Advantech EKI-1521-CE 5-Port Compact Industrial Ethernet Switch

The Advantech EKI-1521-CE 5-Port Compact Industrial Ethernet Switch is engineered for robust network connectivity in demanding industrial environments. This unmanaged switch boasts five 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, supporting auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X for simplified deployment. Its compact design, DIN-rail mountability, and wide operating temperature range of -10°C to 60°C ensure seamless integration and reliable performance even under extreme conditions. With a rugged metal housing and dual 12/24 VDC power inputs, the EKI-1521-CE provides enhanced durability and redundant power capabilities crucial for mission-critical applications.

Product Specifications

| Feature              | Specification                               |

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

| Ethernet Ports       | 5 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet                    |

| Auto-Negotiation     | Supported                                   |

| Auto-MDI/MDI-X       | Supported                                   |

| MAC Address Table    | 1K entries                                  |

| Packet Buffer        | 512 Kbits                                   |

| Switching Capacity   | 1 Gbps                                      |

| Forwarding Rate      | 0.744 Mpps                                  |

| LED Indicators       | P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, F1, F2, Power (12V/24V) |

| Power Input          | 12/24 VDC (dual input)                      |

| Power Consumption    | 2.4 W                                       |

| Mounting             | DIN-rail, Wall-mount                        |

| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 40 mm x 103 mm x 78 mm                      |

| Operating Temperature| -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)               |

| Storage Temperature  | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)              |

| Operating Humidity   | 5% to 95% non-condensing                    |

| Housing              | IP30 metal                                  |

| Vibration Resistance | IEC 60068-2-6                               |

| Shock Resistance     | IEC 60068-2-27                              |

| Free Fall            | IEC 60068-2-32                              |

| Certifications       | CE, FCC                                     |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Advantech EKI-1521-CE differentiates itself through its robust build quality and reliable performance in harsh industrial settings, a key consideration for plant floor networking. Its compact form factor and DIN-rail mounting simplify installation in space-constrained control cabinets. The inclusion of dual power inputs offers crucial redundancy, minimizing downtime in applications where network availability is paramount. Unlike consumer-grade switches, the EKI-1521-CE is designed to withstand vibrations, shocks, and a wide temperature range, positioning it as a dependable choice for critical infrastructure and automation systems. The auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X features further streamline deployment by eliminating the need for specialized cabling or complex configuration.

Key Application Scenarios

This industrial Ethernet switch is ideally suited for a broad spectrum of automation and control applications. It excels in connecting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and various sensors on the factory floor, forming the backbone of a robust industrial network. Its suitability extends to building automation systems, traffic control, and surveillance networks where consistent data transmission is vital. The EKI-1521-CE's resilience makes it a strong candidate for outdoor installations within protected enclosures and for use in energy sector applications, including oil and gas and power distribution substations.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Advantech EKI-1521-CE into an industrial network is straightforward due to its plug-and-play nature. Simply connect devices using standard Ethernet cables (Cat 5e or higher) to any of the five ports. For power, utilize the terminal block to connect a 12 or 24 VDC power supply. Employing two separate power supplies to the dual inputs enhances system reliability by providing automatic failover should one power source fail. The DIN-rail mount simplifies secure attachment within control panels, and its compact size allows for dense installations. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent intermittent communication issues.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The EKI-1521-CE operates as an unmanaged switch, requiring no software configuration, which significantly reduces the risk of misconfiguration errors. Its primary operational requirement is a stable DC power supply within the specified voltage range. To mitigate operational risks, ensure proper ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating, although its wide operating temperature range offers considerable buffer. Avoid exposing the switch to direct water ingress or environments with excessive corrosive agents, as its IP30 rating indicates protection against solid objects but not liquids. Regular visual inspection of power and network cables for any signs of damage is also recommended.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

While the EKI-1521-CE is an unmanaged switch, its value lies in its foundational role within an industrial network, supporting scalability through network design. It can be seamlessly integrated into larger network architectures by connecting to managed switches or routers, enabling expansion of the network as needs grow. Its compatibility with standard Ethernet protocols ensures it can interface with a wide array of industrial devices and control systems, including those adopting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) frameworks. The robust construction and reliable operation contribute to its long-term value by minimizing replacement cycles and ensuring consistent network performance over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the Advantech EKI-1521-CE?

The Advantech EKI-1521-CE acts as a fundamental networking component, enabling multiple industrial devices to communicate with each other over an Ethernet network. It facilitates the seamless exchange of data between PLCs, sensors, HMIs, and other automation equipment.

Its core purpose is to provide reliable, high-speed local area network (LAN) connectivity in demanding industrial settings where standard networking equipment would fail. This switch intelligently forwards data packets between connected devices.

This unmanaged switch offers plug-and-play functionality, meaning it requires no complex configuration. It's designed to expand network reach and connectivity points within a facility or machine.

How do I connect power to the Advantech EKI-1521-CE?

Power is supplied to the EKI-1521-CE via a terminal block connector, supporting dual DC inputs for redundancy. You can use either a 12 VDC or 24 VDC power supply.

Connecting two separate power sources to the redundant inputs ensures that if one power supply fails, the switch and its connected devices continue to operate without interruption. This is critical for high-availability systems.

Ensure the polarity of the DC power supply is correctly observed when connecting to the terminal block to prevent damage to the unit. Always use a regulated DC power source for stable operation.

Can the Advantech EKI-1521-CE be used in extreme temperature environments?

Yes, the Advantech EKI-1521-CE is designed for industrial use and features a wide operating temperature range of -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F). This allows it to function reliably in many challenging industrial conditions.

Its robust construction and thermal design enable it to withstand fluctuations in temperature often found in factory floors, outdoor enclosures, or non-climate-controlled facilities. This makes it suitable for applications where typical office-grade switches would fail.

While it supports a wide range, prolonged exposure to temperatures at the extreme ends of its range can still impact lifespan. Proper ventilation, even within its operating parameters, is always recommended for optimal longevity.

What are the benefits of using an industrial Ethernet switch like the EKI-1521-CE?

Industrial Ethernet switches offer enhanced durability, reliability, and operational stability compared to commercial or desktop switches. They are built to withstand vibration, shock, and wider temperature variations common in industrial settings.

The EKI-1521-CE provides essential network connectivity for automation and control systems, ensuring smooth data flow crucial for real-time operations. Its compact size and DIN-rail mount simplify installation in control cabinets.

Features like redundant power inputs and robust metal housing contribute to reduced downtime and a longer service life, translating into lower total cost of ownership for industrial applications.

How does the EKI-1521-CE handle network traffic?

The EKI-1521-CE uses store-and-forward packet switching technology to manage network traffic. This method ensures that data integrity is maintained by checking for errors before forwarding packets.

With a switching capacity of 1 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 0.744 Mpps, it efficiently handles data flow between its five 10/100 Mbps ports, supporting up to 1K MAC addresses.

Its auto-negotiation feature automatically selects the best possible transmission speed and duplex mode between connected devices, optimizing network performance without manual intervention.

What is the significance of the dual power inputs on the EKI-1521-CE?

The dual power inputs are a critical feature for ensuring high availability and minimizing network downtime in industrial environments. They allow for power redundancy.

If one DC power supply connected to the switch fails or experiences an issue, the other power supply automatically takes over, ensuring continuous operation of the switch and the devices connected to it. This is vital for mission-critical systems.

Implementing dual power sources, ideally from separate power distribution circuits, provides the highest level of reliability against power supply failures.

Is the Advantech EKI-1521-CE managed or unmanaged?

The Advantech EKI-1521-CE is an unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch. This means it operates on a plug-and-play basis and does not require any software configuration or complex setup.

Unmanaged switches are ideal for simple network expansions where advanced features like VLANs, QoS, or port mirroring are not needed. They provide basic connectivity between devices within a local network segment.

Its unmanaged nature simplifies installation and maintenance, making it a cost-effective solution for straightforward networking needs in industrial automation.

What type of Ethernet ports does the EKI-1521-CE have?

The Advantech EKI-1521-CE is equipped with five 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports. These ports support auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X functionalities.

The 10/100 Mbps speed is suitable for a wide range of industrial communication protocols and devices, providing adequate bandwidth for typical automation tasks and data acquisition. Auto-MDI/MDI-X automatically detects the cable type (straight-through or crossover), simplifying connections.

These are standard RJ45 connectors, allowing for easy integration with common industrial Ethernet cables like Cat 5e or higher.

Can this switch be mounted in a standard electrical enclosure?

Yes, the EKI-1521-CE is designed for easy mounting in standard industrial electrical enclosures. It features a compact form factor and includes provisions for DIN-rail mounting, which is a common standard in control panel construction.

The DIN-rail mounting system allows for secure and quick installation on standard 35mm DIN rails typically found within electrical cabinets. Alternatively, it can be mounted on a wall using appropriate mounting brackets.

Its compact dimensions (40 mm x 103 mm x 78 mm) ensure it takes up minimal space, making it suitable for densely populated control panels where space is often at a premium.

What kind of warranty or support is available for the Advantech EKI-1521-CE?

Advantech typically provides a warranty for its industrial networking products, which usually covers manufacturing defects for a specified period, often one to three years. Specific warranty terms can vary by region and reseller.

For technical support, Advantech maintains a comprehensive support network. This includes access to technical documentation, FAQs, driver downloads, and direct assistance from their technical support engineers for troubleshooting and integration queries.

Customers can usually register their products on the Advantech website to access support resources and manage warranty claims. It's advisable to check the official Advantech website or contact their sales representative for the most current warranty and support details.