



The GE IS420ESWBH3AE is a robust industrial Ethernet IONet switch module engineered by General Electric (GE) for high‑performance networking in critical automation environments. Specifically designed for Mark VIe and Mark VIeS turbine control systems, this unmanaged switch delivers dependable 16‑port 10/100 Base‑TX connectivity to facilitate real‑time Ethernet communication among controllers, I/O modules, HMIs, and safety devices. Its rugged construction and wide operating range make it ideal for power generation, oil & gas, and heavy process applications where reliable data exchange and deterministic performance are essential.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | GE (General Electric) |
| Model | IS420ESWBH3AE |
| Module Type | 16‑Port Ethernet IONet Switch |
| Network Standard | IEEE 802.3 / 802.3u / 802.3x |
| Ethernet Ports | 16 × 10/100 Base‑TX copper RJ45 |
| Fiber Ports | None (copper only) |
| Auto‑Negotiation | Full/Half duplex; HP‑MDIX auto sensing |
| Buffer Memory | ≥ 256 KB; supports ~4 K MAC addresses |
| Redundant Power Inputs | Yes (dual inputs) |
| Operating Voltage | ~24–32 V DC nominal |
| Operating Temp. Range | ‑40 °C to +70 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 %–95 % (non‑condensing) |
| Cooling | Convection, fanless |
| Mounting | DIN‑rail or panel mount |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 138 mm × 86 mm × 56 mm |
| Weight (approx.) | ~0.45–0.77 kg (~1.0 lb) |
| Certifications | Industrial, hazardous location ratings available |
These specifications reflect documented industrial switch characteristics tailored for GE’s Mark VIe/VIeS platforms.
Recommended Related Models
To build a complete and resilient automation network, consider pairing the IS420ESWBH3AE with these GE modules:
-
GE IS420ESWBH1A – 16‑port IONet switch with single fiber uplink support
-
GE IS420ESWBH2A – Dual fiber uplink variant for extended network reach
-
GE IS420ESWAH1A – Compact 8‑port unmanaged Ethernet switch
-
GE IS420UCSBH1A – Mark VIe controller module for processing tasks
These modules integrate seamlessly within GE control architectures to enhance communication flexibility and redundancy.
Popular Allen Bradley Models (For Reference)
For professionals familiar with Allen‑Bradley ecosystems, comparable networking and communication components include:
-
Allen‑Bradley 1783‑ETAPND8 – 8‑port unmanaged EtherNet/IP adapter
-
Allen‑Bradley 1783‑AW6T – Managed industrial Ethernet switch
-
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑EN2T – EtherNet/IP communication interface
-
Allen‑Bradley 1756‑RLY – Remote I/O communication module
These devices serve similar roles in industrial networking and communications in Rockwell Automation environments.