Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T High Availability Single-mode ST Turbo Ring Media Converter

The Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T High Availability Single-mode ST Turbo Ring Media Converter is engineered for robust industrial networking, delivering seamless conversion between single-mode fiber optic and electrical Ethernet signals. Its standout advantages include high availability through Moxa's proprietary Turbo Ring technology, ensuring network uptime even with fiber link failures. The converter boasts a high-performance architecture, supporting extended operating temperatures for demanding environments, and utilizes ST connectors for reliable single-mode fiber optic connections. Key technical parameters include its support for 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet and 100BaseFX single-mode fiber, with a maximum transmission distance of up to 40 km over single-mode fiber. The operating temperature range is -40 to 75°C, making it suitable for harsh industrial settings.

Product Specifications

| Feature                 | Specification                                     |

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

| Ethernet Port           | 1 x 10/100BaseT(X) RJ45                             |

| Fiber Port              | 1 x 100BaseFX, single-mode, ST connector          |

| Fiber Wavelength        | 1310 nm                                           |

| Fiber Distance          | Up to 40 km                                       |

| Ring Protocol           | Turbo Ring (patent pending), < 300 ms recovery time |

| Power Input             | 12/24/48 VDC, 0.36 A @ 12 VDC                      |

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

| Dimensions              | 45 x 110 x 95 mm                                  |

| Mounting                | DIN-rail, wall, or panel mount                    |

| Certifications          | FCC, CE, UL, TÜV                                    |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T distinguishes itself with its inherent high availability, primarily due to the integration of Moxa's patented Turbo Ring technology. This feature provides sub-300ms network recovery time, a critical factor in industrial automation where network interruptions can lead to costly downtime and production halts. Unlike standard media converters, the TCF-142-S-ST-T is built for the rigors of industrial environments, evidenced by its wide operating temperature range and robust casing, positioning it as a premium solution for mission-critical applications. Its single-mode ST fiber connectivity further enhances its appeal for long-distance communication needs, a common requirement in distributed industrial networks such as power substations or pipeline monitoring. The inclusion of diagnostic LEDs and a redundant power input enhances its reliability and ease of management in complex system architectures.

Key Application Scenarios

This high-availability media converter is ideally suited for extending Ethernet networks across significant distances in harsh industrial environments. Common application scenarios include robust backbone networks for factory automation, enabling reliable data transmission between control rooms and remote machinery. It is also a vital component in utility industries, such as power transmission and distribution, where its extended reach and resilience to environmental factors are crucial for SCADA systems and remote monitoring. Furthermore, its ability to integrate seamlessly into ring topologies makes it a prime choice for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and traffic control networks, ensuring continuous operation of surveillance and data logging equipment. The TCF-142-S-ST-T is also deployed in oil and gas exploration and production for reliable communication in remote and challenging terrains.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T into an industrial network is straightforward, focusing on its electrical and fiber optic interfaces. For the electrical side, connect a standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better) to the RJ45 port, ensuring it links to an Ethernet switch or device. For the fiber optic connection, use a single-mode fiber optic cable with ST connectors. Ensure the fiber cable's length supports the desired transmission distance without exceeding the 40 km limit. Polarity is critical in fiber connections; ensure the transmit (TX) of one device connects to the receive (RX) of the other, and vice-versa. The TCF-142-S-ST-T supports redundant power inputs, allowing connection to two different power sources for enhanced system reliability. For Turbo Ring setup, connect the fiber ports of multiple TCF-142-S-ST-T units in a ring formation, designating one port as the master or allowing auto-detection. Basic configuration, if needed, can be accessed via its web interface or serial console for advanced network management features.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T involves ensuring proper power supply within the specified voltage range (12/24/48 VDC) and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions, particularly temperature, within its -40 to 75°C operational window. Risk mitigation primarily centers on preventing fiber optic connection issues and ensuring power redundancy. For fiber, regularly inspect ST connectors for dust and damage, as contamination is a leading cause of signal degradation and link failure. Using high-quality, properly terminated single-mode fiber cables is essential. To mitigate power-related risks, always connect to both power inputs using separate power sources. Fault indicators on the converter, such as LED lights for link status and power, should be monitored to quickly identify and address potential issues. In the event of a fiber link failure, Turbo Ring automatically reroutes traffic, but understanding the ring topology and testing failover scenarios proactively is crucial for preventing extended downtime.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T offers significant scalability and long-term value through its robust design and compatibility with standard industrial networking protocols. Its ability to integrate into larger networks, whether existing Ethernet or future fiber optic expansions, ensures that it remains a relevant component as infrastructure evolves. The Turbo Ring functionality allows for easy expansion of the ring by adding more compatible Moxa devices, thereby increasing network resilience and reach without requiring a complete overhaul. For organizations moving towards Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and digital transformation initiatives, this media converter provides a reliable foundational layer for data acquisition from remote or legacy equipment, facilitating the secure transmission of critical operational data to higher-level control and analytics platforms. Its industrial-grade construction ensures a long service life, minimizing the total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum distance for the single-mode fiber connection on the Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T?

The Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T supports single-mode fiber optic connections up to 40 kilometers. This extended range is crucial for applications spanning large industrial facilities or remote sites.

This capability makes it ideal for backbone networks connecting geographically dispersed equipment. Its specific wavelength is 1310 nm for optimal single-mode performance.

How does the Turbo Ring technology on the TCF-142-S-ST-T improve network availability?

Turbo Ring technology provides automatic network fault detection and rapid recovery. If a fiber link fails, the ring reconfigures within 300 milliseconds.

This ensures minimal disruption to ongoing operations, which is critical for real-time industrial processes. It achieves this by establishing redundant paths within the network topology.

Can the Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T operate in extreme temperature environments?

Yes, the TCF-142-S-ST-T is designed for industrial use and operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -40 to 75°C. This wide temperature range ensures functionality in harsh conditions like outdoor installations or near heavy machinery.

Its rugged construction and component selection are key to its performance in such environments. This resilience minimizes the risk of hardware failure due to thermal stress.

What type of fiber optic connector does the TCF-142-S-ST-T use?

The Moxa TCF-142-S-ST-T utilizes ST connectors for its single-mode fiber optic interface. ST connectors are widely adopted in industrial settings due to their secure locking mechanism.

Ensuring clean and properly seated ST connectors is vital for maintaining optimal signal integrity. This connector type offers a reliable physical interface for the fiber optic cable.

What are the power input requirements for this media converter?

The TCF-142-S-ST-T supports a wide DC input voltage range, typically 12/24/48 VDC. It is designed with dual power inputs for redundancy.

Connecting to two separate power sources is recommended for maximum system uptime and fault tolerance. Always verify the exact voltage requirements for your specific installation.

How is the TCF-142-S-ST-T typically mounted in an industrial control panel?

This media converter offers versatile mounting options, including DIN-rail mounting, wall mounting, or panel mounting. DIN-rail is a very common and secure method in industrial environments.

The flexible mounting choices allow for easy integration into various cabinet and enclosure designs. Proper mounting ensures physical stability and accessibility for maintenance.

What is the purpose of the redundant power inputs on this device?

The redundant power inputs are a critical feature for ensuring high availability in industrial networks. They allow the device to continue operating even if one power source fails.

This significantly enhances the reliability of the network by eliminating a single point of failure related to power supply. It's a standard practice for mission-critical industrial equipment.

Does the TCF-142-S-ST-T support Gigabit Ethernet speeds?

No, the TCF-142-S-ST-T is designed for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet speeds, not Gigabit speeds. It is a Fast Ethernet media converter.

For Gigabit fiber optic conversion, a different Moxa model would be required. This device focuses on reliable Fast Ethernet connectivity over long-distance single-mode fiber.

What diagnostic information is available on the TCF-142-S-ST-T?

The TCF-142-S-ST-T features LED indicators for power, fiber link status, and Ethernet activity. These LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on the device's operational status.

Consulting the user manual will detail the specific meaning of each LED state and any blinking patterns. This simplifies troubleshooting by quickly identifying link issues.

Is configuration required to use the Turbo Ring feature?

The Turbo Ring technology on the TCF-142-S-ST-T often works automatically in a basic ring setup. However, advanced configurations might require minor setup via its management interface.

Understanding the default behavior and available configuration options is recommended for optimal performance. Testing the failover response is crucial after initial setup.