EKI-9520 Series Managed Ethernet Switches

Introduction

Advantech’s EKI-9520 series is a family of 20-port managed Ethernet switches designed for railway networking installations. The series combines EN50155 compliance, M12 Ethernet connectors, wide-range DC input specifications, and operation from -40 °C to +70 °C in a compact rugged housing.

Its key technical distinction is the available mix of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet ports across several configurations, including PoE-equipped variants. This allows a single switch family to address different bandwidth and powered-device requirements in transportation network infrastructure.

What it does

EKI-9520 switches provide managed Ethernet connectivity for networks with up to 20 ports. Listed models support Ethernet data rates of 10 Mb/s, 100 Mb/s, and 1000 Mb/s.

The series includes the following port arrangements:

• 16 Fast Ethernet ports plus 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 16 Fast Ethernet PoE ports plus 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 16 Gigabit Ethernet PoE ports plus 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports

The switches use M12 network connectors, a connector format suited to installations where mechanically secure Ethernet connections are important. Their specified input range is 16.8 VDC to 137.5 VDC, with stated power consumption of 20 W. The enclosure dimensions are 178 mm × 160 mm × 67.2 mm.

Applications

Potential applications based on the stated specifications include:

• Railway onboard Ethernet networks
• Transportation communication cabinets and network nodes
• Mixed Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet aggregation points
• Networks requiring M12-connected Ethernet devices
• PoE network segments using the PoE-capable EKI-9520 variants
• Rail installations exposed to low or high ambient operating temperatures

Design considerations

System designers should select the port configuration according to both required network speed and whether powered Ethernet ports are needed. The listed options differ substantially: systems may use 16 Fast Ethernet ports, 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, or PoE-enabled Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet ports, while retaining four Gigabit Ethernet ports.

The M12 Ethernet connector requirement should be considered alongside the cabling and mating connector strategy for the installation. Power-system compatibility should also be checked against the specified 16.8 VDC to 137.5 VDC supply range and 20 W power consumption.

For mechanical integration, the switch measures 178 mm × 160 mm × 67.2 mm. Its -40 °C to +70 °C operating-temperature specification and EN50155 railway standard designation are relevant when assessing suitability for transportation environments.

Availability and further information

Further information is available through the Mouser Electronics source link and any datasheet links provided on this page.