Tricon System Overview

A Tricon system consists of a main chassis and up to 14 expansion or remote expansion (RXM) chassis. The system can support a maximum of 15 chassis, accommodating a total of 118 I/O modules and communication modules. These modules interface with OPC clients, Modbus devices, other Tricons, and external host applications on Ethernet (802.3) networks, as well as Foxboro and Honeywell distributed control systems (DCS).

Chassis Layout

Each chassis contains two power supplies on the left side, one positioned above the other. In the main chassis, three main processors are situated immediately to the right of the power supplies. The chassis is then divided into six logical slots for I/O and communication modules, and one COM slot without a hot-spare position. Each logical slot has two physical spaces for modules: one for the active module and one for an optional hot-spare module.

Expansion Chassis Configuration

The layout of an expansion chassis mirrors that of the main chassis, except it offers eight logical slots for I/O modules. The slots occupied by the main processors and the COM slot in the main chassis are available for other uses in the expansion chassis. Main and expansion chassis are connected via triplicated I/O bus cables. The standard maximum length for these cables is 100 feet (30 meters), extendable to 1,000 feet (300 meters) in restricted applications. Consultation with a Triconex Customer Support representative is advised for configurations exceeding 30 meters.

Remote Expansion (RXM) Chassis

RXM chassis are employed when the total cable distance between the first and last chassis exceeds the supported distance for copper cables. Each RXM chassis includes a set of three RXM modules placed in the same position as the main processors in the main chassis. Additionally, RXM chassis have six logical slots available for use and one blank (unused) slot.

Overall Dimensions

• 19 inches wide by 22.75 inches high by 17.75 inches deep (48.3 cm by 57.8 cm by 45.1 cm)

Chassis Fabrication

• Black zinc-plated and welded cold-rolled steel

Approximate Weights

• Main or Expansion Chassis: 54.0 lbs (24.5 kg)