Need a Discrete Output?
Recently, I came across an interesting application, and I realized an indirect way of using a feature common to all of Transition Networks managed Industrial Ethernet switches. I am referring to the Fault Alarm Output.
The Fault Alarm Output
All of Transition Networks’ managed industrial Ethernet switches incorporate a Fault Relay Alarm Output. This provides a hardwired mechanism for warning when power or one/any of the Ethernet ports loses its link status. In a commercial or office-grade piece of equipment this function is typically not needed: a downed network connection will pretty quickly be communicated to the IT personnel by humans; but in an industrial environment this may not occur. The installation could be remote, say at a well-head, or pump house. If the network fails an operation may be interrupted or cease, resulting in equipment damage, underutilized resources, or loss of revenue. A signal from the equipment could be tied to a local alarm system, or even a device that could communicate the alarm remotely. This is the intended use of the Fault Alarm Output.
Going Beyond an Alarm Mechanism
What if you have an application in which you need to turn on a remote pump, for example, located at the end of single-mode fiber link? By using the Fault Alarm Output present on Transition Networks’ managed SISGM1040-162D-LR industrial Ethernet switch this can be accomplished simply from any web interface. The built-in web server in the SISGM1040-162D-LR allows the Fault Alarm Output to be configured to indicate a failure on any of the Ethernet ports. Simply click a box on this web interface and voila! the Fault Alarm Output relay will change states. When connected to the pump this could turn it ON or OFF.
If you have a need to actuate some piece of equipment remotely, over an Ethernet network, consider this alternative use of Transition Networks Fault Alarm Output.
What Do You Do With Your Fault Alarm Outputs?
I am curious: what do YOU use the Fault Alarm Outputs on your industrial Ethernet switches for? Do you feed this signal to a local visual or audible alarm in a plant environment? How about feeding this into a remote monitoring device that could communicate this event to offsite personnel? Or, do you leave it unused? I am especially interested in any alternative uses you may have found for this relay, such as the one I’ve outlined above.
Comments Welcome!
