Triconex 4351B Tricon Communication Module (TCM)

The Triconex 4351B is a Tricon Communication Module (TCM) designed to enable Ethernet (802.3) and serial (RS-232/RS-485) network communications for Tricon v10.0 and later systems. It serves as a dedicated communication gateway between the Tricon controller and host devices, including TriStation 1131 software, other Tricon or Trident controllers, Modbus master/slave equipment, and external hosts over industrial networks.

Featuring dual copper Ethernet ports and four serial ports, the 4351B provides isolated, reliable data exchange and network integration. The module handles critical system monitoring, time synchronization, and network connectivity while isolating field signals and maintaining continuous control operations.

Features

• Network Communications: Equipped with two 10/100BaseT copper Ethernet ports using RJ-45 connectors (NET 1 and NET 2).
• Serial Connectivity: Features four serial RS-232/RS-485 ports with DB-9 connectors and one debug port for factory diagnostics.
• Protocol Support: Supports TriStation, Modbus, TCP/IP, ICMP, SNTP, TSAA (with IP Multicast support), Trimble GPS, Peer-to-Peer (UDP/IP), Peer-to-Peer Time Synchronization, and Jet Direct network printing protocols.
• Flexible Serial Functionality: Serial Port #1 supports Modbus or Trimble GPS interface; Serial Port #4 supports Modbus or TriStation 1131 interface.
• High-Speed Serial Throughput: Supports an aggregate data rate of up to 460.8 Kbps across all four serial ports.
• Port Isolation: Provides 500 VDC electrical isolation across communication interfaces.
• Online Maintenance: Modules can be hot-replaced while the controller remains online.

Applications

• High-integrity safety instrumented systems (SIS) and emergency shutdown systems (ESD).
• Modbus Master/Slave network integration with distributed control systems (DCS) and SCADA systems.
• Time-synchronized sequence of events (SOE) timestamping using SNTP or GPS time reference.
• Remote programming, monitoring, and debugging via TriStation 1131.
• Peer-to-peer safety communication between multiple Tricon or Trident safety controllers.

Technical Specifications

Installation Guidelines

• Slot Keying: Chassis slots are mechanically keyed to ensure modules are installed only into appropriate logical slots.
• Slot Constraints: A single Tricon system supports up to four TCMs residing in two logical slots; mixing different TCM models within a single logical slot is not allowed.
• Heat Management: Maintain a minimum clearance of 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) above and below the chassis for proper airflow. Unused slots must be fitted with Blank I/O Slot Panels (Model 8105) to preserve thermal circulation.
• Grounding: Ensure the chassis is connected to protective earth ground using standard threaded chassis ground connections prior to operation.

Compliance and Certifications

• Functional Safety: Certified by TÜV Rheinland for safety-critical applications up to SIL 1-3 per IEC 61508.
• Hazardous Locations: Certified by Factory Mutual (FM) for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D; ATEX Directive 94/9/EC Zone 2, Group IIB.
• EMC Directives: Complies with European Union EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC (CE Mark).
• Environmental & Immunity Standards: Meets IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD), IEC 61000-4-3 (Radiated Susceptibility), IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT/Burst), IEC 61000-4-5 (Surge), and CISPR emissions standards.
• Nuclear Standard: Qualified for nuclear 1E applications per EPRI TR-107330 and NRC SER ML013470433.