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tx2fx media converter

TX2FX Rugged Ethernet Media Converter

Jumbo Frames support, Triple speed copper Ethernet interface

Manufacturer: MPL

Description

Overview

Ethernet Media Converter Copper to Fiber Optic

The TX2FX is a Ethernet media converter which translates transmission signals from a twisted-pair 10/100/1000BASE-TX to a 100/1000BASE-X fiber optic cable. It expands network data transmission distances beyond the 100 meter limitation of copper wire, to over 10 kilometers by using single-mode fiber optic cable.

Any standard Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver module can be used on the fiber optic port. These SFP transceivers modules are available in a variety of transmitter and receiver types, allowing users to select the appropriate module for the required fiber optical interface.

Further the TX2FX provides automatic detection and initializing of the SFP Module (speed and full or half duplex operation) and has easy-to-read diagnostic LEDs for continuous status reports on network speed, traffic, and status of the fiber optic port. The TX2FX allows the use of standard RJ45 UTP/STP and various fiber optic cables.

Features

  • New version with Jumbo Frames support
  • Triple speed (10/100/1000Mbit) copper Ethernet interface
  • Automatic detection and initializing of the SFP module (100Mbit-FX, 1000Mbit-X)
  • Single wide power supply input (5 to 28V)
  • Configurable flow control
  • Configurable link loss forwarding
  • Configurable link speed forwarding
  • 2 different mechanical versions
  • Extended temperature option

These features make the TX2FX ideally suited for any industrial application. Through the low power consumption, robust, and flexible design, the product can be used in any embedded system. Whether it is being used in a rugged, hot, or other extreme environment, the TX2FX helps to expand your network distances!

Specifications

Board Key Data
Copper port RJ45 (10/100/1000Mbit) supports auto crossover, polarity correction
Fiber optic port over standard SFP transceivers supports single- and multi-mode
data rate of 100Mbit or 1Gbit
Status LEDs 2 LEDs for each RJ45 port
2 LEDs for each SFP port
Link/Activity and Speed
Link/Activity and Status
Special new modules (-1x) support Jumbo Frames up to 10 kBytes
Physical / Power
Size (length x width x height) 75.7 x 50.0 x 16.0mm
78.7 x 50.0 x 16.0mm
Versions: with ports on same side (-1 & -11)
Versions: with ports on opposite side (-2 & -12)
Weight 35 g / 0.08 lb fully equipped TX2FX-2
Power +5VDC up to +28VDC over 4 pin MOLEX 2.54mm
vertical with friction lock
Power consumption Typically 1.5W
Typically 2.5W
100Mbit copper link
1Gbit copper link
Temperature range standard -20°C up to +60°C optional -40°C up to +85°C
Humidity 5% - 95% non condensing optional coating available

FAQs

1. What is the MTBF of this product?

The estimated MTBF is about 800,000 hours (parts count calculation for ground fixed environment).

2. Which SFP modules are being supported by the MAGBES/TX2FX?

As SFP modules should be designed according to the manufacture independent standard "SFP Multi Source Agreement" (SFP MSA), every SFP module should work with the MAGBES/TX2FX. (Please note that there may be MAGBES/TX2FX specific limitations (e.g. "Fibre Channel" or "SONET" are NOT supported), so check the corresponding user manual for details).

Unfortunately there seems to be some SFP modules available on the market, which do not to work reliably in conjunction with the MAGBES/TX2FX for various reasons. The following table lists the work/not-work status of all SFP modules MPL is currently aware of:

Manufacturer SFP Module Spec Status Comment
Avago HFBR-57E0PZ 100Base-FX, LC-Duplex, MMF OK MPL tested
Avago AFBR-5710ALZ 1000Base-SX, LC-Duplex, MMF OK MPL tested
Avago AFCT-5715ALZ 1000Base-LX, LC-Duplex, SMF OK MPL tested
Avago ABCU-5710RZ 1000Base-T OK Customer report, supported since MAGBES firmware 0.23
Cisco GLC-FE-100FX 100Base-FX, LC-Duplex, MMF NOT Customer report
Fiberxon FTM-3401C-SL2G 10 100Base-FX, LC-Duplex, MMF NOT Customer report
Intel TXN221200000000 1000Base-LX, LC-Duplex, SMF OK MPL tested, no longer available
Moxa SFP-1FEMLC-T 100Base-FX, LC-Duplex, MMF OK MPL tested
XGIGA XGSF-1303-20D 100Base, LC-Duplex, SMF NOT Customer report
XGIGA XGSF-1312-20D 1000Base, LC-Duplex, SMF OK Customer report
XGIGA XGSF-1303-02D 100Base, LC-Duplex, MMF NOT Customer report
XGIGA XGSF-1312-02D 1000Base, LC-Duplex, MMF OK Customer report

3. I try to use a third-party SFP with your MAGEBS/TX2FX but it does not work. If I insert the SFP into a media-converter or switch to a different brand, it works without a problem. Is the MAGEBS/TX2FX broken?

Not necessarily. According to the standard "SFP Multi Source Agreement" (SFP MSA), all SFP modules contain a small memory device, where the capabilities supported by a particular SFP are being stored. Problems of the above mentioned kind are mostly caused by incorrect or even missing capability information.

Because the MAGEBS/TX2FX is able to "translate" between different link speeds and media types, it is absolutely vital that the SFP module reports accurate capability information. Otherwise the MAGEBS/TX2FX is unable to set up its internal hardware correctly.

For media-converters supporting only one link speed and / or media type, reading and interpreting the SFP information may not be necessary at all, which may explain why the SFP works in conjunction with these devices.

Therefore please recheck with a SFP module from another manufacturer. If this is not an option, please contact the SFP manufacturer and make sure that the SFP meets the MSA specification and is Ethernet compatible. SFP modules which only support "Fibre Channel" or "SONET" are NOT supported by the MAGEBS/TX2FX!

4. Which SFP module speeds are being supported by the MAGBES/TX2FX?

The following SFP module speeds are supported: 

  • 100Base-FX
  • 1000Base-FX
  • 1000Base-LX
  • 1000Base-SX

5. Has the TX2FX/MAGES any kind of built-in buffer for ethernet frames and if yes, how big is it?

Yes, the switch controller used on the TX2FX/MAGBES has a FIFO buffer to temporarily store ethernet frames and its size is 1Mbit.

6. Does the TX2FX support "Jumbo Frames"?

It depends on the precise TX2FX version: 

  • The TX2FX-1 / TX2FX-2 does NOT support "Jumbo Frames".
  • The TX2FX-11 / TX2FX-12 does support "Jumbo Frames".

7. What is the (minimal) latency of the data going through the TX2FX from the copper port to the fiber port (or vice versa)?

Since the TX2FX incorporates a switch controller (based on a "store-and-forward" design), the latency depends on the actual speed, duplex mode and handshake status of the connected media. Therefore in the best case (both ports working in full duplex, no pause frame received) the latency is at least one frame (-time).

Downloads

File Type
TX2FX Datasheet EN Datasheet
TX2FX-11 / TX2FX-12 / TX2FX-13 User Manual EN Manual
Small, Rugged and Flexible Ethernet Media Converter EN Press Release
TX2FX-11-C-3D.zip 3D Drawing
TX2FX-12-C-3D.zip 3D Drawing 

Ordering Info

Part Number Description
Standalone Modules
TX2FX-11 Standalone module, RJ45 and SFP on same side, with Jumbo Frames support
TX2FX-12 Standalone module, RJ45 and SFP on opposite side, with Jumbo Frames support
TX2FX-13 two copper ports RJ45 and one SFP port
TX2FX-14 2x copper ports (RJ45 and 2mm header) and one SFP
Modules Integrated Inside PIP
TX2FX-11M Module built-in inside PIP, RJ45 and SFP ports external accessible, with Jumbo Frames support
Extended Temperature Option
XTEST-1 Extended temperature test, -40°C up to +85°C
Accessories
SFP-1X 2/1Gb SFP 850nm optical transceiver, multi mode, up to 500m, with standard LC connector, case temp. -40 to +85°C
SFP-2X 1Gb SFP 1310nm optical transceiver, single mode, up to 10km, with standard LC connector, case temp. -40 to +85°C
SFP-3X 100Mbit SFP 1300nm optical transceiver, multi mode, up to 4km, with standard LC connector, case temp. -40 to +85°C

By Email

By Phone

Main: 604.814.5069
Fax: 888.831.5149

By Mail

Tri-M Technologies Inc.
208 – 31510 Gill Avenue
Mission, BC, Canada  V4S 0A1

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