Hirschmann RS20 Basic Switch Installation and Debugging Guide

Hirschmann RS20 Basic Industrial Ethernet Switch Engineering Installation and Debugging Complete Guide

Introduction: Deployment Challenges of Core Nodes in Industrial Networks

In modern industrial automation systems, Ethernet switches have evolved from simple data forwarding devices to critical nodes that determine system availability and security. The Hirschmann RS20 Basic series switches have become the mainstream choice in harsh environments such as automotive manufacturing, rail transportation, and petrochemicals due to their fanless design, redundant power input, wide temperature operating range, and ring redundancy protocol support. However, proper installation and debugging are prerequisites for maximizing its performance. This article will systematically review the hardware installation, electrical connection, grounding specifications, and initial configuration process of RS20 Basic based on official technical documents, helping engineers avoid common misconceptions and ensure the long-term stable operation of network infrastructure.

Chapter 1: Product Overview and Selection Configuration Analysis

1.1 Device Family and Port Combination Logic

The RS20 Basic series offers two basic models: 4-port and 8-port. The product models follow strict coding rules, and engineers need to choose the correct variant based on the actual network topology. The key fields in the model have the following meanings:

Number of ports: RS20-0400... B represents 4 10/100Mbit/s ports; RS20-0800... B represents 8 ports.

Upstream port medium: The 10th to 13th characters define the physical interface of port 1 and port 2. T1 represents twisted pair RJ45 interface, supporting 10/100BASE-T (X); M2 represents Multimode FX, which uses DSC connectors and is suitable for long-distance transmission at 100Mbit/s.

Temperature and voltage range: S in the model represents the standard temperature range (0 ° C to+60 ° C), and D represents the voltage range of 9.6VDC to 60VDC or 18VAC to 30VAC.

Engineering Tip: When selecting fiber port variants, it is important to note that the transmission distance of multimode fiber depends on the fiber mode (usually 2km to 5km), and multimode fiber that complies with the ISO/IEC 793-2 standard (50/125 µ m or 62.5/125 µ m) must be used.

1.2 Mechanical dimensions and installation space requirements

4-port model: The external dimensions are 47mm (width) x 131mm (depth) x 111mm (height), and the weight is approximately 400g.

8-Port Model: Width increased to 74mm, depth and height remain consistent, weight approximately 410g.

Key heat dissipation requirements: The equipment adopts natural convection heat dissipation, and must be installed in a vertical direction, with a minimum gap of 10cm (3.94 inches) between the housing ventilation holes and other objects. If installed in office or living areas, the equipment must be placed in cabinets that comply with EN 60950-1 fire protection requirements.

Chapter 2: Mechanical Installation and Grounding Standards

2.1 DIN rail installation standard process

RS20 Basic adopts a 35mm DIN rail installation method that complies with DIN EN 60175 standard. The specific steps are as follows:

Align the buckle hooks on the upper part of the device with the upper edge of the guide rail.

Press the device as a whole towards the guide rail until the bottom spring lock makes a "click" sound, indicating that it is locked in place.

After installation, pull the equipment firmly to confirm its firmness.

Disassembly method: Use a flathead screwdriver to horizontally insert into the locking groove below the housing, pull vertically downwards to unlock, and at the same time lift the device upwards to detach from the guide rail.

2.2 Strict Implementation of Functional Grounding (FE)

There is an independent grounding screw located at the bottom left of the front panel of the equipment, and a copper wire with a cross-sectional area of at least 1.0mm ² must be used to reliably connect this terminal to the system grounding bar.

Important warning: The shielding layer of shielded twisted pair (STP) has been capacitively coupled to the front panel inside the device, but this connection is only used for high-frequency interference discharge. Functional grounding (FE) is a core measure to protect personnel safety and equipment immunity, and cannot be omitted or replaced with thin wires.

Chapter 3: Electrical Connection between Power Supply and Signal Terminals

3.1 Function definition of 6-pin pluggable terminal block

The device is equipped with a 6-pin terminal block with a locking mechanism, which simultaneously carries the main power supply and fault alarm signals. The pin definitions are as follows (refer to Figure 4 in the manual):

Function Description of Pin Number Symbols

1+24V (P1) redundant power input 1 positive pole (DC) or AC phase line

2 0V power input, 1 return line/AC neutral line

3 FAULT signal contacts (normally closed relay output)

4 FAULT signal contacts (common terminal)

5 0V power input 2 loop/AC neutral line

6+24V (P2) redundant power input 2 positive pole (DC) or AC phase line

3.2 Engineering Practice of Redundant Power Supply