Description
Product Overview
The ICS TRIPLEX T8312-7 is a high-performance, modular Analog Input Module designed specifically for the ICS Triplex Trusted® TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) safety and critical control system platform. This module serves as the primary interface for acquiring critical analog process signals—such as 4-20 mA, 0-10V, thermocouples, or RTDs—from field sensors and transmitters, and converting them into high-integrity, voted digital data for use by the system’s safety controllers. Engineered for applications demanding the highest levels of availability and safety integrity, the T8312-7 operates within a TMR architecture, where three independent input channels process the same analog signal in parallel. The system then performs a 2-out-of-3 (2oo3) mid-value selection or average voting on the digitized results, producing a single, highly reliable process value. This design ensures continuous, accurate operation even in the event of a complete failure of one module channel, preventing both dangerous failures and spurious trips.
The core value of the ICS TRIPLEX T8312-7 lies in its fault tolerance, precision, and comprehensive diagnostics tailored for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and critical process control. It provides robust galvanic isolation to protect the sensitive control system from field-side transients and noise. Each channel incorporates advanced signal conditioning, high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, and continuous self-diagnostics that monitor for sensor burnout (open circuit), signal out-of-range, and internal hardware faults. For engineers in industries such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, and power generation, deploying the T8312-7 ensures that critical process variables like pressure, temperature, level, and flow are measured with the integrity required for SIL 2/3 certified safety functions, forming a reliable sensory foundation for emergency shutdown (ESD), fire and gas (F&G), and turbine control systems.
Technical Specifications
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Parameter Name
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Parameter Value
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Product Model
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ICS TRIPLEX T8312-7
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Manufacturer
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ICS Triplex (now part of Rockwell Automation as part of the Allen-Bradley / ICS Triplex Trusted® platform)
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System Platform
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Trusted® TMR System
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Product Type
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Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Analog Input Module
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Number of Channels
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Typically 4 or 8 channels per module (specific to T8312-7 variant), with each channel internally triplicated.
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Input Signal Types
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Configurable per channel: 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-5V, 0-10V, ±10V, thermocouple (J, K, T, etc.), RTD (Pt100, Cu10, Ni120).
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Resolution
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High resolution, typically 16-bit or higher per channel.
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Accuracy
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High accuracy, typically better than ±0.1% of reading for standard current/voltage inputs.
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Isolation
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High-grade isolation between field channels and between field side and system logic.
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Voting Architecture
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2-out-of-3 (2oo3) mid-value select or average voting performed on the three independent A/D converter outputs per channel.
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Update Rate
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Deterministic scan rate synchronized with the TMR controller.
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Diagnostics
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Per-channel diagnostics: sensor burnout detection (for TC/RTD), over-range, under-range, open circuit, short circuit, module health, and A/D converter validity.
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Status Indication
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Front-panel LEDs per channel for status (OK, fault, voted value valid) and module health.
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Hot Swap
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Supports online insertion and removal (hot swap) in a powered Trusted® chassis, following proper procedures.
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Power Supply
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Powered from the Trusted® TMR chassis backplane.
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Operating Temperature
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0°C to 60°C (for controller cabinet environment).
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Certifications
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Designed for use in SIL 2/3 safety applications per IEC 61508/61511. FM, CSA, ATEX/IECEx for hazardous areas.
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Key Features and Advantages
ICS TRIPLEX T8312-7 is distinguished by its inherent fault tolerance and safety-focused design. The triple-redundant architecture per analog channel is its fundamental advantage, providing an extremely high level of availability and safety. The system can tolerate a failure in one of the three parallel signal paths (including a complete failure of one A/D converter) without any loss of accuracy or generation of a false trip signal, as the voted output remains valid based on the two healthy paths. This makes it ideal for applications where a single measurement error could lead to a hazardous event or a costly unnecessary shutdown.
Superior signal integrity and diagnostic intelligence are critical for reliable safety system operation. The module provides high-quality signal conditioning with filtering to reject noise, ensuring accurate measurement even in electrically harsh environments. Its comprehensive suite of diagnostics goes beyond simple value checking; it actively monitors the health of the sensor loop (detecting open thermocouples) and the integrity of the internal measurement circuitry. These diagnostics are communicated to the Trusted® controller, enabling predictive maintenance and ensuring the safety loop’s integrity is continuously verified—a key requirement for achieving and maintaining high Safety Integrity Levels (SIL).
Flexibility and high availability are engineered into its operation. The ability to configure each channel for different signal types (mA, V, TC, RTD) via software provides tremendous application flexibility, reducing the variety of spare modules needed. The module is hot-swappable, allowing for replacement without requiring a system shutdown, which maximizes the operational availability of the entire safety instrumented system. Clear per-channel LED indicators provide instant visual fault location, speeding up troubleshooting. For safety system engineers, the T8312-7 delivers not only precise and reliable analog measurement but also the diagnostic evidence and architectural robustness needed to design and maintain SIL-rated safety loops with confidence.
Application Areas
The ICS TRIPLEX T8312-7 analog input module is deployed in the most critical measurement points within Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and critical control systems across high-hazard process industries.
In oil & gas facilities, it is used to measure critical variables for Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems: separator pressures and levels, compressor discharge temperatures and pressures, and wellhead parameters. Within petrochemical and refinery process units, it interfaces with sensors monitoring reactor temperatures and pressures, distillation column levels, and furnace tube temperatures where deviations require immediate safety action.
For turbomachinery control (gas/steam turbines), it provides high-integrity measurements of speed, vibration, bearing temperatures, and exhaust temperatures for protection systems. In power generation burner management and boiler control, it measures fuel flow, drum level, and steam temperature for permissive and trip logic. It is also applied in fire and gas (F&G) systems for analog signals from toxic or combustible gas detectors. Essentially, the T8312-7 is used wherever an analog process variable is part of a safety instrumented function (SIF) with a SIL 2 or SIL 3 requirement, and where measurement reliability is paramount for the protection of people, the environment, and assets.
Related Products
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ICS Triplex Trusted® TMR Controller (Main Processor): The central safety controller that executes logic based on voted inputs from the T8312-7.
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ICS Triplex Trusted® Digital I/O Modules (e.g., T8461): For interfacing with discrete field devices in the same safety system.
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ICS Triplex Trusted® Chassis and Power Supply: The hardware platform that houses and powers the TMR modules.
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Trusted® Communication Modules: For integrating the TMR system with a DCS or other plant networks.
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IEC 61131-3 Engineering Workstation Software (e.g., Trusted® Toolset): The configuration and programming environment for the entire Trusted® system, including analog module configuration.
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Field Sensors and Transmitters: The safety-instrumented (SIL-rated) pressure, temperature, and flow transmitters that provide signals to the T8312-7.
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IS (Intrinsic Safety) Barriers or Isolators: Often used in hazardous areas between the field device and the T8312-7 module.
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Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley GuardLogix: An alternative safety controller platform, whereas the Trusted system represents a dedicated TMR architecture.
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