HIRSCHMANN MM20-M2M2M2M2EBH Industrial Ethernet Media Module
HIRSCHMANN MM20-M2M2M2M2EBH Industrial Ethernet Media Module
The HIRSCHMANN MM20-M2M2M2M2EBH is an industrial-grade Fast Ethernet media module engineered for Hirschmann’s MICE (Modular Industrial Communication Equipment) series switches, specifically the MS20 and MS30 modular switch backplanes.
This specific variant provides four Fast Ethernet optical fiber ports using Duplex SC connectors designed for multimode fiber infrastructure. It is built for mission-critical industrial applications that demand high reliability, noise immunity, and extended temperature performance.
Unique Product Description
The MM20-M2M2M2M2EBH is a hot-swappable, high-density optical expansion module that integrates directly into host modular switch slots. By utilizing multimode fiber optic communication, it provides absolute immunity against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
The model breakdown follows Hirschmann’s MICE naming convention:
MM20: Media Module version for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) modular switch families.
M2 M2 M2 M2: 4 x 100BASE-FX Multimode SC fiber optic ports.
EBH: Extended Temperature range ($-40^\circ\text{C}$ to $+70^\circ\text{C}$) with Backplane power integration and Hazardous area / Conformal Coating protection.
Product Advantages and Features
Complete EMI/RFI Immunity: Optical fiber transmission completely eliminates ground loops, noise interference, and signal degradation common in high-voltage or heavy manufacturing environments.
Extended Temperature & Conformal Coating: Designed to operate smoothly from $-40^\circ\text{C}$ to $+70^\circ\text{C}$. Conformal coating protects internal circuitry against dust, moisture, and corrosive airborne contaminants.
Hot-Swappable Backplane Integration: Can be inserted into or removed from an active MS20 or MS30 switch chassis without disrupting existing switch operations or taking the network offline.
Reliable Optical Range: Supports distances up to 5 km over 50/125 µm multimode fiber and 4 km over 62.5/125 µm fiber at a 1300 nm wavelength.
Industrial Diagnostics: Onboard diagnostic LEDs display link status, power, and data traffic activity directly on the front panel.
Technical Specifications Quick Reference
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Line | Hirschmann MICE Media Module |
| Compatible Base Switches | MS20, MS30 Modular Switches |
| Port Count & Type | 4 x 100Base-FX Multimode Optical Ports |
| Connector Type | Duplex SC |
| Wavelength | 1300 nm |
| Max Distance | Up to 5 km ($50/125\,\mu\text{m}$) / 4 km ($62.5/125\,\mu\text{m}$) |
| Operating Temperature | $-40^\circ\text{C}$ to $+70^\circ\text{C}$ (Extended) |
| Power Supply | Directly powered via host switch backplane (~6W–8W) |
| Enclosure Rating | IP20 industrial housing |
Application Cases
Power Substations & Utilities: Eliminates electrical interference near high-voltage transformers and power lines using isolated fiber optics.
Oil & Gas Processing: Conformal coating and extended working temperatures make it suitable for extreme outdoor field conditions and harsh atmospheric environments.
Transportation & Railway Infrastructure: Provides long-distance point-to-point fiber connections alongside tracks or tunnels subject to wide temperature fluctuations.
Heavy Manufacturing & Automation: Ideal for connecting distributed control cabinets and PLCs across noisy shop floors without ground potential differences.
Other Models in the Same Series
The Hirschmann MM20 module family offers various combinations of copper (RJ45), optical (SC/ST), and SFP ports:
MM20-M2M2M2M2SAHH: 4 x Multimode SC fiber ports (Standard Temp: $0^\circ\text{C}$ to $+60^\circ\text{C}$).
MM20-T1T1T1T1SAHH: 4 x 10/100Base-TX RJ45 copper ports (Standard Temp: $0^\circ\text{C}$ to $+60^\circ\text{C}$).
MM20-T1T1T1T1EBH: 4 x 10/100Base-TX RJ45 copper ports (Extended Temp: $-40^\circ\text{C}$ to $+70^\circ\text{C}$ + Conformal Coated).
MM20-M4M4T1T1EBH: Hybrid module with 2 x Multimode ST fiber ports + 2 x RJ45 copper ports.
MM20-Z6Z6SAHH: 4 x Fast Ethernet SFP slots for pluggable transceivers.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation Procedure
Slot Preparation: Identify an open expansion slot on the target MS20 or MS30 basic switch unit.
Insertion: Align the module along the guide rails of the switch chassis and slide it in until the rear connector seats firmly into the backplane.
Mechanical Fastening: Hand-tighten the captive thumbscrews at the top and bottom of the module faceplate to secure it against vibration.
Fiber Cabling: Remove the protective dust caps from the SC receptacles. Insert duplex SC multimode patch cables, ensuring transmit (Tx) on one side aligns with receive (Rx) on the other end.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Dust Protection: Always keep protective dust caps on unused SC ports to prevent dust from contaminating internal optical lenses.
Fiber Cleaning: If link LEDs remain off or exhibit high frame error rates, clean the optical ferrules using an lint-free optical cleaning pen or isopropyl alcohol swab.
Hot Swapping: In the event of maintenance or hardware reconfiguration, the module can be unbolted and removed while the rest of the host switch remains powered on.