Introduction: Evolution from Foundation to Flexibility
The demand for reliability and flexibility in industrial networks is increasing day by day. Hirschmann has launched the RSB20 family based on the successful RS20 Basic, which not only inherits classic features such as fanless design, redundant power supply, and DIN rail installation, but also introduces SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable) optical module support, wide temperature expansion options, and enhanced Ring Manager functionality. These innovations enable RSB20 to adapt to diverse scenarios ranging from standard workshops to extremely cold outdoor environments, from simple star shaped to complex ring networks. This article will systematically review the hardware selection, installation grounding, electrical connections, SFP operation, LED diagnosis, and initial configuration of RSB20 based on official technical documents, to help engineers efficiently complete deployment and fully utilize its redundancy and safety management features.
Chapter 1 Analysis of Product Family and Port Combination
1.1 Model Code and Interface Type
The RSB20 device provides two basic skeletons, 8-port or 9-port, and its complete model follows clear coding rules. The meanings of key fields are as follows:
Basic port count: 0800 represents 8 10/100Mbit/s ports; 0900 represents 9 physical interfaces (some of which are fiber optic or SFP slots).
Media identification: T1T1 represents all RJ45 twisted pair ports; M2M2 represents 6 TP ports and 2 multimode fiber DSC ports; S2S2 consists of 6 TP+2 single-mode optical fibers; ZZZ6 provides 6 TP+3 SFP slots, allowing users to insert optical modules as needed.
Mixed variants: such as 0900M2TT (8 TP+1 multi-mode FX), 0900VVM2 (6 TP+2 single-mode+1 multi-mode), etc., to meet the needs of different distances and costs.
Key selection points: Both fiber optic ports (DSC or SFP) support the 100BASE-FX standard, but multimode (MM) and single-mode (SM) cannot be mixed, and LH long-distance modules can only be docked with the same type.
1.2 Extended Temperature Range Options
The manual lists two types of operating temperatures: the standard model ranges from 0 ° C to+60 ° C, while the wide temperature model with a -40 ° C to+70 ° C label at the end of the model is suitable for cold regions or outdoor cabinets. It should be noted that if SFP modules without the "EEC" suffix are used, the actual operating temperature limit of the equipment will be reduced to+60 ° C. When selecting the project, it is necessary to check the compatibility of the accessories.
1.3 Mechanical dimensions and installation space
The 8-port full TP model (RSB20-0800T1T1) measures 47mm (width) x 131mm (height) x 111mm (depth) and weighs 400g.
The width of other variants containing fiber optic or SFP has been increased to 74mm, with a weight of 410g.
Cooling distance: vertically installed, leaving at least 10cm gap in front, back, left and right of ventilation holes; When installed in residential or office areas, it 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 steps
Hang the hook above the back of the device onto the upper edge of a 35mm DIN rail (compliant with DIN EN 60175).
Press the lower part of the device towards the guide rail until the bottom spring latch clicks and locks.
After installation, gently pull the equipment to confirm that it is securely fixed.
Disassembly: Insert a flathead screwdriver horizontally into the locking groove at the bottom of the housing, pull it vertically downwards to unlock, and lift the device upwards at the same time.
2.2 Functional Grounding (FE)
There is an independent grounding screw located in the lower right corner of the front panel of the device, which must be connected to the system grounding bar using a copper wire with a cross-sectional area of not less than 1.0mm ². The shielding layer of the shielded twisted pair cable has been internally connected to the front panel, but functional grounding is the foundation for ensuring personnel safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance and cannot be omitted.

Chapter 3 Electrical Connection between Power Supply and Signal Terminals
3.1 Definition of 6-pin pluggable terminal block
Similar to RS20 Basic, RSB20 uses a 6-pin terminal block to carry power and fault contacts, with pin definitions as follows (refer to Figure 2 in the manual):
Pin symbol function
1+24V (P1) 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)
4 FAULT signal contact common terminal
5 0V power input 2 loop/AC neutral line
6+24V (P2) power input 2 positive pole (DC) or AC phase line
3.2 Redundant power supply and voltage range
DC: Rated from 12V DC to 24V DC (maximum 9.6V to 32V DC, but UL certification only applies to 12-24V), with internal decoupling of the two inputs and automatic selection of higher voltage power supply.