Cervoz M.2 MEC-LAN-2001-SFP and MEC-LAN-2002-SFP are M.2 SFP Ethernet expansion modules delivering gigabit Ethernet speed over long distances for robotics using an Intel i210-IS controller compliant with IEEE 802.3x and 802.3z standards.
Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP/SFP+) cages are usually associated with high-speed Ethernet connections of over 10 Gbps, but another advantage of SFP cages over RJ45 jacks is that they allow for data transmission over several kilometers, while RJ45 Ethernet is typically limited to about 100 meters. The Cervoz M.2 SFP Ethernet expansion modules would allow laying out long cables in logistics centers, smart factories, transportation hubs, and energy management facilities where Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) operate across long distances.
Cervoz M.2 MEC-LAN-2001-SFP and MEC-LAN-2002-SFP specifications:
- Ethernet
- 1x or 2x Gigabit Ethernet connectors via Intel i210-IS controller(s)
- Support Wake-on-LAN and Hot-Swap function
- 1x or 2x SFP cages via MEC daughter board
- Host interface – M.2 B+M Key edge connector with PCIe 2.0 x1 interface (5GT/s)
- Power Consumption – 500mA @ 3.3V
- Dimensions
- M.2 module – 80 x 22 mm (M.2 2280 form factor) (B+M key)
- MEC daughter board – 60 x 47mm
- Temperature Range – Operating: -40°C to +85°C; storage: -40°C to +125°C
The M.2 SFP Ethernet modules are designed to be installed in mini PCs, industrial computers, single-board computers, digital multimedia devices, and other equipment with a spare M.2 Key-M or Key-B socket with PCIe signals. A MEC daughter board with one or two SFP cages is then wired to the Ethernet connector on the M.2 module and follows the MECFIX mounting mechanism that enables four mounting options:
- Standard PCI/PCIe Bracket
- Low Profile PCI/PCIe Bracket
- Internal Mounting inside of PC system from any position and angle.
- Customized front/rear plate of PC based on the dimensions of the MEC daughterboard.
The complete package include the M.2 card, the MEC daughter board, a bracket, two M2.5 screws, one or two 20-pin 30 internal acables, one or two power cables, and a quick installation guide.
The company provides drivers for Windows 7/8/10/11, but there’s no word about Linux support. It’s the same situation as the Certoz M.2 to 2.5GbE (RJ45) module introduced last year. I was confused at the beginning as to why you’d want kilometer-long Ethernet cables on robots since cable management would be an issue. So I suppose it’s more for the infrastructure around robots like gateways and controllers that may be spread around a logistic hub or a large factory, in which case, long-range Ethernet cables may make sense to interconnect all equipment within the LAN(s) on the site.
When searching for M.2 SFP gigabit Ethernet modules, I noticed the LR-Link LRES2212PF-SFP is very similar to the Cervoz models with Intel i210 and one or two SFP cages, and it’s sold on AliExpress for $69.99. There are more M.2 SFP 10GbE modules, such as the SFF-8087 ($39.99 on Amazon), but those look larger and will require some cooling for the 10 Gbps Ethernet PCIe controller. Alternatively, there’s also a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet model from Lantronix: the NM2-FXS-2230-SFP-201.
Cervoz did not provide pricing information for its new M.2 PCIe to SFP Ethernet modules, but the company mentions a 3-year warranty. More details may be found on the products page and in the press release.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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