MTL 9468-ET Ethernet Isolator – Galvanic Isolation for Industrial Ethernet Networks | MTL 9000 Series
Engineering Background
Industrial Ethernet networks deployed in process plants, offshore platforms, and chemical facilities face a persistent challenge: ground loops, transient surges, and common-mode noise that corrupt data integrity and damage sensitive field devices. The MTL 9468-ET was engineered specifically to break these electrical pathways while maintaining full-speed Ethernet communication — a critical requirement for PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP architectures operating in Zone 1/Zone 2 or Division 1/Division 2 classified areas.
Product Positioning
As part of MTL Instruments’ proven 9000 Series platform, the 9468-ET is the reference-grade solution for procurement engineers specifying galvanic isolation in IEC 61158 and IEC 61784 compliant control system architectures. It supports 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX at full wire speed with transparent, store-and-forward switching — no configuration, no IP address, no latency penalty for the control loop.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | MTL 9468-ET |
| Function | Ethernet galvanic isolator (store-and-forward bridge) |
| Ethernet Standards | IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX |
| Data Rate | 10 Mbps / 100 Mbps (auto-negotiation) |
| Isolation Voltage | 1500 V rms (port-to-port galvanic isolation) |
| Connector Type | RJ45 (×2) |
| Supply Voltage | 24 V DC (nominal), 9–32 V DC operating range |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 3 W typical |
| Operating Temperature | −20 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95% RH non-condensing |
| Enclosure / Housing | DIN rail mount, 35 mm TS35 |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | Approx. 22.5 × 99 × 114.5 mm |
| Weight | 380 g |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Hazardous Area Certification | ATEX / IECEx Zone 2, Class I Div 2 |
| EMC Compliance | EN 61000-4 series, CE marked |
| MTBF | > 500,000 hours (Bellcore TR-332) |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Proven Application Environments
- Oil & Gas Upstream/Downstream: Wellhead RTU networks, FPSO control rooms, pipeline SCADA — where ground potential differences between field junction boxes and control room DCS can exceed 100 V.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Plants: Reactor monitoring networks requiring IEC 60079 Zone 1/Zone 2 compliance with uninterrupted PROFINET IO communication.
- Power Generation & Utilities: Substation automation (IEC 61850) where HV/LV ground separation is mandatory for personnel safety and relay protection integrity.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments demanding noise-free EtherNet/IP data for batch record systems.
- Marine & Offshore: DNV-GL classified vessels where hull ground loops corrupt Modbus TCP sensor data.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Remote pump station networks with long cable runs susceptible to lightning-induced transients.
Engineering Advantages
- True Galvanic Isolation: 1500 V rms port-to-port — eliminates ground loops without optical media converters or fiber infrastructure cost.
- Protocol Transparent: Operates as a Layer 2 bridge; fully transparent to PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and standard IT Ethernet — zero configuration required.
- Auto-Negotiation & Auto-MDI/MDIX: Plug-and-play integration into existing 10/100 Mbps switch infrastructure with any cable type.
- Wide Supply Range (9–32 V DC): Compatible with standard 24 V DC plant power rails and UPS-backed instrument power supplies.
- DIN Rail Form Factor: Installs directly in existing marshalling cabinets alongside MTL barriers and isolators — no additional panel space required.
- Hazardous Area Rated: ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 certification allows installation in the field without additional enclosure requirements.
- High MTBF: >500,000 hours calculated reliability supports SIL-rated loop integrity assessments.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 9468-ET inserts inline between any two Ethernet segments. Frames arriving on Port A are received, buffered, and re-transmitted on Port B across a galvanically isolated barrier — and vice versa. The store-and-forward architecture ensures:
- No frame corruption from common-mode transients during transmission
- Full duplex operation maintained at 10/100 Mbps on both ports simultaneously
- Link status LEDs on each port provide instant visual diagnostics without a laptop or configuration tool
- Seamless integration with managed and unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches (Hirschmann, Moxa, Phoenix Contact, Cisco IE series)
Typical topology: PLC/DCS Ethernet switch → MTL 9468-ET → Field device (remote I/O, valve positioner, flow computer) in Zone 2 area.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
All MTL 9468-ET units supplied by Konmask.com are:
- Sourced through authorized MTL Instruments / Eaton distribution channels
- Accompanied by original manufacturer documentation and calibration records where applicable
- Inspected for label authenticity, firmware version, and physical integrity prior to dispatch
- Traceable to batch/lot records for full supply chain audit compliance
- Covered by Konmask’s 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ: Email support@konmask.com with quantity, required delivery date, and project reference.
- Quotation: Formal quotation with lead time and Incoterms issued within 1 business day.
- Order Confirmation: Purchase order accepted via email or Shopify checkout.
- Export Documentation: Commercial invoice, packing list, COO certificate, and ATEX/IECEx certificates provided for customs clearance.
- Shipping: DHL Express / FedEx International Priority with full tracking. EXW Xiamen or CIF destination available.
Technical FAQ
Q: Does the 9468-ET support Gigabit Ethernet?
A: No. The 9468-ET supports 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX only. For Gigabit isolation requirements, consult Konmask for alternative MTL or third-party solutions.
Q: Can it be installed in Zone 1 hazardous areas?
A: The 9468-ET is certified for Zone 2 / Class I Div 2. Zone 1 installation requires an appropriate Ex d or Ex e enclosure — contact our engineering team for enclosure recommendations.
Q: Is any configuration required?
A: No. The device is fully plug-and-play. Connect power (24 V DC), connect the two Ethernet ports, and the isolator operates transparently.
Q: What is the latency introduced by the store-and-forward bridge?
A: Latency is frame-size dependent, typically < 10 µs for 64-byte frames at 100 Mbps — negligible for all standard industrial Ethernet protocols.
Q: Can multiple 9468-ET units be cascaded?
A: Yes, cascading is supported. Each unit adds its isolation barrier independently. Verify cumulative latency against your PROFINET or EtherNet/IP cycle time budget.
Q: What certifications are included with the unit?
A: ATEX, IECEx, CE. Full certificate copies available on request prior to order.
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