The Hirschmann BOBCAT BRS20-8TX-HL is the standard-temperature hazardous location variant of Hirschmann’s 8-port managed Fast Ethernet BOBCAT switch, certified to ISA12.12.01 for deployment within or adjacent to Ex-classified zones in oil and gas processing, offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, and chemical manufacturing facilities. Manufactured by Hirschmann, a Belden brand, it provides 8x 10/100BASE-TX RJ45 ports in a 73 mm wide fanless PC-ABS DIN rail housing with IP30 protection, operating from 0 to +60°C and consuming only 6 W from dual redundant 12 to 24 VDC power inputs — a well-matched profile for Ex-zone field panels where heat dissipation is constrained and port density is needed for connecting multiple field instruments and devices in a single compact switch. TSN 802.1Qbv support on interfaces 1/1 to 1/3 brings deterministic real-time Ethernet scheduling to classified area automation nodes, and PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and IEC61850 protocol support ensures compatibility with the DCS, PLC, and SCADA platforms used across the process industries. Redundancy features span HIPER-Ring, MRP (IEC62439-2) as both client and manager, RSTP, LACP, Link Backup, and Redundant Network Coupling, enabling full participation in ring and star high-availability topologies from Ex-rated field positions. Security capabilities include Secure Boot, signed firmware, 802.1X port access control, RADIUS authentication, VLAN-based ACLs, and DoS prevention. PTPv2 boundary and transparent clock support enables accurate time synchronisation across the automation network, including from classified area nodes. With an MTBF of approximately 4.47 million hours and a 60-month guarantee, the BRS20-8TX-HL delivers long-term reliability for process industry hazardous area installations where unplanned maintenance carries significant operational and safety implications. Available from Recab, your Nordic partner for Hirschmann industrial switch solutions.
