N-TRON SWITCH GROUNDING TECHNIQUES

The grounding philosophy of any control system is an integral part of the design. N-Tron switches are designed to be grounded, but the user has been given the flexibility to float the switch when required. The best noise immunity and emissions (i.e. CE) are obtained when the N-Tron switch chassis is connected to earth ground via a drain wire. Some N-Tron switches have metal din-rail brackets that can ground the switch if the din-rail is grounded. In some cases, N-Tron switches with metal brackets can be supplied with optional plastic brackets if isolation is required.

Both V- legs of the power input connector are connected to chassis internally on the PCB. Connecting a drain wire to earth ground from one of the V- terminal plugs as shown here will ground the switch and the chassis. The power leads from the power source should be limited to 3 meters or less in length.

As an alternate, users can run a drain wire & lug from any of the Din- Rail screws or empty PEM nuts on the enclosure. When using an unused PEM nut to connect a ground lug via a machine screw, care should be taken to limit the penetration of the outer skin by less than 1/4 in. Failure to do so may cause irreversible damage to the internal components of the switch.

Note: Before applying power to the grounded switch, you must use a volt meter to verify there is no voltage difference between the power supply’s negative output terminal and the switch chassis grounding point.

If the use of shielded cables is required, it is generally recommended to only connect the shield at one end to prevent ground loops and interfere with low level signals (i.e. thermocouples, RTD, etc.). Cat5e cables manufactured to EIA-568A or 568B specifications are required for use with N-Tron Switches.

In the event all Cat5e patch cable distances are small (i.e. All Ethernet devices are located the same local cabinet and/or referenced to the same earth ground), it is permissible to use fully shielded cables terminated to chassis ground at both ends in systems void of low level analog signals.

(Revised 2010-11-15)

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N-Tron 102RAS user manual Tron Switch Grounding Techniques
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102RAS specifications

The N-Tron 102RAS is a high-performance industrial Ethernet switch designed to meet the demanding needs of various industrial applications, including manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, and utilities. One of the standout features of the 102RAS is its rugged design, enabling it to thrive in harsh environments where temperature fluctuations, dust, moisture, and vibration are commonplace. The switch operates within a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to 70°C, ensuring reliable performance in unconditioned spaces.

Built to support real-time networking, the N-Tron 102RAS utilizes advanced Ethernet technology to deliver data with minimal latency. With a robust Layer 2 switching capability, it possesses the ability to efficiently manage and forward Ethernet frames between connected devices, ensuring seamless communication across the network. Featuring up to 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the 102RAS caters to a variety of network configurations, allowing for extensive connectivity options.

The switch is equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, enabling it to deliver power to compatible devices directly through the Ethernet cables. This feature simplifies the installation of devices such as IP cameras, sensors, and access points, eliminating the need for additional power supplies and reducing clutter in the industrial environment.

Another important technology integrated within the N-Tron 102RAS is its support for various network protocols, including VLAN, Quality of Service (QoS), and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). These features enhance network performance and reliability, providing the ability to segment traffic, prioritize important data packets, and quickly recover from network outages.

In terms of security, the 102RAS is designed with several measures to protect data integrity and access. It supports advanced network security protocols, including access control lists (ACLs) and 802.1X port-based authentication, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect and communicate over the network.

Overall, the N-Tron 102RAS is an exceptional choice for industries requiring a dependable and efficient Ethernet switching solution. Its rugged construction, advanced networking technologies, and rich feature set make it a versatile solution for ensuring uninterrupted industrial operations. Whether upgrading existing infrastructures or deploying new systems, the 102RAS is poised to meet the challenges of modern industrial networking.
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