Description
Triconex 8110 Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Main Processor Module
The Triconex 8110 is the workhorse main processor in the legacy Tricon system — a field-proven TMR controller platform still widely deployed in safety-critical process environments. From my experience supporting brownfield upgrades across oil & gas and chemical plants, this module remains a go-to for maintaining continuity where replacing entire control systems isn’t feasible — or advisable.
One thing I appreciate is how transparent its diagnostics are: each of the three independent CPU channels runs identical logic and cross-checks results in real time. If one channel disagrees, it’s automatically voted out — no operator intervention needed. You might notice that during commissioning, the module’s front-panel LEDs give surprisingly granular status feedback: not just “OK” or “FAIL”, but individual channel health, watchdog activity, and even memory parity flags.
Key Features
- TMR architecture with hot-swappable voting: Three identical processors execute the same logic simultaneously and vote on outputs — enabling continuous operation even during a single-channel failure.
- Integrated dual-port RAM and flash: Stores application logic and configuration locally; retains firmware through power cycles without external backup batteries (though battery-backed RAM is used for certain transient data).
- Dedicated diagnostic bus: Communicates continuously with I/O modules and other processors — detects faults at the bit level, not just module-level timeouts.
- Backplane-integrated Ethernet (10/100 Mbps): Used for programming, diagnostics, and HMI communication — separate from the proprietary TriBus used for TMR synchronization.
- Field-serviceable design: No soldered components on the main board; EPROMs and SRAM chips are socketed — making replacements faster and less error-prone in maintenance windows.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | Triconex 8110 |
| HS Code | 8537.10.90 (Control panels for industrial use, with microcontrollers) |
| Power Requirements | +5 VDC nominal (±5%), typical draw: 4.2 A; backplane-supplied via Tricon chassis |
| Dimensions & Weight | 21.6 cm × 13.3 cm × 6.4 cm (H×W×D); ~0.92 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (derated above 40 °C in high-humidity cabinets) |
| Signal Input/Output Types | No direct field I/O — communicates exclusively via TriBus to I/O modules (e.g., 3009, 3012, 3019 series) |
| Communication Interfaces | TriBus (proprietary TMR sync bus), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45), RS-232 serial port (DB9, for local diagnostics) |
| Installation Method | Hot-swappable into Tricon chassis (e.g., TRICONEX 3000 series rack); requires compatible power supply and backplane |
Application Fields
You’ll typically find the 8110 running emergency shutdown (ESD), fire & gas (F&G), and turbine control systems — especially where SIL 2 or SIL 3 certification was originally required and remains in force. In many cases, operators keep these units online not because they’re cutting-edge, but because their validation history is unmatched: one refinery client told me they’d logged over 17 years of uninterrupted runtime on a set of 8110s before migrating to Triconex TXS — and only then due to obsolescence of support parts, not performance issues.
Advantages & Value
- Proven reliability over decades: Not theoretical MTBF — actual field data from thousands of installed units supports >99.99% uptime in well-maintained cabinets.
- Interchangeability within legacy fleets: Swaps directly into existing 3000-series racks without chassis modification — critical when sourcing spares for aging systems.
- No licensing lock-in: Unlike newer platforms, no annual software subscription fees or mandatory upgrade paths — once configured, it runs independently.
- Strong secondary market support: While Schneider Electric no longer manufactures new 8110s, certified refurbished units (with full traceability and burn-in testing) are available with 365-day warranty — often at ~40–60% of original list price.
Installation & Maintenance
Install only in NEMA 12 or IP54-rated cabinets with forced-air ventilation — ambient airflow should exceed 0.2 m³/min per rack slot. Avoid mounting near heat-generating drives or transformers. Wiring must comply with ISA-RP12.6 for hazardous locations if used in Class I Div 1 areas.
For maintenance: clean dust filters every 3 months (more frequently in dusty environments), verify battery voltage (CR2032) annually — low battery won’t crash the system but may erase volatile diagnostics. Firmware updates are rare and usually only applied during major regulatory revalidation; most sites run v7.3 or v8.1 and see no functional benefit in upgrading unless integrating with newer HMI tools.
Quality & Certifications
Certified to IEC 61508 SIL 3, FM Class I Div 1, ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T4, and UL 508. RoHS-compliant (2011/65/EU). All refurbished units undergo full functional test, thermal soak, and TriStation 5.25 logic verification before shipment.
Warranty: 365 days — covering defects in materials and workmanship. Covers replacement or repair at our facility, including return shipping. Does not cover damage from improper installation, lightning surges, or unauthorized firmware modification.
Our Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock units; up to 4 weeks for tested refurbished units requiring custom configuration.
- Payment terms: 50% advance payment required to initiate testing/configuration; balance due prior to shipment.
- Shipping: Fedex, UPS, or DHL Express — fully insured, with real-time tracking. Customs documentation included for international orders.
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