Moxa EDS-408A-PN 8-Port PROFINET Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Moxa EDS-408A-PN is an 8-port PROFINET Industrial Ethernet Switch engineered for robust performance in demanding automation environments. Its key advantages lie in its adherence to the PROFINET standard, ensuring seamless integration with Siemens PLCs and other PROFINET-compliant devices, alongside high-speed data transmission and reliability. Critical technical parameters include its support for 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet speeds, a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, and dual redundant power inputs for uninterrupted operation. The compact, panel-mount design facilitates easy integration into control cabinets, making it a prime choice for applications requiring precise and dependable network connectivity.

Product Specifications

| Feature                  | Specification                                         |

| :----------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------- |

| Product                  | Moxa EDS-408A-PN 8-Port PROFINET Industrial Ethernet Switch |

| Ethernet Ports           | 8 x 10/100BaseT(X) RJ45                                 |

| PROFINET Compliance      | Conformance Class B                                   |

| Protocol Support         | TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, DHCP, SNMP, Modbus/TCP             |

| Switching Capacity       | 1.6 Gbps                                              |

| Packet Forwarding Rate   | 1.2 Mpps                                              |

| MAC Table Size           | 8K entries                                            |

| Network Redundancy       | Turbo Ring (Ring, Chain, Fan) up to 250 switches      |

| Power Input              | 24 VDC (12/48 VDC range), Dual Redundant                |

| Power Consumption        | Max. 276 mA @ 24 VDC                                  |

| Operating Temperature    | -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)                            |

| Mounting                 | DIN-rail, Panel mount                                 |

| Dimensions               | 48 x 122 x 138 mm (1.89 x 4.80 x 5.43 in)               |

| Enclosure                | IP30                                                  |

| MTBF                     | 499,000 hours                                         |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa EDS-408A-PN distinguishes itself through its native PROFINET conformance, positioning it as a direct competitor to solutions requiring proprietary integration or less standardized industrial Ethernet protocols. Its robust design, including a wide operating temperature range and dual power inputs, directly addresses the reliability demands of factory automation and process control. The switch's support for Turbo Ring technology offers a fault-tolerant network topology, a critical differentiator for applications where network downtime is unacceptable. This focus on industrial-grade features and PROFINET compatibility makes it a compelling choice for integrators and end-users prioritizing seamless Siemens PLC integration and network resilience.

Key Application Scenarios

The Moxa EDS-408A-PN is ideally suited for a wide array of industrial automation applications. Its PROFINET capabilities make it a perfect fit for machine building and automation tasks within industries that heavily utilize Siemens control systems, such as automotive manufacturing, packaging, and food and beverage processing. Deployments in challenging environments, including those with extreme temperature fluctuations, are well within its operational scope, such as in oil and gas, mining, or outdoor infrastructure monitoring. Furthermore, its suitability for creating redundant network loops ensures high availability for critical control processes, making it valuable for power generation and utility networks.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa EDS-408A-PN into an existing PROFINET network is straightforward due to its adherence to industry standards. For basic connectivity, simply connect PROFINET devices (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, I/O modules) to the RJ45 ports using standard Ethernet cables. When setting up PROFINET communication, the switch will be recognized by the Siemens TIA Portal or STEP 7 engineering software. You will need to assign a PROFINET device name to the switch, typically done through the GSDML file which is loaded into your engineering project, allowing the PLC to discover and communicate with it as a standard PROFINET node.

For network redundancy, the Turbo Ring feature can be configured using the web console or Moxa's MXconfig utility. This involves connecting the switches in a ring topology and designating a master and slave device within the ring. In the event of a link failure, the ring will reconverge within milliseconds, ensuring continuous communication. When installing, ensure the switch is mounted securely on a DIN rail or panel, providing adequate ventilation due to its compact size and potential heat generation in enclosed spaces.

Power connections should utilize the dual redundant DC inputs for increased reliability. Use appropriately rated wiring for the 24 VDC supply, observing polarity. For troubleshooting network issues, LED indicators on the front panel provide quick status checks for link activity, speed, and power. Basic diagnostics can also be performed via the web interface, allowing monitoring of port status, traffic, and network errors, facilitating efficient problem resolution without requiring physical access to the switch in many cases.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

To ensure optimal operation of the Moxa EDS-408A-PN, it is crucial to adhere to the specified power input voltage range (12-48 VDC) and to utilize the dual redundant power inputs. This mitigates the risk of power supply failure causing network disruption. The switch's IP30 rating indicates it is protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm but offers no protection against water; therefore, it should be installed in a control cabinet or protected enclosure to prevent dust and moisture ingress, which can lead to short circuits or corrosion.

Regularly review the LED indicators on the front panel for any unusual activity, such as blinking error lights or loss of link lights, which may indicate a physical connection issue or a malfunctioning device on the network. The web-based management interface provides access to detailed diagnostic logs and traffic statistics, which are invaluable for proactive troubleshooting and identifying potential network bottlenecks or intermittent faults before they escalate into critical failures.

While the Moxa EDS-408A-PN is designed for industrial environments, it's essential to perform firmware updates when available from Moxa. These updates often contain security patches and performance enhancements that reduce vulnerabilities and improve stability. Always back up the switch's configuration before performing any firmware updates or significant changes to network settings to ensure a quick recovery in the event of an unexpected issue.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa EDS-408A-PN offers significant scalability, particularly within PROFINET environments, by allowing for the easy expansion of network segments. Its Turbo Ring technology enables the creation of large, fault-tolerant ring networks with up to 250 switches, providing a robust foundation for growing automation systems. This inherent scalability ensures that as production lines evolve or new automation cells are added, the network infrastructure can readily accommodate these changes without a complete overhaul.

Its compatibility with a broad range of PROFINET devices, including those from Siemens and other compliant manufacturers, ensures long-term value by preventing vendor lock-in and allowing for integration with future automation hardware. The switch's support for standard Ethernet protocols also facilitates its integration into broader industrial IT networks, paving the way for advanced Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 initiatives, enabling data collection for analytics and predictive maintenance.

The robust build quality and high MTBF rating of the Moxa EDS-408A-PN translate into exceptional long-term value and reduced total cost of ownership. By minimizing the risk of premature failure and the associated costs of downtime and replacement, this industrial Ethernet switch provides a reliable and cost-effective networking solution that supports the operational efficiency and longevity of automated manufacturing facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PROFINET Conformance Class B?

PROFINET Conformance Class B signifies a specific level of functionality and performance for PROFINET devices. It ensures basic interoperability and essential diagnostic capabilities for real-time industrial communication.

This class supports standard real-time data exchange, essential for most automation tasks. Devices in this class can participate in the PROFINET network as standard I/O devices or controllers.

Conformance Class B devices offer adequate features for many automation applications, providing a balance between performance and complexity. It's a common certification for industrial switches like the Moxa EDS-408A-PN.

How do I configure the Moxa EDS-408A-PN for PROFINET?

To configure the Moxa EDS-408A-PN for PROFINET, you first need to obtain its GSDML file from Moxa's website. This file describes the switch's capabilities to the PROFINET engineering software, such as Siemens TIA Portal.

You then import the GSDML file into your engineering project and assign a PROFINET device name to the switch through the software. This process allows your PLC to discover and communicate with the switch as a PROFINET node.

Finally, you can configure network parameters, set up diagnostic alarms, and integrate the switch into your overall PROFINET topology via the engineering software. The switch also offers a web interface for basic configuration and monitoring.

What are the benefits of using a PROFINET industrial Ethernet switch?

Using a PROFINET industrial Ethernet switch ensures seamless integration with PROFINET controllers, primarily Siemens PLCs. This simplifies network design and reduces integration complexities in automation systems.

PROFINET switches are built for harsh industrial environments, offering features like wide operating temperature ranges, robust enclosures, and redundant power supplies for high reliability. They guarantee consistent performance and uptime.

These switches support real-time communication protocols essential for time-critical automation tasks. They provide deterministic data exchange, ensuring precise control and synchronization of machinery and processes.

Can the Moxa EDS-408A-PN be used in extreme temperatures?

Yes, the Moxa EDS-408A-PN is designed to operate reliably in extreme temperatures. It boasts a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F).

This extended temperature capability makes it suitable for deployment in demanding industrial environments. These can include outdoor applications, unconditioned factory floors, or process areas with significant temperature fluctuations.

Its robust construction and component selection ensure stable performance and longevity even under challenging thermal conditions, minimizing the risk of hardware failure.

How does Turbo Ring redundancy work?

Turbo Ring is Moxa's proprietary high-speed network redundancy technology. It allows switches to form a ring topology, providing an alternative communication path if a link fails.

In a Turbo Ring, if one link is broken, the ring automatically reconfigures within milliseconds, allowing data to flow through the alternate path. This ensures continuous network operation and minimizes downtime.

This technology supports up to 250 switches in a single ring and can be combined with other topologies like chains or dual-homed configurations for enhanced resilience.

What is the difference between PROFINET and standard Ethernet?

PROFINET is an industrial Ethernet protocol optimized for automation. It provides real-time communication with high determinism and diagnostics capabilities tailored for factory environments.

Standard Ethernet is a general-purpose networking technology typically used in IT environments. While it can be adapted for industrial use, it often lacks the real-time performance and specific features of PROFINET.

PROFINET utilizes mechanisms like Frame Copy and real-time data prioritization to ensure data arrives precisely when needed for control applications, which standard Ethernet does not inherently offer.

What type of cables should I use with the Moxa EDS-408A-PN?

For connecting devices to the 10/100BaseT(X) ports on the Moxa EDS-408A-PN, you should use standard Cat5e or higher Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat6). Ensure the cables are rated for industrial use if the environment demands it.

For PROFINET communication, particularly over longer distances or in environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI), shielded Ethernet cables are recommended. Shielded cables help prevent data corruption and ensure reliable communication.

Always ensure that the connectors on your cables are properly terminated and that the cables are securely plugged into the switch ports for a stable connection.

How do I access the web interface of the Moxa EDS-408A-PN?

To access the web interface, you first need to connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the Moxa EDS-408A-PN using an Ethernet cable. Ensure your computer's IP address is within the same subnet as the switch's default IP address.

The default IP address for the Moxa EDS-408A-PN is typically 192.168.1.1. Open a web browser on your computer and enter this IP address into the address bar. You will then be prompted for the username and password.

The default username and password are usually "admin" for both. It is strongly recommended to change these default credentials immediately after your first login for security purposes.

What are the power requirements for the Moxa EDS-408A-PN?

The Moxa EDS-408A-PN requires a DC power input, typically 24 VDC. It supports a wider voltage range of 12 to 48 VDC, offering flexibility in power source selection.

The switch features dual redundant power inputs. This design allows you to connect two separate power supplies, ensuring that the switch remains operational even if one power source fails.

Ensure your power supply meets the voltage and current requirements. The maximum power consumption is around 276 mA at 24 VDC, so select a power supply with sufficient capacity.

What is the MTBF of this switch?

The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for the Moxa EDS-408A-PN is rated at an impressive 499,000 hours. This metric indicates its high reliability and suitability for critical industrial applications.

A high MTBF suggests that the switch is designed for long-term, continuous operation with a low probability of failure over an extended period. This translates to reduced maintenance costs and increased operational uptime.

This high reliability is a key selling point for industrial environments where network stability is paramount, and unscheduled downtime can be extremely costly.