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.