TRICONEX AT-2701FX 843-000844-00 Network Interface Module

The AT-2701FX 843-000844-00 is a high-performance, high-availability communication interface module designed for Triconex safety systems. It serves as a "network gateway" in the Tricon system and acts as a critical bridge connecting the Tricon safety controller to the upper-level network infrastructure.

• High-availability: In industrial control systems, this term emphasizes the module’s ability to maintain stable operation for extended periods, with built-in mechanisms to minimize downtime—critical for safety-related systems where interruptions could lead to process risks.

• Communication interface module: A hardware component that enables data exchange between different devices or network layers, translating protocols or signal formats to ensure seamless connectivity.

• Upper-level network: Refers to higher-tier networks in an industrial setup (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks, enterprise resource planning (ERP) networks) that handle tasks like centralized monitoring, data logging, or production management. The module facilitates data flow between the Tricon safety controller (a lower-level, real-time control device) and these upper networks.

• Engineering Station Connection (TriStation Access): Provides a connection path for the primary engineering software, TriStation 1131, to access the Tricon controller for programming, configuration, debugging, real-time monitoring, and diagnostics. This is its most fundamental and critical function.

• External System Communication (Host/Peer-to-Peer Communication): Acts as a communication gateway for data exchange between the Tricon controller and external systems (such as DCS, PLC, SCADA, and information management systems).

• Multi-Protocol Support: It supports a variety of industrial communication protocols to enable interconnection and interoperability with devices from different manufacturers.

• The front panel of the module is equipped with two RJ45 ports, which are used for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connections.

• Typically, one port is used to connect to the engineering network (for communication with TriStation workstations), and the other port is used to connect to the plant information network (for communication with host systems like DCS). This dual-port design enhances network reliability and isolation.

• TriStation Protocol: Used for native and efficient communication with the TriStation 1131 engineering software.

• Modbus TCP/IP: A widely used industrial Ethernet protocol. The AT-2701FX can function as a Modbus TCP server (slave), allowing Modbus TCP-supported clients (such as DCS and SCADA) to read and write data in the Tricon controller (e.g., process variables, alarm statuses).

• TriStation TCP/IP (TSTCP): A high-performance proprietary protocol developed by Triconex, designed for high-speed data exchange with advanced applications or dedicated clients.

• In a redundant Tricon configuration (e.g., dual-machine hot standby), two AT-2701FX modules can be installed to form a redundant communication channel, ensuring that the network connection does not become a single point of failure.

• Supports advanced network functions like link aggregation to further improve network bandwidth and reliability.

It supports installation or removal without powering down the system (within the scope permitted by system planning), facilitating maintenance and upgrades.

• Connect one port to the network switch where the engineering/operator stations are located using an Ethernet cable.

• Connect the second port to the network switch of the DCS or other upper-level systems using another Ethernet cable.

• Oil and Gas (offshore platforms, refineries)

• Chemical and Petrochemical

• Power Plants (thermal power, nuclear power)

• Pharmaceuticals