Multi-Drop Fiber Modem (Self-Healing Ring) - TC2100

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TC2100
Self-Healing Ring Multi-Drop Fiber Optic Modem (RS232/422/485)

Featuring 2 separate data & control channels, the TC2100 Multi-Drop Modem maximizes the reliability of communication links in Self Healing Ring fiber optic networks. It supports RS232, RS422 or RS485 interfaces and is often used to interconnect RTUs, PLCs & IEDs in SCADA, Traffic Control & Industrial Process Control networks.

Benefits include detecting upstream and downstream failures on both Tx and Rx, detecting incorrectly connected fiber cables, preventing "echo effect," offering a "multiple master" topology and including dry contact alarms. "Anti-Streaming" is standard.

The TC2100's Self-Healing Ring scheme is sophisticated and automatically re-routes any cable or equipment failure to insure uninterrupted operation. It supports asynchronous data rates up to 38.4 Kbps and offers a rugged, substation hardened (-40°C to 80°C) version.

Features
  • Async Data Rates up to 38.4 Kbps
  • Protocol Transparent
  • All-Digital Design
  • Multiple Master Capability
  • Multimode (850/1300nm) or Single Mode (1300/1550nm)
  • RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 (2/4-wire)
  • Local and Remote Loopback Tests
  • Optical Loop Integrity Test
  • Anti-Streaming (Anti-Jabber)
  • Local Dry Contact Alarm Relay
  • Hardened Temperature Versions (optional)
  • Hi-Temp2 Version Exceeds NEMA & Caltrans Traffic Control Specs

Packaging Options


Applications

Renowned for its high reliability, the TC2100 Multi-Drop Modem is ideal for Ring or Self-Healing Ring communication links in SCADA, Traffic Control, Industrial Process Control and Security Networks. It is frequently used to interconnect Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in Utility substation SCADA Networks.


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What Makes the TC2100 Self-Healing Ring Different from Other Vendors?

Many of the TC2100’s features are critical to network operation; some are unique for a product of this type. It is important to note that the term "Self-Healing Ring" means different things to different vendors. Because there is no industry standard for Self-Healing Rings, vendor offerings vary greatly in terms of function, features and sophistication.

The TC2100 Self Healing Ring differs from competitor offerings in its sophistication. This sophistication enables it to build in a variety of user benefits often not available with many other vendor’s Self-Healing Rings.

These benefits include:

  • The TC2101 Slave unit provides loop monitor signal LEDs that detect if any incorrect fiber cables are connected.
    Solidly lit green LPA (Loop "A") and LPB (Loop "B") LEDs indicate a normal system; blinking green LEDs indicate that the wrong fiber cable has been connected. Some vendors do not offer any simple means to verify that the correct fiber optic cables are connected at remote nodes.

    This is absolutely critical! For example, if a technician inadvertently crossconnects the Ring A and Ring B cables to a modem, the network will appear to function normally, but the Self-Healing portion will not be operable. Technicians must have specific diagnostics to pinpoint where the errant cable cross-connect has occurred.

  • The TC2100 can detect faults both upstream and downstream from each unit.
    The TC2100 can detect cable breakage at both transmit and receiving sides. Some vendor's SHR products detect cable breakage only at the receiving side. Unless the device can detect failures at the transmit side, there is no way to know if the next device is receiving the signal (see adjacent diagram).


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  • The TC2100 prevents any type of Echo effect.
    Some vendors offer a self-healing scheme that doesn't separate broadcast and receive channels. This often results in an "Echo" effect that can disable network communications. ("Echo" happens when the data signal transmitted into the Master unit, and around the ring, is received back at the Master unit’s port).

  • Each TC2101 (Slave) includes a Dry Contact Alarm which enables pinpointing any fault.
    Technicians must be able to pinpoint exactly where a fault has occurred. A dry alarm contact on the modem's master unit indicates when self healing has occurred somewhere on the ring. Dry alarm contacts from the modem slave units on either side of a fault effectively pinpoint the location of the break or failure (see diagram).


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  • The TC2100 offers a Multiple-Master Self- Healing Ring Topology.
    This innovative configuration virtually doubles the reliability of a single Master because it can recover faults or failures in both rings A and B in two different places (See diagram on page 4). System integrity is maintained because both Master units poll the Slaves at the same time, but through different "half" rings.

  • The TC2100 Provides Two Channels for Data, Controls or a Telephone Link (via the TC1900 Telephone Adapter)
    Use two channels for RS-232 or one for RS-422 or RS-485. You can also add telephone service by using the TC1900 RS-232 Telephone Extender. The TC1900 is compatible with most analog PBXs and enables dial-up telephone extensions to be plugged into RS-232 circuits.

  • The TC2100 Provides a Built-In Test Signal Generator to Verify Optical Loop Integity
    A Self-Healing ring consists of two data paths, Ring A and Ring B, with each data path running in an opposite direction to the other. Under normal operation only the primary data path (Ring A) is used.

    When there is fault (cable or failed device), the data path will turn around before it reaches the fault or failed unit and use the secondary data path to complete the link. In this manner, the data/communication path remains intact.

    A multiple master topology (see diagram at left) provides maximum reliability. It can maintain Ring integrity despite faults or failures in both rings in several different places, depending on the number of master units.

TC2100 - Self-Healing Multi-Drop Fiber Optic Modem
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Specifications

Data Rates
  1. Async RS-232, RS-422, RS-485up to 38.4 Kbps*
Optical
  1. TransmitterLED/ELED/LASER*
  2. ReceiverPIN Diode
  3. Wavelength850/1300nm MM, 1300/1550nm SM
  4. Fiber Optic ConnectorsST, Optional FC
  5. Loss Budgets* - 850/1300/1550nm
  6. 15dBMultimode @ 62.5/125µm
  7. 20dBSingle Mode @ 9/125µm
Electrical
  1. ConnectorDB25 Female
  2. Interface(DCE or DTE) RS-232,RS-422, or RS-485 (2 or 4-wire)
System
  1. Bit Error Rate1 in 109 or Better
Diagnostic Functions
  1. Local & Remote LoopbackYes
  2. Signal Generator, Disable AlarmYes
  3. Loop MonitorYes
Visual Indicators
  1. MSTR, SLAV, Sync-A, Sync-B, Vcc, PWRA, PWRB, ALARM, BRD-1Yes
  2. BRD-2, RSP-1, RSP-2, LPA, LPB, A2B, B2AYes
Alarm
  1. Dry ContactNormal OPEN
Power
  1. Standard12VDC @300mA
  2. Optional24Vdc, -48Vdc, 125Vdc or 115/230VAC w/ Power Cube
Temperature
  1. Operating-10°C to 50°C
  2. Hi-Temp 1 (optional)-20°C to 70°C
  3. Hi-Temp 2 (optional)-40°C to 80°C
  4. Storage-40°C to 90°C
  5. Humidity95% non-condensing
Physical (Standalone Unit)
  1. Height(3.53 cm) 1.39"
  2. Width(18.13 cm) 7.14"
  3. Depth(16.59 cm) 6.53"
  4. Weight(567 gm) 1.25 lbs
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