Industry Trends Archives - Page 20 of 738

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN ICS TRIPLEX

ICS TRIPLEX T8451 Field Termination Unit (FTU)

Description

The TMR 24 Vdc Digital Output Module is a member of the Trusted range of

input/output (I/O) Modules. All Trusted I/O Modules share common

functionality and form. At the most general level, all I/O Modules interface to

the Inter-Module Bus (IMB) which provides power and allows communication

with the TMR Processor. In addition, all Modules have a field interface that is

used to connect to Module-specific signals in the field. All Modules are Triple

Modular Redundant (TMR).

All High Integrity I/O Modules are made up of four sections: Host Interface

Unit (HIU), the Field Interface Unit (FIU), the Field Termination Unit (FTU),

and the Front Panel Unit (or FPU).

Field Termination Unit (FTU)

The Field Termination Unit (FTU) is the section of the I/O Module that

connects all three FIUs to a single field interface. The FTU provides the Group

Fail-Safe Switches and passive components necessary for signal conditioning,

overvoltage protection, and EMI/RFI filtering. When installed in a Trusted

Controller or Expander Chassis, the FTU field connector interconnects to the

Field I/O Cable Assembly attached at the rear of the Chassis.

The SmartSlot link is passed from the HIU to the field connections via the

FTU. These signals go directly to the field connector and maintain isolation

from the I/O signals on the FTU. The SmartSlot link is the intelligent

connection between Active and Standby Modules for coordination during

Module replacement.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN ICS TRIPLEX

ICS TRIPLEX T8451 Features

Features

• 40 Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) output points per Module.

• Comprehensive, automatic diagnostics and self-test.

• Automatic line monitoring per point to detect open circuit and short

circuit field wiring and load faults.

• 2500V impulse withstand opto/galvanic isolation barrier.

• Automatic overcurrent protection (per channel), no external fuses

required.

• Onboard Sequence of Events (SOE) reporting with 1 ms resolution.

• Module can be hot-replaced online using dedicated Companion

(adjacent) Slot or SmartSlot (one spare slot for many Modules)

configurations.

• Front Panel output status light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for each point

indicate output status and field wiring faults.

• Front Panel Module status LEDs indicate Module health and

operational mode (Active, Standby, Educated).

• TϋV Certified IEC 61508 SIL 3.

• Outputs are powered in isolated groups of eight. Each such group is a

Power Group (PG).

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN ICS TRIPLEX

ICS TRIPLEX Trusted® TMR 24 Vdc Digital Output Module

Product Overview

The Trusted® TMR 24 Vdc Digital Output Module interfaces to 40 field

devices. Triplicated diagnostic tests are performed throughout the Module

including measurements for current, and voltage on each portion of the voted

output channel. Tests are also performed for stuck on and stuck off failures.

Fault tolerance is achieved through a Triple Modular Redundant (TMR)

architecture within the Module for each of the 40 output channels.

Automatic line monitoring of the field device is provided. This feature enables

the Module to detect both open and short circuit failures in field wiring and

load devices.

The Module provides onboard Sequence of Events (SOE) reporting with a

resolution of 1 ms. An output change of state triggers an SOE entry. Output

states are automatically determined by voltage and current measurements

onboard the Module.

This Module is not approved for direct connection to hazardous areas and

should be used in conjunction with Intrinsic Safety Barrier devices.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Basler Electric

Basler Electric FGD-2 continuously monitors the machine field circuit for ground faults

Operation

The FGD-2 continuously monitors the machine field circuit for ground faults.

Ground faults are detected through the measurement of leakage current to

ground which is determined by measuring the voltage drop across a shunt

resistor within the ground detector source. The Basler device connected to

the FGD-2 receives a voltage signal from the ground detection source that

is proportional to the level of field leakage current. The excitation

capabilities and analog input ranges of different Basler products will limit

the maximum compatible field voltage for accurate field ground resistance

measurements. Refer to Table 2 for more details.

AIOM-2

In a DECS-2100 system, the AIOM-2/AIOM digitizes the signal and transmits

it via fiber optic cables to the ECM-2. In an ECS2100 system, the digitized

signal is received by the ECM/SIM. The value of leakage current appears as

an input to the BESTCOMS™Pro FLDGND logic block. Within the FLDGND

logic block, a value of resistance to ground is calculated from the voltage

applied and the level of leakage current measured. Typically, this calculated

resistance value is transmitted to a display panel via the PMOUT logic block.

In the event of a low field ground resistance value, the FLDGND logic block

issues a Low Field Ground Resistance alarm. During detection of low field

ground resistance, an alarm issued by the DIGROUT logic block can be used

to energize a relay within the system’s Digital I/O Module (DIOM-2 or DIOM).

This annunciation may be used to provide a dry relay contact for a remote

alarm.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Beckhoff

Beckhoff EL3124-0090 | EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel analog input, current, 4…20 mA, 16 bit

The EL3124-0090 analog input terminal handles signals in the range

from 4 to 20 mA. The current is digitized to a resolution of 16 bits

and is transmitted, in an electrically isolated form, to the higher-level

automation device. The input channels of the EtherCAT Terminal have

differential inputs and possess a common, internal ground potential.

With the aid of the TwinSAFE SC technology (TwinSAFE Single Channel)

it is possible to make use of standard signals for safety tasks in any

network or fieldbus. To do this, EtherCAT I/Os from the areas of analog

input, position measurement or communication (4… 20 mA, incremental

encoder, IO-Link, etc.) are extended by the TwinSAFE SC function.

The properties typical for the signals and the standard functions of the

I/O components are retained. TwinSAFE SC I/Os differ optically from

standard I/Os by a yellow stripe on the front of the housing.

The TwinSAFE SC technology enables communication via a TwinSAFE

protocol. These connections can be distinguished from the usual secure

communication via Safety over EtherCAT.

The data from the TwinSAFE SC components is fed via a TwinSAFE

protocol to the TwinSAFE Logic, where it can be used in the context of

safety-relevant applications. Detailed examples confirmed/calculated by

the TÜV SÜD for the correct application of the TwinSAFE SC components

and the respective normative classifications can be found in the TwinSAFE

application manual.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Beckhoff

Beckhoff EL4374 | EtherCAT Terminal, 2-channel analog input + 2-channel analog output

The EL4374 analog input terminal combines two analog inputs

and two analog outputs that can be individually parameterized

by the controller/TwinCAT via CoE for current or voltage operation.

Depending on the setting, the channels process signals with 2

ksps in the range of -10/0 to +10 V or -20/0/+4 to +20 mA.

The inputs are digitized with a 16-bit resolution and electrically

isolated before being transmitted to the higher-level automation

device. As for the 16-bit-resolution outputs, these operate in the

same way. With a technical measuring range of ±107% of the

nominal range, the terminal also supports commissioning with

sensor values in the limit range and the evaluation according to

NAMUR NE43. The outputs are also capable of delivering up to

107% of their capacity.

Special features:

• combined input/output terminal: 10 V/20 mA

• 107% measurement/output range

• high output power at 20 mA: load up to 750 Ohm

• 2 ksps conversion rate per channel for standard automation tasks

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Beckhoff

Beckhoff ED3174 | EtherCAT Terminal, 4-channel analog input

The ED3174 analog input terminal is a universal 10 V/20 mA input

module in the 16-bit class for demanding, dynamic control tasks.

Input signals in the -10/0…+10 V or -20/0/+4…+20 mA ranges

can be processed per channel. Voltage and current signals are

connected to different terminal points. CoE can be used to set

each channel to U or I mode in TwinCAT or from the controller.

The voltage inputs are differential; the current inputs are single

-ended. This means that one channel connection point in each

case is connected to the 24 V DC power contact in the terminal.

All inputs are digitized with a 16-bit resolution and transmitted

to the superordinate automation system under electrical isolation.

With a technical measuring range of ±107% of the nominal range,

the terminal also supports commissioning with sensor values in

the limit range and evaluation in accordance with NAMUR NE43.

The ED3174 has four individually configurable inputs and supports

2-wire connections.

Special features:

• combined input terminal: 10 V/20 mA

• ±107% measuring range

• 10 ksps conversion rate per channel for dynamic automation tasks

The ED series EtherCAT Terminals have push-in connection technology

which makes wiring easy and tool-free.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Basler Electric

Basler Electric SR4A, Retrofit Voltage Regulator

The SR4A Retrofit Voltage Regulator is an economical, direct replacement

for existing Basler Electric SR4A voltage regulators. Designed for brush

and brushless synchronous generators, it delivers accurate voltage

regulation, dependable excitation control, and fast response times while

fitting within the same mounting footprint as the original regulator.

The retrofit package incorporates a modern AVC63-12 voltage regulator

and, where required, an internal sensing module, making installation

quick and straightforward.

Engineered for reliable operation in demanding power generation

environments, the SR4A Retrofit supports single- or three-phase sensing,

reactive droop compensation, line drop compensation, underfrequency

protection, and integration with power factor controllers, excitation limiters,

and auto synchronizers. Its rugged construction, ease of installation, and

compatibility with existing generator systems make it an ideal solution for

extending equipment life and improving voltage regulation performance.

The SR and SSR Retrofit Voltage Regulators are designed as economical,

direct replacement solutions for legacy Basler SR and SSR voltage regulators.

Engineered for quick installation, these retrofit kits fit into the existing

mounting space and utilize terminal-to-terminal wiring to simplify field

replacement. Integrated CT input burden matching supports paralleling

systems with cross-current compensation, while accessory inputs provide

compatibility with var/power factor controllers and excitation limiters.

The SR and SSR Retrofit series delivers the same dependable performance

as the original regulators while helping extend the life and reliability of

generator excitation systems.

September 20, 2026 BY cniacs

IN Basler Electric

Basler Electric SR9A, Retrofit Voltage Regulator

The SR9A Retrofit Voltage Regulator is an economical, direct replacement

for existing Basler Electric SR9A voltage regulators.

Designed for synchronous generators operating in 400 Hz applications,

it provides accurate voltage regulation, fast response times, and dependable

excitation control while utilizing the same mounting footprint as the original

regulator. The retrofit solution incorporates a modern AVC125-10 voltage

regulator and, where required, an internal sensing module to streamline

installation and reduce maintenance requirements.

Built for demanding power generation environments, the SR9A Retrofit

supports single- or three-phase sensing, reactive droop compensation,

line drop compensation, underfrequency protection, and integration with

accessories such as power factor controllers, excitation limiters, and auto

synchronizers. Its rugged construction, reliable performance, and

straightforward upgrade path make it an ideal solution for extending the

life and functionality of existing generator systems.