Description
GE IS420ESWBH3AX Mark VIe IONet Ethernet Switch
Product Overview
The GE IS420ESWBH3AX is a high-performance Industrial Ethernet switch designed for GE’s Mark VIe Speedtronic™ turbine control system, a cornerstone of power generation, oil and gas, and industrial automation. As a critical networking component, this switch provides 16-port 10/100Base-TX connectivity with auto-negotiation and full/half-duplex support, enabling reliable real-time communication between control processors, I/O modules, and field devices in safety-critical applications. The IS420ESWBH3AX integrates seamlessly with Mark VIe systems like IS420YDAIH1B and IS220YDAIH1A, ensuring deterministic data transfer for turbine speed control, process monitoring, and emergency shutdown (ESD) systems.
Engineered for ruggedness, the IS420ESWBH3AX features a DIN rail-mountable design with pluggable RJ45 connectors, allowing for easy installation and maintenance in compact control cabinets. Its metal enclosure ensures durability in harsh environments with temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C, while 500V DC isolation between ports and ground safeguards against electromagnetic interference. The switch supports redundant 24/28V DC power inputs, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of a primary power failure.
Within the Mark VIe ecosystem, the IS420ESWBH3AX acts as a backbone for GE’s IONet architecture, delivering low-latency communication with 802.3x flow control and IGMP snooping to optimize multicast traffic. Compliance with UL 508 and IEC 61010 standards underscores its reliability in regulated industrial settings, where precision and uptime are paramount.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
Product Model | IS420ESWBH3AX |
Manufacturer | GE |
Product Type | Industrial Ethernet Switch |
Series | Mark VIe Speedtronic™ |
Port Configuration | 16x 10/100Base-TX RJ45, 1x 100Base-FX LC |
Signal Isolation | 500V DC (port-to-port, port-to-ground) |
Power Supply | 24/28V DC (±10%, redundant inputs) |
Physical Dimensions | 188 mm (L) × 86 mm (W) × 56 mm (D) |
Weight | 0.91 kg |
Operating Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
Humidity | 5–95% non-condensing |
Mounting Type | DIN rail-mounted (35mm standard) |
Compliance | UL 508, IEC 61010, CE |
Country of Origin | United States |
Cooling Method | Convection-cooled |
LED Indicators | Power, Link/Activity, Speed, Fault |
Protocol Support | 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x, IGMP snooping |
Main Features and Advantages
High-Speed Industrial Connectivity: The IS420ESWBH3AX offers 16 copper ports and 1 fiber uplink port, supporting 10/100Mbps auto-negotiation for seamless integration of legacy and modern devices. Its store-and-forward switching ensures error-free data transmission, critical for real-time control loops in power plants and offshore platforms.
Rugged Industrial Design: With a -40°C to +70°C operating range and robust metal enclosure, the IS420ESWBH3AX withstands extreme temperatures, vibration, and corrosive atmospheres—common in refineries and chemical plants. Its design resists dust and moisture, maintaining performance in environments where traditional switches might fail.
Redundant Power and Fault Tolerance: The switch supports dual 24/28V DC power inputs, ensuring uninterrupted operation if one power source fails. LED indicators provide real-time feedback on port status, power health, and communication faults, enabling technicians to quickly identify issues during maintenance.
Seamless Mark VIe Integration: Engineered specifically for GE’s Mark VIe systems, the IS420ESWBH3AX pairs with I/O modules like IS420YDAIH1B (analog output) and IS220YDAIH1A (analog input), creating a cohesive control network. This compatibility simplifies retrofits, as existing Mark VIe users can integrate the IS420ESWBH3AX without extensive reconfiguration.
Advanced Networking Features: The switch supports IGMP snooping to manage multicast traffic efficiently, reducing bandwidth congestion in large-scale systems. 802.3x flow control prevents data loss during peak loads, ensuring stable communication in high-demand applications like turbine vibration monitoring.
Application Fields
The GE IS420ESWBH3AX is indispensable in industries relying on reliable industrial networking for turbine and process control:
- Power Generation: In thermal, combined-cycle, and nuclear plants, it connects turbine control processors, generator excitation systems, and SCADA networks. Its low-latency communication ensures precise load balancing and grid synchronization—critical for preventing unplanned shutdowns.
- Oil and Gas: Offshore platforms and refineries use the IS420ESWBH3AXto link compressor anti-surge controls, ESD systems, and process analyzers. Its fiber uplink supports long-distance communication between offshore platforms and onshore control centers.
- Industrial Manufacturing: Chemical plants and paper mills deploy the board to manage distributed control systems (DCS) and PLC networks. Its redundant power inputs and rugged design ensure continuous operation in 24/7 production environments.
- Marine Propulsion: Shipboard turbine systems use the IS420ESWBH3AXto connect engine monitoring systems, propeller pitch controls, and navigation equipment. Its compact size fits in limited shipboard space, while its durability resists the effects of constant motion.
Related Products
- GE IS420ESWBH1A: A 16-port Ethernet switch with one fiber port, ideal for systems requiring both copper and fiber connectivity.
- GE IS420YDAIH1B: An analog output I/O pack that integrates with the IS420ESWBH3AXfor real-time process control.
- GE IS220YDAIH1A: An analog input I/O pack that pairs with the IS420ESWBH3AXfor high-precision signal monitoring.
- GE IS210AEPSG1A: A redundant power supply that ensures uninterrupted 24V DC to the IS420ESWBH3AXand other Mark VIe components.
- GE IS410TRLYS1B: A TMR relay output terminal board that integrates with the IS420ESWBH3AXfor hybrid control systems.
- GE IS400WROBH1A: A fused power distribution daughterboard that adds overcurrent protection to the IS420ESWBH3AX, critical for ESD applications.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparations: Ensure the DIN rail is securely mounted and grounded, with adequate space for the IS420ESWBH3AX and any associated modules. Verify the 24/28V DC power supply meets voltage tolerances (±10%). Align the switch with the rail, secure it with clips, and torque terminal screws to 0.8–1.0 N·m for reliable connections. Label wires according to the wiring diagram and test continuity before energizing.
Maintenance suggestions: Conduct monthly visual inspections to check for loose terminals, damaged wires, or LED warnings. Clean dust from ventilation slots using compressed air to prevent overheating. Quarterly, verify port connectivity by pinging connected devices and checking LED status. For redundant power systems, test each input individually to ensure failover functionality. When replacing the IS420ESWBH3AX, label wires before removal to simplify reinstallation, and retest all ports post-installation to confirm proper operation.
Product Guarantee
Our company offers a one-year quality warranty service for the IS420ESWBH3AX, covering hardware malfunctions not caused by human factors. During the warranty period, if the product shows abnormal performance or functional failure, we will provide replacement services. In addition, for discontinued models or urgent demands, relying on our global supply chain network, we can quickly respond to customers’ procurement needs for scarce spare parts, and provide reliable services to support the continuous and stable operation of industrial systems.
As a leading import and export trade distribution company with 17 years in the industrial control industry, we stock a large inventory of both common and hard-to-find models, ensuring we meet urgent spare part needs. Our expertise in GE and other major brands allows us to deliver reliable support for your automation systems.
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