ABB INFI-NET Modules: ICT13A INICT13A

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB INFI-NET Series Technical Notes

The ABB INFI-NET (Infi 90) distributed control system is one of the most widely deployed DCS platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power stations, oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and continuous-process manufacturing facilities, the INFI-NET architecture established a benchmark for deterministic, peer-to-peer process control communication during its commercial introduction in the mid-1980s. The platform's modular backplane design, combined with its token-passing network protocol, enabled plant-wide integration of thousands of I/O points across geographically distributed control nodes. Facilities that commissioned INFI-NET systems in the 1980s and 1990s continue to operate this hardware as of 2026, making lifecycle support and spare parts availability a critical operational requirement for maintenance engineers worldwide.

The Evolution of INFI-NET Architecture

The INFI-NET platform was introduced by Bailey Controls (subsequently acquired by ABB) as the communication backbone of the Infi 90 DCS. The architecture is built around a coaxial token-bus network operating at 1 Mbit/s, connecting Process Control Units (PCUs), Operator Interface Stations (OIS), and Engineering Workstations (EWS) into a unified supervisory and control fabric.

Early-generation modules (circa 1985–1992) used the IMMFP02 and IMMFP03 Multi-Function Processors as the primary control engine, with INFI-NET communication handled by dedicated network interface cards mounted in the NISA (Network Interface and System Architecture) backplane. The ICT (Infi-Net to Computer Transfer) module family, including the ICT13A / INICT13A, was introduced to bridge the INFI-NET token bus with host computer systems, enabling data historian integration, supervisory SCADA connectivity, and DDE/OPC data exchange before standardized OPC-UA existed.

Mid-generation evolution (1993–2002) introduced the IMMFP12 and IMMFP13 processors, expanded memory addressing, and improved diagnostic firmware. Communication modules were updated to support higher-throughput data transfer while maintaining backward compatibility with existing INFI-NET segment wiring. The ICT13A represents this generation, providing a stable, validated interface between the INFI-NET bus and RS-232/RS-422 serial computer links.

INFI-NET Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced modules within the ABB INFI-NET / Infi 90 ecosystem. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the DCS architecture.

Network Interface & Computer Transfer Modules

• ICT13A / INICT13A: INFI-NET to computer transfer module; RS-232/RS-422 serial host interface for historian and SCADA connectivity.
• INICT02: INFI-NET to computer interface, early-generation serial transfer module for host computer data exchange.
• INICT13: Predecessor to ICT13A; INFI-NET computer transfer module without enhanced diagnostic firmware.
• INNIS01: INFI-NET interface module; provides network segment connection for PCU backplane integration.
• INNPM01: INFI-NET network port module; manages token-bus access and segment arbitration.

Multi-Function Processor (CPU) Modules

• IMMFP02: Multi-Function Processor, early generation; primary control execution engine for Infi 90 PCU.
• IMMFP03: Multi-Function Processor with expanded I/O scan capacity; direct replacement path for IMMFP02.
• IMMFP12: Mid-generation MFP with enhanced memory and faster scan rates; widely deployed in refinery applications.
• IMMFP13: High-capacity Multi-Function Processor; supports redundant configuration with IMMFP12.

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• IMDSI02: 16-channel analog input module; 4–20 mA process signal acquisition for field transmitters.
• IMDSI03: Analog input module with enhanced signal conditioning; supports thermocouple and RTD inputs.
• IMASI02: Analog signal input module; 8-channel differential input for high-accuracy process measurement.

Digital Input (DI) / Digital Output (DO) Modules

• IMDSO04: 16-channel digital output module; 24 VDC discrete output for valve and relay actuation.
• IMDSI04: 16-channel digital input module; 24 VDC field contact status acquisition.
• IMDSM04: Digital I/O combination module; mixed discrete input/output for compact panel installations.

Power Supply Modules

• IMPS02: PCU power supply module; provides regulated DC bus voltage to backplane-mounted modules.
• IMPS10: Enhanced power supply with redundancy support; used in critical-process PCU configurations.

Communication & Specialty Modules

• INCOM01: INFI-NET communication module; manages inter-PCU data exchange across network segments.
• INRPG01: Remote process gateway module; bridges INFI-NET to remote I/O subsystems.

Quality Control for the INFI-NET Range

INFI-NET modules present specific quality control challenges due to their age, the complexity of the INFI-NET token-bus communication protocol, and the sensitivity of backplane connector interfaces after decades of service. DriveKNMS applies a multi-stage inspection and test procedure to all INFI-NET modules processed through its facility.

Incoming inspection covers physical examination of the PCB for corrosion, capacitor condition, connector pin integrity, and evidence of prior repair or component substitution. Modules with non-OEM component replacements are flagged and subjected to extended burn-in testing. For communication modules including the ICT13A / INICT13A, functional validation requires connection to an active INFI-NET test bench replicating the token-bus environment, verifying that the module correctly acquires the token, transmits and receives data frames without error, and responds to host computer polling commands across both RS-232 and RS-422 interface modes. Processor modules (IMMFP series) are tested under simulated I/O load with diagnostic firmware interrogation to confirm memory integrity and scan cycle performance within OEM specification. Power supply modules are load-tested across the full rated output current range with ripple and regulation measurements recorded. All test results are documented and accompany each shipped unit.