Rugged Gigabit Ethernet Switch Unveiled for UAVs

Diamond Systems Corporation, a supplier of embedded computing solutions, has announced the launch of the EPS-24G2X, a managed Layer 2+ Ethernet switch offering 24 10/100/1000Mbps copper twisted pair ports and two 10Gb small form factor pluggable (SFP+) sockets. The switch is designed for rugged applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other military vehicles, and is Diamond’s newest addition to its Epsilon family of versatile embedded Ethernet switch solutions.

The EPS-24G2X Ethernet switch is designed around Diamond’s new EPSM-10GX Ethernet switch module. Like the popular Computer-on-Module technology, the EPSM-10GX encapsulates a complete Ethernet switch circuit into a compact module, simplifying the design of custom embedded and industrial Ethernet switch solutions. The EPS-24G2X adds the necessary power supplies and last inch of I/O circuitry needed to create an off-the-shelf complete solution in the industry-standard “3.5 inch” form factor. The switch provides layer 2+ performance (layer 3 capable with software upgrade) via its built-in 500MHz MIPS processor and comprehensive suite of software features. All features are manageable via any Ethernet port or an auxiliary “out of band” serial interface. The switch operates at non-blocking wire-speed performance, meaning all ports can operate at full speed simultaneously, resulting in a 44Gbps total throughput capability.

EPS-24G2X is ideal for on-vehicle, military and aerospace applications and was designed specifically to meet the demands imposed by harsh environments. Built rugged, the EPSM-10GX is tested and guaranteed to MIL-STD-202G shock/vibration levels and can be operated in temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. All I/O connectors are latching, providing enhanced reliability over the RJ-45 connectors used in commercial Ethernet switches. The 50% thicker PCB (.093” / 2.4mm) provides protection against vibration in vehicle environments. The switch is compatible with power supplies ranging from 5 to 34VDC.

The EPS-24G2X includes the following key features and functionality:

• 24 10/100/1000Mbps copper Ethernet ports
• 2 10G SFP+ sockets
• Integrated 500 MHz MIPS 24KEc CPU
• Serial port for out of band management and software updates
• Latching connectors
• Intelligent power management
• IEEE802.1Q switch with 4K VLANs and 32K MAC table entries
• Multiple protocol support: IEEE 802.1d, IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.1s, and IEEE 802.1X
• Flexible link aggregation support based on Layer-2 through Layer-4 information (IEEE 802.3ad)
• Multicast and broadcast storm control, as well as flooding control
• Wide input voltage range: 7-34VDC input
• 3.5-inch form factor (5.75″W x 4.00″H / 146 x 102mm)
• -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) operating temperature

EPS-24G2X is supplied with all required firmware preconfigured, enabling immediate operation without any development effort.