Description
Product Overview
The Tricon 8312 is a high-density, 32-point, 120V AC digital input module designed for the Tricon v9, v10, and v11 series Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), manufactured by Invensys (now part of Schneider Electric). It is a critical component in the Triconex I/O subsystem, responsible for safely and reliably acquiring discrete (on/off) signals from field devices—such as emergency stop buttons, pressure switches, level switches, limit switches, and valve position indicators—and transmitting this data in a TMR format to the Tricon’s Main Processor for logic solving. The 8312 module provides the vital interface between the plant’s field wiring and the fault-tolerant safety controller, converting 120V AC signals into a logic-level format that the controller can process.
The core value of the Tricon 8312 lies in its triple-channel safety architecture, high-density packaging, and proven reliability in critical applications. Unlike a standard PLC input card, the 8312 contains three completely independent input circuits per channel. Each of the 32 field inputs is read by three separate internal circuits, and the results are voted upon within the module and the Main Processor. This TMR design ensures that a single failure in any part of the input circuitry (e.g., a blown fuse, a faulty opto-isolator) will be diagnosed and will not cause a dangerous, undetected failure of the safety function. For engineers and operators in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power generation, the 8312 is a trusted, high-integrity component essential for building safety systems that meet rigorous SIL 3 (IEC 61508/61511) certification requirements, where failure is not an option.
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter Name
|
Parameter Value
|
|---|---|
|
Product Model
|
Tricon 8312
|
|
Manufacturer
|
Invensys Triconex (now part of Schneider Electric)
|
|
Product Family
|
Tricon TMR Digital Input Module
|
|
Primary Function
|
32-point, 120V AC Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Digital Input Module
|
Electrical Characteristics (Per Channel)
-
Input Type: Sinking (Dry Contact) or Sourcing (Wet Contact) compatible. Designed for switch or relay contact inputs.
-
Input Voltage: Nominal 120V AC. Operating range typically 90-140V AC, 50/60 Hz.
-
«ON» State Voltage: > 79V AC to recognize a logical «1».
-
«OFF» State Voltage: < 20V AC to recognize a logical «0».
-
Input Current: Typically 5-10 mA per point at rated voltage.
-
Input Impedance: Approximately 12 kΩ.
-
Response Time: Typically 20-30 milliseconds (including filtering for noise immunity).
-
Point Density: 32 points per module.Safety & Isolation
-
Architecture: TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) per point. Each field input is connected to three completely isolated input circuits (A, B, C) within the module.
-
Isolation:
-
Channel-to-Channel: Optical isolation between each of the three internal input circuits and the field side.
-
Field-to-System: High-voltage optical isolation (typically 1500V AC) between the field wiring terminals and the module’s internal logic/system side.
-
Field-to-Field: Points are typically grouped (e.g., in banks of 8 or 16) with isolation between groups.
-
-
Fusing: Each point or group of points includes internal fuses for overcurrent protection of the field wiring and the module’s input circuitry.Mechanical & Integration
-
Form Factor: A hot-swappable module designed for the Tricon High Density (HD) I/O Terminator Baseplate (e.g., 9563-810, 9563-610 series).
-
Termination: Field wiring connects to a removable terminal block on the associated terminator baseplate, not directly to the 8312 module itself.
-
LED Indicators: Per-point status LEDs (green for ON, off for OFF) and module health LEDs (Power OK, Fault) for quick visual diagnostics.
-
Diagnostics: Comprehensive built-in diagnostics for open field wiring, short circuits, internal circuit faults, and loss of power. Faults are reported to the Main Processor and can be alarmed.Environmental
-
Operating Temperature: 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F)
-
Certifications: Designed and certified for use in SIL 3 (IEC 61508) safety systems. Suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Key Features and Advantages
Inherent Safety with TMR Architecture: The triple-redundant design per input point is the paramount feature. It provides a high level of hardware fault tolerance (HFT) and a Safe Failure Fraction (SFF) that meets SIL 3 requirements. A single random hardware fault will be diagnosed, and the system will continue to operate safely.
High Density with Proven Reliability: Packing 32 isolated input points into a single module slot optimizes cabinet space and reduces system cost per point while maintaining the high reliability and diagnostic coverage expected from the Tricon platform.
Advanced Diagnostics and Hot-Swap Capability: The module continuously performs self-diagnostics. Any fault (field or internal) is immediately reported. Combined with online insertion and removal (hot-swap), this allows for maintenance or replacement of a faulty module without shutting down the safety controller or the process, maximizing system availability.
Robust Noise Immunity: Designed for industrial environments, the input circuitry includes filtering to reject electrical noise (EMI/RFI) and contact bounce, ensuring reliable detection of the true field state.
Application Areas
The Tricon 8312 is used in safety-critical shutdown systems (ESD/PSD/F&G) across all major hazardous process industries where reliable acquisition of discrete field signals is required for SIL 3 rated safety functions.
-
Emergency Shutdown (ESD) Systems: Reading status from emergency stop buttons, pressure safety switches (PSVs), high-level switches, flame detectors, and gas detectors to initiate a safe shutdown.
-
Fire & Gas (F&G) Systems: Monitoring inputs from manual call points, smoke/heat detectors, and flammable gas detectors.
-
Burner Management Systems (BMS): Acquiring signals from flame scanners, fuel valve limit switches, and purge flow switches.
-
Turbomachinery Control (TMC): Monitoring overspeed switches, vibration switches, and lube oil pressure switches for critical equipment protection.
-
General Process Interlocks: Reading status of pump running feedback, valve open/close limits, and hopper level switches for equipment sequencing and protection.
Related Products
-
Terminator Baseplate: The HD I/O Terminator Baseplate (e.g., 9563-810 for 32-point DI) is required. It provides the field wiring terminals, fuses, and signal conditioning circuitry. The 8312 module plugs into this baseplate.
-
Tricon Chassis & Main Processor: Such as the Tricon Chassis 3008/3009/3510/3511 and the corresponding Main Processor (MP), which houses and communicates with the I/O modules.
-
Field Wiring Cables: Cables to connect from the terminator baseplate to the field devices.
-
Programming & Configuration Software: Triconex TriStation 1131 is used to configure the module, assign I/O addresses, and set up diagnostics.
-
Other I/O Modules: In the same family: 8311 (120V AC, 16-point), 8310 (24V DC, 32-point), and various analog input, output, and communication modules.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.