YOKOGAWA ALE111 Modules: ALE111-S00 S1

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

YOKOGAWA ALE111 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The YOKOGAWA ALE111 series is a line of Ethernet communication modules designed for integration within YOKOGAWA's STARDOM FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers and the broader Vnet/IP distributed control architecture. These modules are deployed across critical continuous-process industries including petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, LNG terminals, nuclear power auxiliary systems, and offshore platform automation. The ALE111 series provides the physical and protocol-layer Ethernet interface that connects FCN/FCJ controller nodes to plant-wide supervisory networks, historian servers, and HMI stations. Its deterministic communication behavior and support for industrial Ethernet standards make it a load-bearing component in high-availability DCS topologies where network redundancy and fault isolation are mandatory requirements.

The Evolution of ALE111 Architecture

The ALE111 module was introduced as part of YOKOGAWA's transition from proprietary fieldbus architectures toward open industrial Ethernet standards within the STARDOM platform. Early FCN/FCJ deployments relied on dedicated serial and proprietary bus interfaces; the ALE111 represented the shift to 100BASE-TX Ethernet as the primary inter-node communication medium. Successive hardware revisions addressed EMI compliance requirements for IEC 61000-series environments, expanded VLAN tagging support, and improved hot-standby switchover timing for redundant network configurations. The S1 suffix on the ALE111-S00 S1 designates a specific hardware revision level that determines firmware compatibility and backplane interface signaling. Integrators managing mixed-revision FCN/FCJ racks must verify revision compatibility before substituting modules, as backplane protocol differences between major revisions are not always backward-compatible. As YOKOGAWA's product roadmap has shifted toward the OpreX Control and Safety System architecture, the ALE111 series has entered a mature/sustaining lifecycle phase. New greenfield projects are directed toward successor platforms, but the installed base of ALE111-equipped FCN/FCJ systems in long-lifecycle industries (refining, nuclear, chemical) ensures continued demand for spare and replacement modules through at least the 2030s.

ALE111 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the YOKOGAWA ALE111 and directly associated FCN/FCJ communication module range. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware configuration or revision level.

ALE111-S00 S1: FCN/FCJ 100BASE-TX Ethernet communication module, hardware revision S1, standard single-port configuration.
ALE111-S00 S2: Ethernet communication module, hardware revision S2, updated EMI shielding and firmware baseline.
ALE111-S00 S3: Ethernet communication module, hardware revision S3, extended operating temperature tolerance.
ALE111-S10: Dual-port Ethernet communication module for redundant network ring topologies.
ALE111-S10 S1: Dual-port variant, hardware revision S1, supports RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol).
ALE111-S10 S2: Dual-port variant, hardware revision S2, improved port isolation and diagnostics.
FCN-RTU ALE111: ALE111 module configured for FCN-RTU remote terminal unit deployments in pipeline SCADA applications.
ALE111 (CE Mark): European conformity variant with additional EMC certification documentation for EU installations.
ALE111 (UL Listed): UL 508 listed variant for North American industrial panel installations.
ALE111 Replacement Kit: Factory-authorized replacement assembly including module, backplane connector, and installation guide.
FCJ-ALE111-S00: ALE111 communication module variant factory-configured for FCJ compact controller chassis.
ALE111 (Hot Standby Pair): Matched pair of ALE111 modules pre-validated for hot-standby redundant Ethernet configurations.
ALE111 (Vnet/IP Node): ALE111 configured as a Vnet/IP network node interface for integration with CENTUM VP supervisory layer.
ALE111 (HART Pass-Through): Variant supporting HART protocol pass-through over Ethernet for field device diagnostics.
ALE111 (Modbus TCP): ALE111 with Modbus TCP/IP gateway function enabled for third-party SCADA integration.
ALE111 (OPC-UA Ready): Firmware-updated ALE111 supporting OPC Unified Architecture server function for IIoT data access.
ALE111 (DNP3 Gateway): ALE111 variant with DNP3 over TCP/IP for utility and substation automation applications.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete ALE111 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for YOKOGAWA ALE111 modules across all hardware revision levels, including units that have been discontinued from YOKOGAWA's standard spare parts catalog. For FCN/FCJ systems operating in long-lifecycle plant environments, the inability to source a single communication module can force an unplanned controller migration — a project-level cost and schedule risk that far exceeds the cost of maintaining a qualified spare parts supplier relationship. DriveKNMS sources ALE111 modules through verified industrial surplus channels, decommissioned plant asset liquidations, and authorized distributor overstock. All units are inspected, revision-verified, and tested prior to shipment. For customers requiring specific hardware revision levels (e.g., S1 vs. S2) to maintain rack homogeneity, DriveKNMS can filter inventory by revision suffix. Customers with multi-site FCN/FCJ installations are encouraged to submit consolidated bill-of-materials lists for batch sourcing and volume pricing.

Quality Control for the ALE111 Range

ALE111 modules present specific test challenges due to their dual role as both a network interface device and a backplane communication participant within the FCN/FCJ chassis. DriveKNMS applies a multi-stage verification protocol to all ALE111 units. Physical inspection covers the RJ-45 port housing, backplane edge connector pin integrity, and conformal coating condition on the PCB. Functional testing is performed using a dedicated FCN/FCJ test chassis that replicates the backplane signaling environment of a live installation. Each module is powered through the standard FCN/FCJ power supply rail and verified for correct Ethernet link negotiation at 10/100 Mbps, MAC address registration, and backplane communication handshake completion. For dual-port S10 variants, both ports are tested independently and in simultaneous operation. Modules that pass all functional tests are assigned a DriveKNMS test certificate with date, technician ID, and test chassis serial number, which is included with shipment documentation.