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.
Communication: Does not directly support AC power supply (unlike RS20 Basic), only allows DC input.
Overcurrent protection: Built in non replaceable fuse that only blows in case of internal failure.
Insulation voltage: The insulation voltage between the power supply and the casing is 800V DC, but the protective component limits the insulation to 45V DC (1mA).
Important reminder: If only a single power supply is used, the device will continue to report power failure alarms. The solution is: ① Two channels of power supply simultaneously; ② Disable power alarm monitoring through management software.
3.3 Characteristics of "FAULT" signal contact points
Electrical limits: Switching current maximum 0.5A AC/0.3A DC (resistive load), voltage maximum 60V DC or 30V AC.
Trigger conditions: including power loss, equipment failure, port link disconnection (requiring configuration activation), loss of ring network redundancy, HIPER Ring configuration error, etc.
Explosion proof scenario: When used in hazardous areas, non flammable field wiring parameters (Vmax=30V, Imax=90mA, Ci=5pF, Li=0.2 μ H) in the control drawing (document number 000147906DNR) must be followed.
Chapter 4 SFP Module Installation and Fiber Optic Connection
4.1 SFP slot operation (0900ZZZ6 variant only)
This variant provides 3 SFP slots and supports 100Mbit/s fiber optic transceivers. Installation steps:
Remove the protective dust cap from the slot.
Push the SFP module (with the latch in the closed position) into the slot until it locks with a clicking sound.
Only Hirschmann certified SFP modules (see attached list, such as M-FAST SFP-MM/LC, etc.) can be used.
Attention: SFP modules are static sensitive devices, and anti-static measures should be taken before installation; When pulling it out, you need to first open the lock buckle and then pull it out.
4.2 Fiber optic port (DSC connector)
For fixed fiber variants (M2, S2, VV, etc.), use DSC duplex connectors. The transmission distance and attenuation parameters are as follows (with a system margin of 3dB):
Multimode (50/125 µ m): Typical distance 0-5km, attenuation ≤ 1.0dB/km.
Multi mode (62.5/125 µ m): typical 0-4km, attenuation ≤ 1.0dB/km.
Single mode (9/125 µ m): typical 0-30km, attenuation ≤ 0.4dB/km.
Mandatory rule: The LH port can only be connected to LH, SM to SM, and MM to MM. Mixing can cause link failure or damage to the transceiver.
4.3 Twisted pair port (RJ45)
Supports 10/100BASE-T (X), Auto negotiation, Auto polarity, Auto rolling (MDI/MDI-X adaptive), and is fully enabled by factory default.
Recommend using Cat5e or higher shielded twisted pair cables, with a maximum length of 100 meters.
The pin definition adopts MDI-X mode (1-RD+, 2-RD -, 3-TD+, 6-TD -), but the automatic crossover function can adapt to direct or crossover cables.
Chapter 5 LED Status Indication and Startup Diagnosis
5.1 System level LEDs (P, Stand by, FAULT, RM)
RSB20 has added Stand by and RM (Ring Manager) indicator lights to enhance redundant monitoring:
P (power supply): Green dual channel normal; Yellow single channel power supply; Turn off no power supply.
Stand by: Green constant light indicates that the standby mode is enabled (for redundant switching).
FAULT: The red constant light indicates that the signal contact is disconnected (alarm state); Extinguish normally.
RM (Ring Network Manager):
Green constantly on: RM activated and redundant ports closed (main ring working normally).
Green flashing: HIPER Ring configuration error (such as incorrect ring connection).
Yellow constantly on: RM is activated, but redundant ports are open (indicating that the ring network has been disconnected and is in standby mode).
Off: RM is not enabled.
5.2 Port LED (LS/DA)
Each port is equipped with dual color LED:
Green (Link Status): Always on, valid connection; The slow flashing (once/cycle) port is in Stand by mode; The flash (3 times/cycle) port is managed to be closed.
Yellow (Data Activity): Blinking indicates data transmission and reception.
Startup process: Self check for about 60 seconds after power on, during which the LED flashes sequentially. When the P light stabilizes and turns green, it indicates that the system is ready.

Chapter 6 Initial Configuration and IP Address Allocation
6.1 IP Acquisition Method
Similar to RS20 Basic, RSB20 supports:
V. 24 serial port (RJ119600bps, 8N1) local configuration
HiDiscovery Protocol (Windows Tools)
BOOTP/DHCP (enabled by default, automatically obtained)
DHCP Option 82 (Relay Agent Information)
AutoConfiguration Adapter ACA 11 (Batch Deployment)
Factory default certificate:
Read only user: user/public
Read and write administrator: admin/private
6.2 Default Operating Parameters
All TP ports: Auto negotiation enabled, link status monitoring (for signal contacts) disabled by default.
Fiber port: Forced 100M full duplex.
RM function: disabled by default.
RSTP (Fast Spanning Tree): enabled by default.
HIPER Ring: Not activated by default.
6.3 V.24 serial port connection
Similar to RS20 Basic, the RJ11 socket is non isolated and can be connected to a VT100 terminal or ACA 11 adapter to access the command line (CLI) and system monitor. The terminal cable needs to be ordered separately (No. 943 301-001).
Chapter 7 Special Conditions for the Use of Explosion proof Areas
For Class I, Division 2, or ATEX Zone 2 environments, RSB20 holds relevant certifications and must strictly comply with:
Maximum ambient temperature:+60 ° C (limited in explosion-proof areas regardless of wide temperature type).
Shell protection: The equipment must be installed in cabinets with an IP54 rating or higher.
On site wiring: Follow non flammable on-site wiring parameters (see Section 3.3).
Live operation prohibited: The insertion and removal of any connector (including SFP, RJ45, DSC) must be carried out in a power-off or non explosive gas environment.
Replacement component warning: Using non certified SFP or replacing internal components will compromise explosion-proof applicability.
Chapter 8: Key Points for Electromagnetic Compatibility Installation
To ensure the immunity of EN 61000-6-2 and FCC Class A radiation limits, the following should be achieved:
The shielding layer is overlapped 360 ° to the casing at the cable entrance.
The power and signal lines are laid in layers or slots.
Install dust caps on unused optical ports to prevent contamination and reflection interference.
The equipment must be installed vertically and the grounding screw must be reliably connected.
