Gateway/Controller Trendnet TI-M42 10/100 Mbit/s Black IP30

The TRENDnet TI-M42 Gateway/Controller is an industrial Modbus gateway with dual 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet ports and four serial DB-9 ports that support RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 interfaces. Housed in a compact IP30-rated metal enclosure (103.5 x 81.5 x 32 mm), the TI-M42 provides a means to connect up to four Modbus serial devices to an Ethernet network using Cat5e cabling for distances up to 100 m per Ethernet segment. The unit is designed for continuous operation with low power consumption (maximum 3.84 W) and a 48 V input supply, making it suitable for space-constrained industrial installations.

Advantages

The TI-M42 integrates four serial ports and two fast Ethernet ports in a small footprint, enabling straightforward conversion of serial Modbus devices to networked devices without extensive rewiring. Its IP30-rated housing and design considerations for vibration, shock, ESD/EMI and surge protection reduce the risk of failure in industrial environments. Wide operating temperature support extends deployment options across indoor and harsh-environment applications while maintaining low power draw.

Suitable for (tasks / use cases)

• Connecting multiple Modbus RTU/ASCII serial devices to an Ethernet-based SCADA or monitoring system
• Industrial control networks where compact gateways are required to aggregate serial devices
• Remote device integration over Cat5e wiring at distances up to 100 m per Ethernet link
• Installations needing RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 serial connectivity to IP networks

Key specifications

• Ethernet: 2 × 10/100 Mbit/s ports, Cat5e cabling, up to 100 m per segment
• Serial ports: 4 × DB-9 supporting RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485
• Power: 48 V input, maximum power consumption 3.84 W
• Enclosure: IP30-rated industrial housing, compact dimensions 103.5 × 81.5 × 32 mm
• Operating temperature range: -40° to 75° C
• Design features: resistance to vibration and shock, protection against ESD/EMI and surge

How to use

Install the TI-M42 in a suitable enclosure or on a DIN rail-compatible surface according to site safety guidelines, ensuring ventilation and protection from direct moisture. Connect the Ethernet ports to the network using Cat5e cabling, keeping each run within the 100 m limit. Attach serial devices to the DB-9 ports and configure each port for the required serial standard (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485) and Modbus parameters via the device configuration interface. Apply a 48 V power supply with the correct polarity and verify the unit powers on and establishes network connectivity before commissioning.

Recommendations

Place the TI-M42 where vibration and shock are minimized when possible, and follow recommended grounding and surge protection practices to complement the unit’s built-in safeguards. Keep Ethernet cable runs within the specified length and use shielded or properly routed cabling in high-EMI environments. Regularly verify firmware and configuration backups to maintain reliable Modbus communications.