Westermo Data Communications has enhanced its 'Wolverine' range of industrial Ethernet line extenders by adding a new high-speed unit for simple point-to-point applications, and achieving ATEX approval for three existing devices. The Wolverine DDW-220, 221 and 222 units have been ATEX approved according to II 3G Eex nA IIT5 and can be fitted in Zone 2 environments. The products use SHDSL technology to establish a high-speed remote connection between two Ethernet networks using any existing twisted pair copper cables.
The latest addition to this very popular range is the high speed DDW-120 Ethernet Line Extender, which is capable of extending Ethernet networks over copper cables where in the past the only option would have been fibre. The DDW-120 is specifically for point-to-point applications or as a start or termination unit together with the DDW-220/221/222 in daisy-chain applications.
At shorter ranges the data rate will be as high as 5.7 Mbit/s in both directions. Transmission distances of up to 10 km (6.2 miles) can be achieved at lower data rates (depending on the quality of the cables) although much greater distances have been achieved in practical applications. The units will auto-negotiate the transmission speed but can also be forced to choose a slower (more reliable) or faster (less reliable) data rate.
As with other products in the Wolverine series the DDW-120 is suitable for tough industrial environments. The rugged unit can operate in a wide temperature range (–25 to +70°C) and total galvanic isolation and transient protection of the electronics makes it suitable for a broad range of applications including the railway industry.
The DDW-120 is transparent for multicast addressing, allows VPN (Virtual Private Network) pass-through for IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) and can be used with protocols like Modbus®/ TCP and PROFINET® I/O. The DDW-120 also features a Link Fault Forward (LFF) functionality whereby the Ethernet link status is sent over the SHDSL link between two units.
Details of the ATEX approved products, DDW-120, and other models from the Wolverine series can be found in a new 20 page brochure that outlines all the available features as well as suitable applications. Several applications of the Wolverine series, notably at NUON, one of the biggest energy suppliers in the Netherlands, and at Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux, a global utility company, provide a good overview of what can be realised using the devices. Go to www.westermo.co.uk to download your copy.