25 Jun 2013

Belden presents new OBR40 optical bypass relay from its Hirschmann Brand

Protecting Ethernet networks against multiple switch failures

Neckartenzlingen, Germany - June 25, 2013 - Belden Inc., a global leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, has launched the new OBR40 optical bypass relay from its Hirschmann product range. Suitable for use even in harsh environmental conditions, this relay ensures that optical Ethernet networks, with either ring or line topologies, remain operational after power failures at one or more switches. An internal switch-over mechanism enables data communication to continue seamlessly between neighboring switches. This mechanism even continues to operate when power is cut off to the bypass relay itself. Use of this relay serves to further enhance the availability of Ethernet networks. The relay can also be used to deactivate specific parts of a system, when maintenance work needs to be carried out on individual turbines of a wind farm, for example.

The bypass relay is connected to a switch's optical uplink ports via two duplex I/O. These are available for three different fiber types (multi-mode 62.5/125 µm, multi-mode 50/125 µm, single-mode 9/125 µm). In the event of a power failure, the bypass function is activated and the affected switch is bridged. The bypass function can also be specifically activated via a control contact. The switching threshold is adjustable within a range of 1 V to 32 V by means of a DIL switch.

A switch-on delay (adjustable to up to 40 s) ensures that the switches seamlessly rejoin the network after the problem has been eliminated or maintenance work has finished. This delay time permits the switch boot process to be completed, and any incoming data packets are therefore passed on immediately.

Further features of the bypass relay include an IP40 protection rating, an operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C, and a redundant 24 VDC power supply. The 115 x 61 x 113 mm housing is made of metal and can be mounted on DIN rails. LEDs on the front panel indicate the status of the device and network.

The new OBR40 optical bypass relay from Belden's Hirschmann product range makes Ethernet networks even more reliable. As Product Manager Rolf-Dieter Sommer says: "Even multiple failures are no longer a problem. With the exception of the directly affected applications, the network and most of the processes continue to be available."

Reader enquiries

Belden
P.O. Box 9
5900 AA VENLO
Netherlands

Notes for editors

Hirschmann, a Belden Brand, manufactures Ethernet switches, wireless access points, firewall/VPN routers and network management software for harsh industrial environments. The Hirschmann brand stands for experience and expertise in the automation, power transmission and distribution, transportation and energy industries, having pioneered the development of Ethernet as a common standard for industrial control systems. Hirschmann products ensure hassle-free and secure data communication under the harshest conditions due to their ruggedized design and construction. For more information about Hirschmann, please visit www.hirschmann.com or e-mail inet-sales@belden.com for product inquiries.

About Belden

Belden Inc., a global leader in high quality, end-to-end signal transmission solutions, delivers a comprehensive product portfolio designed to meet the mission-critical network infrastructure needs of industrial, enterprise and broadcast markets. With innovative solutions targeted at reliable and secure transmission of rapidly growing amounts of data, audio and video needed for today's applications, Belden is at the center of the global transformation to a connected world. Founded in 1902, the company is headquartered in St. Louis and has manufacturing capabilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Twitter: @BeldenInc

Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, Hirschmann and the Belden logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions. Belden and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein.