The Advantech EKI-1526 is an industrial-grade 16-port RS-232/422/485 serial device server featuring a 1U rack-mount design and dual Ethernet redundancy. Es verbindet herkömmliche serielle Geräte nahtlos mit dem Ethernet-Netzwerk für die Fernverwaltung und Datenerfassung. Zu den Hauptvorteilen zählen die per Software konfigurierbaren seriellen Porttypen, großer Betriebstemperaturbereich, hoher ESD-Schutz, und umfangreiche Unterstützung für Kommunikationsprotokolle. Es wird häufig in der industriellen Automatisierung eingesetzt, intelligenter Transport, energy management and other fields.
- Modellsegmentdefinition (Standard Nomenclature)
| Segment | Standard Code | Bedeutung | Detaillierte Beschreibung |
| EKI | EKI | Advantech Industrial Ethernet Communication Product Line | Embedded Ethernet Interface, focusing on industrial network communication equipment |
| 1526 | 1526 | Product Series Number | 16-port serial device server (1528 is the 8-port version) |
| Suffix Code | N / ICH / TI / VDC, usw. | Funktionserweiterung / Leistungstyp | • N: Gigabit Ethernet |
| • I: Wide-temperature version (-40°C~70°C) | |||
| • TI: Wide-temperature + Gleichstromversorgung | |||
| • VDC: Gleichstromversorgung (12-48VDC) | |||
| • CE: Compliant with EU CE certification | |||
| Version | V2 | Hardware Revision | 2nd-generation hardware with upgraded performance, supporting baud rate up to 976.5 kbit/s |
- Kernspezifikationsparameter (Official Data)
| Kategorie | Parameter | Standardmodell (EKI-1526) | Wide-Temp Model (EKI-1526I) | Bemerkungen |
| Grundlegende Eigenschaften | Produkttyp | 16-Port Serial Device Server | Same as left | 1U rackmount, SECC metal casing, Schutzart IP30 |
| Abmessungen (B×H×T) | 438×43.6×259.2 mm | Same as left | Standard 19-inch rack mounting | |
| Gewicht | 3.1 kg | Same as left | Excluding packaging | |
| Betriebstemperatur | -10°C ~ 60°C | -40°C ~ 70 °C | Lagertemperatur: -40°C ~ 80°C | |
| Luftfeuchtigkeit | 5%~95 % relative Luftfeuchtigkeit, nicht kondensierend | Same as left | Adaptable to humid industrial environments | |
| MTBF | >60,000 Std. | Same as left | High-reliability design | |
| Network Interface | Port Quantity | 2 × RJ45 | Same as left | LAN redundancy supported, auto MDI/MDIX |
| Geschwindigkeit | 10/100 Mbit/s (EKI-1526) | Same as left | Dual independent MAC addresses, network redundancy | |
| 10/100/1000 Mbit/s (EKI-1526N) | ||||
| Isolation Protection | Eingebaut 1.5 kV magnetic isolation | Same as left | Anti-electromagnetic interference, improved stability | |
| Serielle Kommunikation | Port Quantity | 16 Häfen | Same as left | Software configurable serial mode |
| Schnittstellentyp | DB9 (RJ45 optional) | Same as left | Supports RS-232/422/485 switching | |
| Baudrate | 50~921.6 kbps (Standard) | Same as left | Custom baud rate supported | |
| 50~976.5 kbps (V2 Version) | ||||
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 | Same as left | Flexible compatibility with various serial devices | |
| Parity | Keiner / Odd / Even / Mark / Space | Same as left | Full compatibility with industrial protocols | |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 | Same as left | Meets communication requirements of different devices | |
| Schutz | 15KV ESD full-serial protection | Same as left | Industrial-grade anti-static design | |
| RS-485 Feature | Automatic data flow control, 2/4-wire support | Same as left | No manual TX/RX direction switching required | |
| Energiesystem | AC-Eingang | 100~240 VAC, 50~60 Hz | Same as left | Stromverbrauch: 5.6W, 0.3A@110V, 0.2A@220V |
| DC Input | 12~48 VDC | Same as left | Wide voltage input for industrial power supply | |
| Schutz | Over-voltage / Over-current / Verpolungsschutz | Same as left | Industrial-grade power protection design | |
| Software Functions | Operation Modes | Virtual COM, TCP Server/Client, UDP, Modbus Gateway | Same as left | Multi-protocol conversion capability |
| Konfigurationsmethoden | Web Browser, Telnet, Windows Utility, Serial Console | Same as left | Flexible for different management scenarios | |
| Network Protocols | IPv4/IPv6, DHCP, DNS, SNMP MIB-II | Same as left | Complete network management support | |
| Security Features | Password protection, IP filtering, SSL/TLS (V2 version) | Same as left | Ensure secure data transmission | |
| Zertifizierungen | Einhaltung | CE, FCC, UL, Class I Div 2 | Same as left | Compliant with global industrial safety standards |
- Zubehörliste (Officially Recommended)
| Zubehörname | Funktion | Recommended Qty | Bemerkungen |
| Rack Mount Kit | Standard 19-inch rack mounting brackets | 1 set per unit | Standard included |
| Power Cord | AC version: IEC C13 power cable | 1 pc per unit | Select according to power type |
| DC version: Phoenix terminal power cable | |||
| Serial Cable | DB9-RJ45 adapter cable / DB9 straight-through cable | 1 pc per port | For serial device connection |
| Ethernet Cable | Cat5e/Cat6 network cable (1-2M) | 2 pcs per unit | For dual Ethernet port connection |
| Configuration Software | Advantech Device Manager | 1 Satz | Available via CD or official website |
| User Manual | Paper / electronic operation guide | 1 copy | Includes quick configuration steps |
| Garantiekarte | 5-year warranty certificate | 1 copy | Standard warranty for Advantech industrial products |
- Wettbewerber & Cross-Brand Replacement List (Directly Compatible)
| Marke | Modell | Schlüsselparameter | Kompatibilität / Unterschied | Ersatzempfehlung |
| Advantech Same Series | EKI-1526N | 16-Hafen, Gigabit Ethernet, IP30 | Higher network speed, identical other specs | Choose for high-speed network transmission |
| Advantech Same Series | EKI-1526I | 16-Hafen, wide temperature (-40°C~70°C) | Extended operating temperature range | Im Freien / harsh environment applications |
| Advantech Same Series | EKI-1528 | 8-Hafen, same other parameters | Half port count, kleinere Größe | Scenarios with fewer serial devices |
| MOXA | NPort 5616-8-DT | 16-Hafen, RS-232/422/485, dual LAN | Similar protocol support, more mature configuration software | Users familiar with MOXA ecosystem |
| Siemens | SCALANCE XB-200 Series | Industrial switch + serial server module | High integration, seamless connection with Siemens PLC | Priority for Siemens automation systems |
| Phoenix Contact | FL SWITCH 2208 + PSI-MODEM | Switch + serial gateway combination | Modularer Aufbau, strong scalability | Scenarios requiring flexible port expansion |
| Inländische Alternative | ZLG GCOM80-2NET | 16-Hafen, wide temperature, full isolation | 30%-50% niedrigerer Preis, fully compatible functions | Kostensensible Projekte & localization demands |
- Auswahlrichtlinien & Alternative Lösungen
Selection Mnemonic
> 16 serial ports with dual LAN, software switch for multi-RS mode;
> I for wide temp, N for gigabit, AC/DC power as required.
Wichtige Überlegungen zur Auswahl (5 Abmessungen)
- Port Quantity Matching
16 serial devices: Choose standard EKI-1526
8 serial devices: Choose EKI-1528 (8-port version)
Mehr als 16 serial ports: Daisy-chain multiple units or select EKI-1548 (32-Hafen)
- Operating Environment Adaptation
Standard industrial environment (-10°C~60°C): EKI-1526 standard version
Extreme environment (-40°C~70°C): Choose EKI-1526I wide-temperature model
Im Freien / feuchte Umgebung: Add IP67 protective enclosure
- Network Requirement Evaluation
100Mbps network: EKI-1526 standard
Gigabit / high-speed data transmission: Choose EKI-1526N
Network redundancy & hohe Zuverlässigkeit: Dual LAN auto-switching as standard
- Power Supply Selection
Room / computer room: EKI-1526 (AC power)
Industrial field / no commercial AC: EKI-1526T-VDC (12-48VDC)
Unstable power grid: Add UPS power protection
- Function Expansion Requirements
Security encryption: Choose V2 version (supports SSL/TLS)
Modbus Gateway: Standard built-in, no extra license required
Remote management: Supports SNMP, integrable with industrial network management system
Recommended Alternative Solutions (3 Scenarios)
| Anwendungsszenario | Empfohlene Lösung | Vorteile |
| Kostenoptimierung | Domestic alternatives (ZLG GCOM80-2NET, Kyland KIEN Series) | 30%-50% Kostenreduzierung, function compatible, meets localization requirements |
| Protocol Upgrade | EKI-1526 + Advantech Protocol Converter | Add OPC UA, PROFINET and other industrial protocol conversion |
| Funktionsintegration | EKI-1526V2 + Advantech Edge Computing Module | All-in-one serial data collection + edge computing + cloud platform access |
- Air Freight Compliance & CE-Zertifizierung (International Trade)
- Air Freight Compliance
No built-in lithium battery / super capacitor: Classified as ordinary industrial electronic equipment, no special air freight restrictions
Transport Category: Klasse 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods (non-dangerous in actual transport)
HS Code: 85176239 (Industrial network communication equipment)
Packaging Standard: Compliant with ISTA 3A to avoid transport damage
- CE Certification Information
Compliant Directives: 2014/30/EU (EMV), 2011/65/EU (RoHS), 2014/35/EU (LVD)
Test Standards: IN 55011 (Industrial EMI), IN 61000-6-2 ( Industrial immunity)
Certification Number: Available on Advantech official website by entering the full model number
- Application Cases & Branchenanpassung
Typische Anwendungsfälle
- Intelligente Fabrik: Connect 16 PLCs/sensors; adopt dual Ethernet redundancy for production line data acquisition; support Modbus TCP/RTU protocol conversion and seamless MES system connection.
- Smart Grid: Network 16 serial substation devices (protection relays, Energiezähler); wide-temperature model adapts to outdoor conditions; dual LAN ensures reliable data transmission.
- Schienenverkehr: 16-channel sensor data collection for train carriages; DC power adapts to vehicle system; high ESD protection against complex electromagnetic environments.
- Petrochemische Industrie: Remote monitoring of 16 instrument data in refineries; Class I Div 2 certification meets hazardous area requirements; support remote configuration and fault diagnosis.
Industry Adaptation Guide
| Industrie | Adaptation Advantages | Empfohlene Konfiguration |
| Industrielle Automatisierung | Multi-serial centralized management, flexible protocol conversion | EKI-1526N + Virtual COM Software + Industrial Switch |
| Energie & Leistung | Wide-temperature design, hohe Zuverlässigkeit, dual LAN redundancy | EKI-1526I + Gleichstrom + Blitzschutzmodul |
| Schienenverkehr | Vehicle power compatible, vibrationsbeständig, enhanced EMC | EKI-1526TI-VDC + Shockproof Mounting Bracket |
| Petrochemie | Explosion-proof certification, Fernverwaltung, geringer Stromverbrauch | EKI-1526I + Safety Isolator + Redundante Stromversorgung |
The Advantech EKI-1526 is a highly reliable and flexible industrial-grade serial device server. With its 16-port high-density design, software-configurable serial modes, and dual LAN redundancy, it perfectly meets the network transformation demands of serial devices in industrial sites. Supporting multiple operation modes including Virtual COM, TCP/UDP and Modbus Gateway, it can be seamlessly integrated into mainstream industrial automation systems to realize remote management and data acquisition of traditional serial equipment. Its wide-temperature versions and multiple power options further extend its applicability in extreme environments and special scenarios.
Full EKI-1526 Series Model List
- 16-Port Main Models
| Vollständiges Modell | LAN Speed | Operating Temp | Stromversorgung | Kernfunktionen |
| EKI-1526 | 10/100Mbit/s | -10℃~60℃ | Wechselstrom 220 V | Standard 16-port RS232/422/485 |
| EKI-1526I | 10/100Mbit/s | -40℃~70℃ | Wechselstrom 220 V | Industrial wide-temperature version |
| EKI-1526N | 10/100/1000Mbit/s | -10℃~60℃ | Wechselstrom 220 V | Standard + Dual Gigabit LAN |
| EKI-1526NI | 10/100/1000Mbit/s | -40℃~70℃ | Wechselstrom 220 V | Wide-temperature + Dual Gigabit |
| EKI-1526-VDC | 10/100Mbit/s | -10℃~60℃ | 12~48VDC | DC power version |
| EKI-1526I-VDC | 10/100Mbit/s | -40℃~70℃ | 12~48VDC | Wide-temperature + Gleichstrom |
| EKI-1526N-VDC | 10/1000Mbit/s | -10℃~60℃ | 12~48VDC | Gigabit + Gleichstrom |
| EKI-1526V2 | 10/100Mbit/s | Standard Temp | Wechselstrom | V2 hardware, higher baud rate + SSL encryption |
- Verwandte Serienmodelle (8/32-Port Alternative)
| Modell | Serial Ports | Positionierung | Direct Replacement Scenario |
| EKI-1528 | 8 Häfen | Small-site application | ≤8 serial devices, space & Kosteneinsparung |
| EKI-1548 | 32 Häfen | High-density cabinet | Über 16 serial ports, one unit replaces two EKI-1526 |
Unified Model Suffix Definition
No Suffix: Standard temperature -10~60℃, 100Mbps LAN, AC220V power
ICH: Industrial wide-temperature -40℃~70℃
N: Network upgraded to Dual Gigabit Ethernet
VDC: Supports 12~48VDC wide-range DC input
TI: Wide-temperature + industrial vehicle-grade DC adaptation
V2: 2nd-gen hardware, max baud rate 976.5kbps, SSL/TLS encryption supported
Quick Hardware Wiring Steps
- Power on the device: AC for mains power / DC for 12-48V DC input
- Network port: LAN1/LAN2 connect to switch or PC, dual LAN redundancy supported
- Serial port: DB9 connects to RS232/485/422 devices; mode switch via web page
- Betriebsanzeige: PWR steady on = normal; LINK flashing = network communication active
Basic Web Configuration Steps
- Set PC IP to the same segment: 192.168.1.X
- Enter default IP in browser: 192.168.1.1
- Default username / password: `admin / admin`
- Grundeinstellungen:
Modify device IP, subnet mask, Tor
Global serial config: unified baud rate / Datenbits / Parität / stop bits
Serial mode: select Virtual COM / TCP Server / TCP Client / Modbus Gateway as required
3 Common Application Configuration Guides
- Virtual COM Mode (Am häufigsten)
Anwendung: Legacy serial software / SCADA software used as local COM port
- Set serial mode to Virtual COM in web page
- Install Advantech Device Manager on PC
- Search device → bind serial ports → auto assign COM3~COM20
- Use the corresponding COM number directly in SCADA or application software
- Modbus Gateway Mode (For PLC & Meters)
Anwendung: Convert Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP for serial instruments over Ethernet
- Set serial mode to Modbus Gateway in web page
- Configure serial parameters: 9600/8N1 to match instrument
- Set slave address and polling interval
- Host access via Modbus TCP using device IP + port number
- Dual LAN Redundancy Configuration (Dual Link Anti-Disconnection)
Anwendung: Critical production lines, Stromnetz, unattended computer rooms
- Enter Network → Redundancy in web interface
- Enable Dual LAN Redundancy
- Connect LAN1 and LAN2 to different switches respectively
- Automatic seamless switchover and no data loss if any network cable fails
Quick Troubleshooting
- Cannot access web page: Set PC IP to 192.168.1.xxx, disable firewall
- Serial communication failure: Switch RS232/485/422 mode in web page, verify baud rate and parity
- Virtual COM offline: Upgrade driver, set static device IP, avoid DHCP dynamic IP
- Dual LAN no switchover: Confirm redundancy is enabled; ensure two switches are not in the same loop
Advantech EKI-1526 Dual LAN Redundancy Full Configuration Guide
The EKI-1526 supports Master-Backup dual LAN redundancy with switchover time <1 zweite. After enabling via Web UI, it automatically detects link faults and performs seamless failover to ensure uninterrupted industrial communication.
- Dual LAN Redundancy Working Principle
The EKI-1526 is equipped with two independent Ethernet ports (LAN1/LAN2) and independent MAC addresses:
Master Port: Carries all network traffic under normal operation
Backup Port: Monitors master port status in real time and takes over only when master port fails
Switchover Mechanism: Automatically switches to backup port upon LAN link down (cable disconnection / switch failure), switchover time <1 second with no data loss
Restore Mechanism: After master port recovers, configurable for auto switch back or remain on backup port
- Hardware Connection Preparation
Recommended Topologies (Avoid Single Point of Failure)
| Connection Mode | Beschreibung | Anwendungsszenario |
| Dual Switch Redundancy | LAN1 to Switch A, LAN2 to Switch B; both switches connect to core network | Critical production lines, unattended rooms; prevent single switch failure |
| Single Switch Dual Port | LAN1/LAN2 connect to different ports of the same switch | Budget begrenzt; only protect against single port / cable failure |
| Dual Network Segmentation | LAN1 for production network, LAN2 for management network; service & management isolated | Security scenarios requiring network isolation |
Hardware Wiring Steps
- Power off the device, connect serial devices and power supply
- Connect LAN1/LAN2 to switches (dual switches recommended)
- Power on; check indicators: PWR steady on, both LAN LINK lights flashing normally
- Detailed Web Configuration Steps
- Basic Network Settings (Obligatorisch)
- Set PC static IP: 192.168.1.X (same segment as device default)
- Browser access default IP: 192.168.1.1, login: `admin/admin`
- Go to Ethernet Configuration → Ethernet 1: Set master port IP, subnet mask, Tor
- Go to Ethernet Configuration → Ethernet 2: Set backup port IP (same segment recommended, z.B. 192.168.1.2), subnet mask, Tor
- Click Save, device auto restarts (um 1 Minute)
- Enable Dual LAN Redundancy (Core Config)
- Log in Web UI again after reboot
- Enter Network → Redundancy
- Check Enable Dual LAN Redundancy
- Select Redundancy Mode:
Master-Backup (Standard): LAN1 as master, LAN2 as backup, auto failover upon fault
Load Balance: Both ports work simultaneously for traffic sharing (supported by partial firmware)
- Set Switch Back Mode:
Auto: Automatically switch back to master after recovery (Standard)
Handbuch: Stay on backup port; manual switch required after master recovery
- Set Detection Interval: Standard 1 zweite, adjustable 500ms~10s (1s recommended)
- Click Save, redundancy takes effect immediately
- Advanced Configuration (Optional)
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Beschreibung |
| Heartbeat Packet | Enable | Enable heartbeat detection for higher fault accuracy |
| Heartbeat Interval | 100MS | Heartbeat sending interval; shorter = faster detection |
| Failover Count | 3 | Switch only after 3 consecutive failures to avoid false switching |
| Link Down Detection | Enable | Physical layer link detection (cable disconnection etc.) |
- Redundancy Function Test
- Link Fault Test
- Normal status: Web Status → Network Status shows LAN1 Active, LAN2 Standby
- Unplug LAN1 cable:
Device indicator: LAN1 off, LAN2 steady on
Web status updates: LAN2 becomes Active, switchover <1S
Verify serial communication via Virtual COM / Modbus TCP, no interruption
- Reconnect LAN1 cable:
Auto Mode: LAN1 resumes Active, LAN2 becomes Standby
Manueller Modus: Remain on LAN2; manual switch required in Web UI
- Switch Failure Test
- Power off the switch connected to master port
- Device switches to backup port within 1 zweite
- Restore master switch power and verify switchback works normally
- Allgemeine Fehlerbehebung
| Fehlerphänomen | Mögliche Ursache | Lösung |
| Cannot enable redundancy | Firmware version too old | Upgrade to latest firmware from official website |
| Communication interrupted after switchover | Wrong backup port IP | Ensure master & backup ports same segment with consistent gateway |
| Frequent false switching | Detection interval too short | Extend interval to 2s, set Failover Count to 5 |
| No auto switch back after master recovery | Switch Back Mode set to Manual | Change to Auto or switch manually in Web |
| Both LAN ports down | Network configuration conflict | Check duplicate IP and subnet mask settings |
- Configuration Mnemonic
> Three steps for dual LAN redundancy: set IP first, enable redundancy second;
> Dual switches avoid single point; always verify failover after config.
- Hardware Selection: Critical sites choose dual switches; ordinary sites choose single switch dual port
- IP Planning: Master and backup ports recommended same network segment for easy management & switchover
- Modusauswahl: Industrial control prioritizes Master-Backup; data collection can use Load Balance
- Switchback Policy: Unattended sites select Auto; manual intervention sites select Manual
- Test Validation: Perform link failover test after configuration to ensure reliable redundancy in actual faults
EKI-1526 dual LAN redundancy can be quickly configured via Web interface. The core is enabling redundancy and correctly setting master/backup IP and switchover policy. Cooperating with dual-switch topology, it effectively eliminates single-point faults in industrial networks and ensures high reliability of serial device communication. Full functional verification is recommended after deployment.
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