Moxa IMC-101-M-SC Media Converter, Multi-Mode SC

How the IMC-101-M-SC extends a link

A two-port industrial media converter that turns a copper 10/100 link into a multi-mode 100BaseFX fiber link with an SC connector. Moxa’s own one-line description of the IMC-101-M-SC reads: Industrial 10/100BaseT(X) to 100BaseFX media converter, multi-mode, SC fiber connector, 0 to 60°C operating temperature.

From the manufacturer’s specification table, the power input is 12 to 45 VDC; operating temperature is 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F); dimensions are 53.6 x 135 x 105 mm (2.11 x 5.31 x 4.13 in); weight is 630 g (1.39 lb); the enclosure is rated IP30.

Standards and approvals printed for this model include hazardous-location listings of ATEX Zone 2; UL/cUL Class I Division 2 Groups A/B/C/D; marine approvals (DNV); safety standard UL 60950-1; UL 508. Approvals can differ between variants of a series, so check the one on the exact order code.

Technical specifications

Selecting the right variant

Use it to extend a link beyond the 100 m copper limit, to isolate a remote device from ground noise, or to cross a high-EMI area such as a switchyard.

On the practical side, mounting is listed as din-rail mounting; the housing is metal; the stated MTBF is 401,000 hrs; the warranty period is 5 years. Treat the MTBF as a manufacturer prediction under its stated method, not a guarantee for your site.

Before ordering, confirm the fiber type (multi-mode or single-mode), the SC or ST connector, and whether the -T wide-temperature version is needed. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and quotes against the exact code you give us.

Related models in the IMC-101-M-SC family

Other order codes listed alongside it (14 entries in total): IMC-101-M-SC, IMC-101-M-SC-IEX, IMC-101-M-SC-T, IMC-101-M-SC-T-IEX, IMC-101-M-ST, IMC-101-M-ST-IEX, IMC-101-M-ST-T, IMC-101-M-ST-T-IEX, IMC-101-S-SC, IMC-101-S-SC-80, IMC-101-S-SC-80-T, IMC-101-S-SC-IEX, IMC-101-S-SC-T, IMC-101-S-SC-T-IEX. Suffixes such as -T generally mark wide-temperature versions and fiber suffixes (M, S, MM, SS with SC or ST) mark the connector and fiber type, but the order code printed on the datasheet governs.

Planning the fiber link

A media converter is only as reliable as the link it sits in, so the planning work happens before the hardware arrives. Start by confirming that both ends of the run use multi-mode fiber and that the patch panels, pigtails and patch cords are terminated with SC connectors, because the IMC-101-M-SC is the multi-mode SC version of the family. Mixing fiber types or connector styles along a route is a common cause of links that never come up. Next, check the route length against the typical distance for multi-mode fiber in the datasheet table, and allow a margin for splices, connectors and future repairs. On the copper side, the RJ45 port connects to the switch, PLC, camera or remote device, and the cable run should stay within normal Ethernet practice.

Installation and commissioning practice

Mount the converter on DIN rail inside a cabinet that suits the area classification; the IP30 metal housing is intended for enclosure mounting rather than open exposure. Feed it from a DC supply within the 12 to 45 VDC input range through the terminal block, and keep the supply wiring separate from high-energy power cables. Before connecting the fiber, inspect and clean the SC end faces, since dust on a connector end face is one of the most frequent reasons for high link loss. Fit the pair the right way round so that the transmit of one end meets the receive of the other. Once powered, confirm the link from the connected switch or device at both ends, pass test traffic and record the result for the commissioning file.

Integration into plant networks

In typical plants the converter sits at the boundary between a control room switch and a remote point: a pump station, a tank farm junction box, a substation bay or a packaging line on the far side of the building. Because the fiber segment is immune to electrical noise and does not carry ground potential, it helps where copper would run alongside drives or switchgear. Label both ends with the link name and keep a simple record of which converter pair serves which remote device, so maintenance staff can trace a fault without opening several cabinets.

GCC site conditions

Field cabinets in Oman and the Gulf can heat up well beyond the outdoor air temperature when exposed to direct sun. The standard IMC-101-M-SC is rated 0 to 60°C, so shade the cabinet, ventilate or cool it where needed, or consider the -T wide-temperature code from the family list for hotter locations. Dust ingress is the other recurring issue; keep unused fiber connections protected from dust and the cabinet door gaskets in good condition, and keep humidity non-condensing in coastal sites.

What to include in an RFQ

For a quick and accurate quotation, give the exact order code, the quantity, and whether converters are needed in pairs for point-to-point links. Mention the hazardous-area or marine requirement if the project specifies one, so the approvals on the selected code can be checked against the datasheet.

Documents and quotation

The Moxa datasheet for this family (moxa-imc-101-series-datasheet-v2.0) is attached to this page. Request a quotation with the exact order code, quantity and delivery location, and we will respond with availability.

More products in this range: Industrial Communications.