabled by default at the factory, and can also be configured through V.24 serial port (9600bps, RJ11), HiDiscovery protocol, BOOTP, or AutoConfiguration Adapter (ACA11/ACA21-USB). After the first power on, the device will automatically attempt to obtain an IP address. If DHCP is not available, it needs to be manually assigned through the serial port or HiDiscovery.

Default credentials: username user/password public (read-only), admin/password private (read-write). It is strongly recommended to change the default password after the first login (via web or CLI).

7.2 USB interface and AutoConfiguration Adapter

The USB interface (Type A, non isolated) is used to connect the ACA21-USB adapter and can batch load configuration backups or update firmware. This adapter can be plugged and unplugged during device operation, but attention should be paid to explosion-proof area restrictions (see next section).

7.3 Environmental temperature monitoring

The "internal temperature" displayed by CLI/GUI is about 20 ° C higher than the ambient temperature (5cm away from the device). The manual provides a maximum internal temperature threshold (such as 85 ° C), which triggers a signal contact alarm if exceeded. Ensure good ventilation during installation and maintain a minimum gap of 10cm between the upper and lower parts.

Chapter 8 Compliance Points for Explosion proof Areas (ATEX/IECEx)

The MS20/MS30 equipment holds ATEX, IECEx, and UL Class I Div 2 certifications (see control diagram 000160011DNR). When used in hazardous areas, it is necessary to comply with:

Temperature level T4: ambient temperature of 0-60 ° C (standard) or -40~70 ° C (extended).

Shell protection: The equipment is of open type and must be installed in cabinets with IP54 or higher.

Transient overvoltage limit: The transient overvoltage of the rated voltage shall not exceed 119V (special requirements).

Cable temperature: If the temperature at the cable inlet exceeds 70 ° C or the branch point exceeds 80 ° C, the temperature resistance level of the selected cable must be matched.

Non flammable on-site wiring parameters: relay contact parameters Vmax=30V, Imax=90mA, Ci=0nF, Li=0 μ H (maximum cable length needs to be calculated to meet L0 and C0 limits).

Prohibited live plugging and unplugging: All connectors (including SFP, media modules, power terminals) must be plugged and unplugged in the absence of power or explosive gases.

Chapter 9 Maintenance and Disassembly

Regular inspection: relay contact resistance (depending on the number of switches), ventilation hole cleanliness, software updates (available for download from the official website).

Dismantling equipment: Disconnect all cables, remove grounding, press the DIN rail lock and remove upwards.

Disassemble SFP: Open the latch and pull it out, then cover it with a dust cap.