General
Number of serial ports	2
Pull-up/down resistors	150 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 4.7 kΩ, 3.3 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 909 Ω, 822 Ω, 770 Ω, 500 Ω, 485 Ω
Termination resistor	N/A, 120 Ω, 120 kΩ
Air humidity	5–95 % (nicht kondensierend)
MTBF	792.085 Stunden (Telcordia Standard)

The ICF-1150-M-SC-IEX from Moxa is an industrial fibre optic converter that converts serial interfaces of the standards RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 into a 100BaseFX network via multi-mode optical fibre with SC connector. The device is designed for use in demanding industrial environments, particularly in areas with increased requirements for safety and operational reliability, such as explosive atmospheres. The certifications ATEX Zone 2 and IECEx confirm suitability for such environments. The converter features an extended operating temperature range of -40 to 85 °C, making it suitable for extreme climatic conditions.

Applications

The converter is used to integrate serial devices such as sensors, controls, machines, or measuring instruments into existing Ethernet networks via fibre optic cables. It is particularly advantageous in plants of the process industry, energy supply, transportation technology, or machine building, where long transmission distances, high immunity to interference, and mechanical robustness are required. The use of fibre optic enables disturbance-free data transmission over long distances without signal loss.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The ICF-1150-M-SC-IEX offers two serial ports, each supporting the standards RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485. The baud rate can be set between 50 bps and 921.6 kbps, with support for non-standard transmission rates as well. The serial connections are made via a 5-pin terminal block, while the fibre optic side connects via an SC connector. An integrated 2-kV galvanic isolation protects connected serial devices from electrical interference and voltage spikes. For RS-485 applications, the converter supports automatic data direction control (ADDC), enabling integration into existing RS-485 networks without additional hardware or manual configuration of data direction. Configurable pull-up/down resistors and termination resistors (120 Ω, 120 kΩ, N/A) offer flexibility for adapting to different topologies and signal lines.

Technology Explained Simply

The conversion of serial signals into an Ethernet network via fibre optic is achieved by converting the serial data into a digital format transmitted over the optical fibre network. The use of multi-mode optical fibre enables high data rates (100 Mbit/s) over medium distances, while the SC connector ensures a secure and mechanically stable connection. Galvanic isolation protects connected devices from voltage spikes caused by electrical interference or power fluctuations. Support for ADDC for RS-485 enables bidirectional communication without manual control of data direction, simplifying configuration.

Compatibility and Accessories

The converter is compatible with devices using serial interfaces according to RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485. Connection to the Ethernet network is via multi-mode optical fibre with SC connector. No additional adapters or special protocol conversions are required for integration into existing networks. Configuration is performed via physical settings on the device, such as resistors and signal assignment, which can be adjusted according to application requirements.

Mounting and Installation

The device is mounted on a DIN rail, enabling quick and secure installation in enclosures. Power supply is via a terminal block with an input voltage of 12 to 48 VDC. Maximum current consumption is 300 mA. The device features overcurrent and reverse polarity protection, ensuring safe commissioning even in case of incorrect wiring. Mounting requires no additional tools, as DIN rail mounting is standardised.

Operational Advantages

The ICF-1150-M-SC-IEX offers high operational reliability through galvanic isolation and robust construction. Certifications for explosive atmospheres (ATEX Zone 2, IECEx) extend the application range to critical installations. The high operating temperature of up to 85 °C enables use in hot environments, such as production halls or machines with high heat generation. Long service life (MTBF: 792,085 hours according to Telcordia standard) and a 5-year warranty underscore the device’s reliability. The compact design (30.3 × 70 × 115 mm) and low weight (330 g) allow flexible placement in enclosures.

Certifications and Environmental Conditions

The device complies with safety standard UL 61010-2-201 and EMC requirements according to EN 55032/35, CISPR 32, and FCC Part 15B Class A. Immunity to interference is tested according to IEC 61000-4-x (ESD, EFT, Surge). Vibration testing is performed according to IEC 60068-2-6, and environmental tests according to IEC 60068-2-1/-2/-3 ensure reliability under real operating conditions. The operating temperature ranges from -40 to 85 °C, with humidity from 5–95 % (non-condensing). The housing is made of metal and has a protection rating of IP30.

Signal Assignment

Serial signal assignment is defined according to standard: RS-232 (TxD, RxD, GND), RS-422 (Tx+/-, Rx+/-, GND), RS-485-4w (Tx+/-, Rx+/-, GND), and RS-485-2w (Data+/-, GND). This assignment enables clear signal mapping and unambiguous wiring.

Power Supply

Power supply is via a terminal block with 12 to 48 VDC. Maximum current consumption is 300 mA. Integrated protection against overcurrent and reverse polarity increases safety during installation.

Housing and Mounting

The housing is made of metal and provides a protection rating of IP30. Mounting is on a DIN rail, enabling standardised and secure installation in enclosures. Dimensions are 30.3 × 70 × 115 mm, weight 330 g.

Certifications

The device is certified according to ATEX Zone 2, IECEx, UL/cUL Class I Div. 2, UL 61010-2-201, EN 55032/35, CISPR 32, FCC Part 15B Class A, IEC 61000-4-x, IEC 60068-2-6, and IEC 60068-2-1/-2/-3.

MTBF and Warranty

MTBF is 792,085 hours (Telcordia standard). Warranty is 5 years; further details are available at www.moxa.com/warranty.