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Black Box MED101A Industrial DIN Rail RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 to Fiber Driver - 1 ST Port - 4. 02 km Multi-mode - Rail-mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This fiber driver supports multi-mode optical fiber with a maximum transmission distance of 4.02 kilometers (2.50 miles), providing substantial reach for serial communication networks. The device features one duplex ST port for fiber connectivity and converts signals from RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces, offering flexibility for various serial device connections.
The MED101A operates without requiring network RJ-45 ports, DVI, USB, or dedicated management interfaces, focusing purely on serial-to-fiber conversion. Its industrial design ensures reliable performance in temperature-variable and electrically noisy environments typical of manufacturing floors, utility substations, and outdoor installations.
This section brings together practical product details such as Total Number of Ports, Network (RJ-45), DVI, Media Type Supported, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
The MED101A delivers extended serial communication reach with fiber optic reliability, eliminating electrical interference concerns across industrial sites. Its rail-mountable form factor enables quick deployment in standard DIN rail enclosures, reducing installation time and maintaining organized panel layouts.
Extended Distance & Immunity
Transmits serial data up to 4.02 km on multi-mode fiber, providing electrical isolation and immunity to EMI/RFI interference that copper cables cannot match in industrial settings.
- 4.02 km maximum distance
- Optical fiber eliminates ground loops
- Immune to electromagnetic interference
Industrial Durability
Designed for harsh environments with robust construction and rail-mountable form factor, ensuring reliable operation in manufacturing, utility, and transportation applications.
- Rail-mountable for panel integration
- Industrial temperature tolerance
- Compact 4.90" × 4.50" × 1.30" footprint
Deployment / Use Cases
The MED101A is ideal for extending serial communication beyond the limitations of copper cabling in electrically noisy or geographically dispersed industrial environments. It connects legacy serial equipment to modern fiber optic backbones while maintaining signal integrity across substantial distances.
Common deployment scenarios include factory automation systems where PLCs and HMIs need reliable communication across production lines, transportation systems for signal control and monitoring across rail yards or toll plazas, and utility substations where serial devices must communicate across electrically hazardous areas. The rail-mountable design makes it particularly suitable for control panel installations in manufacturing facilities, water treatment plants, and energy distribution centers.
Factory Automation
Connect PLCs, sensors, and control devices across production floors with fiber optic reliability, avoiding electrical interference from motors and machinery.
Transportation Infrastructure
Extend serial communication for traffic control systems, railway signaling, and airport ground equipment across large areas with consistent signal quality.
Physical Profile
The MED101A features a compact rail-mountable enclosure measuring 4.90 inches in height, 4.50 inches in width, and 1.30 inches in depth (124.46 × 114.30 × 33.02 mm). This form factor allows efficient use of panel space in industrial control cabinets and DIN rail installations. The unit's design facilitates heat dissipation and provides secure mounting for vibration-prone environments, with clearly labeled ports for straightforward cable management during installation.
- Width
- 4.50" (114.30 mm)
- Depth
- 1.30" (33.02 mm)
- Height
- 4.90" (124.46 mm)
Highlights
- Converts RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial signals to optical fiber
- Supports multi-mode fiber with 4.02 km (2.50 mile) maximum distance
- Rail-mountable form factor for industrial DIN rail installations
- 1 duplex ST port for fiber connectivity
- Industrial-grade construction for harsh environments
- TAA compliant and manufactured in the United States
- 5-year limited warranty for long-term reliability
- Compact dimensions: 4.90" H × 4.50" W × 1.30" D
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Black Box Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MED101A |
| Brand Name | Black Box |
| Product Name | Industrial DIN Rail RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 to Fiber Driver |
| Product Type | Transceiver/Media Converter |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Ports | 3 |
| Network (RJ-45) | No |
| DVI | No |
| USB | No |
| Management Port | No |
| Number of ST Ports | 1 |
| ST Port Type | Duplex |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Fiber Mode Supported | Multi-mode |
| Maximum Distance Supported | 4.02 km |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Rail-mountable |
| Height | 4.90" (124.46 mm) |
| Width | 4.50" (114.30 mm) |
| Depth | 1.30" (33.02 mm) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 5 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What serial protocols does the MED101A support?
The MED101A supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial communication protocols. This versatility allows it to interface with a wide range of industrial equipment including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and legacy control devices that use these standard serial interfaces for data transmission.
What type of fiber optic cable is compatible with this converter?
This converter is compatible with multi-mode optical fiber cables using duplex ST connectors. Multi-mode fiber is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications for distances up to several kilometers, providing reliable data transmission with standard fiber optic infrastructure.
What is the maximum transmission distance supported?
The MED101A supports a maximum transmission distance of 4.02 kilometers (approximately 2.50 miles) when using multi-mode optical fiber. This extended reach allows serial communication across large industrial facilities, between buildings, or along transportation corridors without signal degradation.
How is this converter mounted in an installation?
The converter features a rail-mountable form factor designed for standard DIN rail installations commonly found in industrial control panels and equipment enclosures. This mounting method provides secure attachment, efficient use of panel space, and easy integration into existing industrial infrastructure.
Does this converter require external power?
Yes, the MED101A requires external power for operation, though specific power requirements are detailed in the product documentation. Industrial converters typically use standard DC power inputs compatible with industrial power supplies commonly available in control panel environments.
What warranty coverage does Black Box provide for this product?
Black Box provides a 5-year limited warranty for the MED101A Industrial DIN Rail RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 to Fiber Driver. This extended warranty period reflects the product's industrial-grade construction and reliability for demanding applications in manufacturing, transportation, and utility environments.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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