Ethernet Network Interface Module Type 8+ with Integrated 6-Port Switch (NIM-8+)

Features and Benefits

  • 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Communications
  • Integrated 6-Port Switch (1 Port Used Internal)
  • Supports Copper or Fiber (LC or ST) Connections
  • Broad Industrial Protocol and Internet Application Support
  • Network Configuration Tools Integrated in Design Pad
  • Power-Loss Automatic Failover for Copper Ethernet Rings
  • -40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +149°F) Operating Range
  • MIL-STD-901D, MIL-STD-167B
  • Supports Hot Swapping
  • Significantly faster microprocessors and increased memory
  • Cyber security enhancements including secure boot with firmware and configuration validation, intrusion detection, role-based authentication control (RBAC), hardware validation, encrypted files/communication, trust groups, and historical logging with evidence of critical events
  • USB ports that may be used for configuration and/or computer-less programming

The Chameleon Ethernet Network Interface Module Type 8+ (NIM-8+) with integrated 6-Port Switch offers 10/100 Mbps copper and fiber optic communications. It is powered by a modern cyber-secure processor with computational power to handle the most demanding applications. This processing power makes the NIM-8+ a capable remote I/O controller, server, and general purpose communications platform. Multiple NIMs (additional NIM-8+’s and/or other networking module types) can be combined to form a network gateway, message router, or bridge.

The NIM-8+ provides a variety of Internet applications, protocols, and services including support for common industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP Server, EtherNet/IP Client, Modbus TCP/IP Server, Modbus TCP/IP Client, TCP Messaging, UDP (Unicast/Multicast) Messaging, and SNMP.

The Fairmount Automation Network Data Access (FANDA) SDK provides MS Windows C++ software developers a mechanism to interface with the NIM-2+ through an encrypted connection. This connection allows remote devices to securely login, retrieve an XML network definition file that describes what data can be read/written to (both through the shell and multicasts), and allows that data to be read/written in the Chameleon. The interface also provides remote maintenance capabilities. The FANDA SDK is available in the form of a DLL and associated .h file.

Ordering options permit up-to four LC fiber optic ports or up-to two ST fiber optic ports (remaining ports are copper). Each copper port is equipped with 1500 volts isolation and auto-sensing 10/100 Mbps connections. Auto-MDI is also included to provide automatic compensation for crossover wiring errors during installation (i.e. connections are independent of crossover or non-crossover cabling). In addition, two copper ports can be ordered with automatic loop failover relays. This feature automatically connects two ports together (for example the input and output ports on a ring or bus) when power is lost or an on-board failure occurs thereby preventing a network break.

Using Fairmount Automation’s intuitive and easy-to-use graphical programming package (Design Pad G5) you can develop sophisticated remote I/O control and communications schemes for the NIM-8+ in a matter of hours—even without any prior programming experience. Programming the device entails “drawing” a desired control scheme using a vast array of configurable function blocks. These function blocks are wired together to indicate the signal flows from device inputs to device outputs. Design Pad also features network configuration tools for all the supported protocols and applications. Once complete, configuration programs are downloaded to the unit via a wireless IR interface.

Each NIM-8+ unit provides 6 three-color LEDs for each port to provide status, activity, and speed indication. The module also has a three-color status LED.

As with all Chameleon modules, the NIM-8+ offers unequaled ruggedness. It is specifically designed for sustained operation in severe environments, including those characterized by extreme shock, vibration, electro-magnetic interference, temperature, and humidity. Its fully-sealed enclosure (sealing end-caps not pictured) ensures long-lasting operation in the grimiest settings. In fact, Chameleon modules can operate fully submerged.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Ambient Temperature Range -40°C to 65°C
Storage/Transport Ambient Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C
High Impact Shock MIL-STD-901D, Grade A
Mechanical Vibration MIL-STD-167B, 0-50Hz
Facial/Housing Protection NEMA 1,2,4,4X,5,6,12,12K,13
NETWORK
Network Connections Five External and One Internal Switched Ports
Copper Connections Up to Five 10/100Mbps, Twisted Pair Wires, Connected to Screw Terminals, with AutoMDI and 1500 VDC Isolation
LC Fiber Connections Up to Four 10/100Mbps, 1310nm, Multimode or Single Mode
ST Fiber Connections Up to Two 10/100Mbps, 1310nm, Multimode or Single Mode
Services UDP Unicast, UDP Multicast, TCP/IP, SNMP
Protocols EtherNet/IP Client and/or Server, Modbus TCP/IP Client or Server, SNMP, Custom TCP/IP or UDP Messaging
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum Power Consumption 4.67W + 0.24W x Qty Copper Ports + 1.37W x Qty Fiber-Optic Ports + 0.8W x Qty Fail-over Relays
Real-Time Clock Battery Life(Minimum; No power applied, 25°C) 10 Years
Supported Cable Diameters Two glands 0.24”-0.47”; six glands 0.16”-0.31”
Supported Wire Gauges 16-28 AWG
OPERATOR INTERFACE
Network Port Status Two-color (Green/Yellow) Activity, Speed, and Status LED per Port
Status Readout One three-color (red/yellow/green) LED Indicator
IR Wireless Interface 115kbps SIR
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Weight 2 lbs
Dimensions 4” W x 6” L
Enclosure Height 3″ H

The following base module part number includes the enclosure with EMI wiring glands, active board, daughterboard, and wiring hub:

Fairmount Part Number Description
NIM-8+[LCX, STY][TF] Specify Build Options as Follows:
LCX with X = 1,2,3,4 indicates number of LC ports (balance of ports are copper)
STY with Y = 1,2 indicates number of ST ports (balance of ports are copper)
May not have LC and ST Ports on same module
TF indicates automatic port-failover on power loss (not available on modules with ST ports)
Examples:
NIM-8+ (Base Model – 1 Internal Port, All Copper External Ports; No Failover)
NIM-8LC2TF (1 Internal Port, 3 Copper Ports, 2 LC Fiber Ports, Port Failover)

Spare/Replacement Parts:

Fairmount Part Number Description
01012-406 NIM-8+ with Gray Enclosure
01012-430 NIM-8TF+ with Gray Enclosure
01012-447 NIM-8ST1+ with Gray Enclosure
01012-45 NIM-8ST2+ with Gray Enclosure
01012-471 NIM-8STS1+ with Gray Enclosure
01012-706 NIM-8+ with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
01012-730 NIM-8TF+ with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
01012-747 NIM-8ST1+ (1 Multimode ST Fiber) with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
01012-750 NIM-8ST2+ (2 Multimode ST Fiber) with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
01012-771 NIM-8STS1+ (1 Single Mode ST Fiber) with Black Enclosure (without Stuffing Tubes)
01014-406 NIM-8+ Full-Size Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies
01014-430 NIM-8TF+ Full-Sized Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies
01014-447 NIM-8ST1+(1 Multimode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies
01014-450 NIM-8ST2+ (2 Multimode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies
01014-471 NIM-8STS1+ (1 Single Mode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Gray Enclosure with Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies
01014-706 NIM-8+ Full-Size Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies (without Stuffing Tubes)
01014-730 NIM-8TF+ Full-Sized Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies (without Stuffing Tubes)
01014-747 NIM-8ST1+ (1 Multimode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies (without Stuffing Tubes)
01014-750 NIM-8ST2+ (2 Multimode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies (without Stuffing Tubes)
01014-771 NIM-8STS1+ (1 Single Mode ST Fiber) Full-Sized Black Enclosure and Wiring Hub & Daughter Board Assemblies (without Stuffing Tubes)
11125-200 NIM-8+ Active Board and Gray Cover
11125-250 NIM-8+ Active Board and Black Cover
11125-260 NIM-8+ Active Board and Metal Cover