ABB LXN1604-6 3BHL000986P7000

Product Overview

The ABB LXN1604-6 (3BHL000986P7000) is a high-reliability industrial Ethernet communication switch purpose-built for the ABB Ability™ System 800xA. Serving as a critical data hub in smart factories and Industry 4.0 ecosystems, it facilitates high-speed, deterministic data exchange between process control layers, field devices, and enterprise information systems.

Distinct from commercial-grade switches, this model is engineered for harsh industrial environments. It features a rugged metal housing, a fanless heat dissipation design, and supports a wide operating temperature range from -25°C to +70°C. With DNV marine certification, it effectively resists vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference. As a standard network component of the ABB 800xA Distributed Control System (DCS), it ensures real-time communication between controllers, remote I/O stations, intelligent instruments, and actuators. It is the physical layer device that enables seamless data connectivity from sensors to the cloud. Whether deployed during new production line system commissioning or as part of preventive maintenance (PM) in existing plants, this switch provides a solid foundation for ensuring high network availability and data integrity.

Product Specifications

Structure and Composition

The ABB LXN1604-6 integrates compact mechanical design, robust hardware circuitry, and optimized network firmware. Its physical architecture comprises three functional areas.

Network Interface and Power Supply Area is located on the front panel and bottom of the module. Four RJ45 ports support auto-negotiation of 10/100 Mbps speeds and MDI/MDIX auto-crossover, simplifying field cabling. One SFP slot provides the flexibility for long-distance fiber-optic communication, ideal for environments with strong electromagnetic interference or extended transmission distances. The spring-type terminal block at the bottom supports dual redundant power inputs and a fault alarm relay output, which can send a hardware alarm signal to the control system in the event of switch or network anomalies.

Data Processing and Switching Core integrates a high-performance Ethernet switching chip and a microcontroller. The chip handles wire-speed data frame forwarding, while the built-in QoS (Quality of Service) priority queues ensure that critical process data (such as PROFINET RT real-time data) is transmitted with priority. The microcontroller runs a lightweight network management protocol stack, supporting remote monitoring and configuration via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and a web-based interface.

Enclosure and Thermal Design employs a fully enclosed metal housing, providing IP21 protection against dust ingress. The housing itself acts as a heat sink, evenly dissipating heat from internal components, enabling fanless, silent, and maintenance-free operation. The robust DIN-rail clip at the bottom ensures secure locking even in high-vibration environments.

Key Features and Advantages

Deeply Optimized for ABB Ability™ 800xA, Enabling Plug-and-Play

The switch is factory-preconfigured with recommended network parameters for the ABB 800xA system, enabling seamless interoperability with other network components (e.g., CI854/CI873 communication interfaces). This significantly reduces system integration and on-site commissioning time, while minimizing the risk of network faults caused by misconfiguration.

Superior Environmental Adaptability and High Reliability

Engineered for demanding industrial environments, the switch supports a wide operating temperature range of -25°C to +70°C and holds DNV (Det Norske Veritas) certification. This enables stable operation in outdoor cabinets within process industries, offshore engineering, and scenarios with extreme temperature fluctuations. The fanless design eliminates a single point of mechanical failure, significantly improving Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).

Comprehensive Industrial Ethernet Protocol Support

The switch supports essential functions including port-based VLAN, priority tagging (IEEE 802.1p), and broadcast storm suppression. It transparently transmits mainstream industrial Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP. This ensures the real-time and deterministic communication required between controllers and field devices, providing an ideal network infrastructure for building high-response automation control systems.

Application Fields

The ABB LXN1604-6 is primarily integrated into control systems in process automation, discrete manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. It is typically deployed as an access-layer switch on the ABB 800xA system’s control network (e.g., Plant Network) or factory network.

Typical applications include:

• Process Industries: Connecting field controllers, operator stations, and engineering stations in oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries to build redundant, high-availability process control networks.
• Power & Energy: Used in substation automation systems, supporting IEC 61850 standard GOOSE and MMS message transmission for reliable exchange of protection, control, and monitoring data.
• Water Treatment & Infrastructure: In large-scale water plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and rail transit projects, connecting widely distributed remote I/O stations and intelligent devices to build plant-wide monitoring networks.
• Advanced Manufacturing: In discrete manufacturing production lines such as automotive and electronics, serving as a network node connecting PLCs, robot controllers, and vision systems to support high-speed, precision synchronous production.

Additionally, this switch is an essential spare part for maintenance engineers when troubleshooting network packet loss and diagnosing communication faults.

Related Products

• ABB CI854A/CI873A: PROFIBUS-DP and PROFINET communication interface modules for the ABB 800xA system, used in conjunction with the LXN1604-6 to integrate fieldbus devices with the Ethernet control network.
• ABB TB852/TB853: Termination resistors and bus connectors for properly terminating PROFIBUS-DP bus topologies and ensuring signal integrity.
• ABB S800 I/O Series: Distributed I/O stations connected to the LXN1604-6 via communication interfaces for field signal acquisition and output.
• ABB 3BSE030220R1: Dedicated fiber-optic converters for the 800xA system, which can be paired with the switch’s SFP port for long-distance fiber-optic networking.
• ABB 1SAP170200R0001: Industrial-grade Ethernet cables (shielded twisted pair) for connecting switches to field devices, ensuring communication quality.
• ABB 1SAP172000R0001: Redundant power supply modules for the switch, providing stable and reliable DC power to the LXN1604-6.

Installation and Maintenance

Pre-installation Preparation

Before installing the ABB LXN1604-6, ensure the control cabinet provides sufficient space (at least 150mm depth) and adequate ventilation. Verify that the DIN-rail is securely mounted. Operators should wear an anti-static wrist strap and perform all electrical connections with the power disconnected. Prepare compliant shielded Ethernet cables and 24 VDC power cables.

During installation, engage the upper rear clip of the switch onto the top edge of the DIN-rail, then press the bottom clip downward until a “click” is heard, confirming the module is securely locked. When connecting power, ensure correct polarity (+/- identification) using 0.5–1.5mm² stranded wires. When connecting Ethernet cables, avoid sharp bends and use cable ties to relieve connector strain.

Maintenance Recommendations

Incorporate the LXN1604-6 into the plant’s routine preventive maintenance (PM) schedule. During daily inspections, use the switch’s LED indicators (PWR, LINK/ACT, FAULT) for quick assessment of power and port link status. It is recommended to periodically (e.g., quarterly) check port traffic statistics and error frame counts via the web management interface. An abnormal increase in error frames may indicate cable degradation or loose connectors.

If you would like to learn more about our products and services, please feel free to contact us at any time!

• Sales Manager : Jinny
• Email : sales5@xrjdcs.com
• Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 18250705533

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