Tricon™ v9–v11 Systems triconex

Tricon™ v9–v11 Systems triconex

The Tricon controller is a state-of-the-art programmable logic and process controller that provides a high level of system fault tolerance. To ensure the highest possible system integrity at all times, the Tricon controller includes these features:

 • Provides Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) architecture whereby each of three identical system channels independently executes the control program, and specialized hardware/software mechanisms “vote” all inputs and outputs. 

• Withstands harsh industrial environments. 

• Enables field installation and repair to be done at the module level while the controller remains online. Replacing an I/O module does not disturb field wiring. 

• Supports up to 118 I/O modules (analog and digital) and optional communication modules that interface with Modbus masters and slaves, Foxboro® and Honeywell™ Distributed Control Systems (DCS), other Triconex controllers in Peer-to-Peer networks, and external host applications on Ethernet networks. 

• Provides integral support for remote I/O modules located as far away as 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the Main Chassis, using SRXM modules. 

• Executes control programs developed and debugged with TriStation™ 1131 Developer’s Workbench Software or TriStation MSW software. 

• Provides intelligence in the input and output modules to reduce the workload of the Main Processors. Each I/O module has three microprocessors. Input module microprocessors filter and debounce the inputs and diagnose hardware faults on the module. Output module microprocessors supply information for the voting of output data, check loopback data from the output terminal for final validation of the output state, and diagnose field-wiring problems. 

• Provides integral online diagnostics with adaptive-repair capabilities. 

• Allows normal maintenance while the Tricon controller is operating, without disturbing the controlled process. 

• Supports transition to a hot-spare I/O module for critical applications where prompt service may not be possible.

System Configuration

Physically, a basic Tricon controller consists of Main Processors and I/O modules, communication modules, the chassis enclosing the modules, field wiring connections, and a TriStation PC. This section briefly describes these components and provides general specifications. Tricon modules are field-replaceable units consisting of an electronic assembly housed in a metal spine. Each module has a protective cover that ensures no components or circuits are exposed even when a module is removed from the chassis. Offset backplane connectors make it impossible to plug a module in upside down, and keys on each module prevent the insertion of modules into incorrect slots. The Tricon controller supports digital and analog input and output points, as well as pulse and thermocouple inputs and multiple communication protocols

Tricon Controller Chassis

A Tricon controller can include a maximum of 15 chassis, housing any appropriate combination of input, output, communication, interface, and hot-spare modules. There are three types of chassis: Main, Expansion, and RXM. 

• The Main Chassis houses the Main Processor modules and I/O modules. The Model 8110 Main Chassis houses up to six slot sets of I/O modules and the Model 8120E Enhanced Performance Main Chassis houses up to five sets of I/O modules. The I/O modules in a chassis are connected via I/O expansion bus ports that are triplicated RS 485 bi-directional communication ports. 

• An Expansion Chassis (chassis 2 to 15) houses up to eight slot sets of I/O modules and HART™ Interface Modules. The Expansion Chassis connects to the Main Chassis by means of a triplicated RS-485 bi-directional communication port. Generally, the last Expansion Chassis must be located no more than 100 feet (30 meters) from the Main Chassis or an RXM Chassis. 

• An RXM Chassis houses a Primary or Remote RXM Module set and six slot sets of I/O modules. An RXM Chassis enables a system to extend to remote locations up to 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the Main Chassis, using SRXM modules