HIMA F2 Series Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

HIMA F2 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The HIMA F2 Series is a safety-rated programmable controller platform engineered for deployment in high-consequence process industries, including petrochemical complexes, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, and refinery units. Certified to IEC 61508 SIL 3 and compliant with IEC 61511 for process safety applications, the F2 architecture has accumulated decades of installed base across global heavy industry. Its redundant backplane design, deterministic scan cycle, and fail-safe output behavior make it a reference standard for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in environments where spurious trips and undetected failures carry significant operational and safety risk. The F2 platform supports both simplex and redundant (1oo2D) configurations, enabling engineers to match system architecture to the required Safety Integrity Level without over-engineering. Installed units are found in ESD (Emergency Shutdown), HIPPS (High Integrity Pressure Protection), and BMS (Burner Management System) applications worldwide.

The Evolution of F2 Series Architecture

The HIMA F2 platform was introduced as a successor to earlier relay-based and first-generation programmable safety systems, establishing a modular, rack-based architecture that allowed field engineers to replace individual I/O and CPU modules without full system shutdown in many configurations. Early F2 variants used proprietary backplane communication protocols with fixed slot assignments; later revisions introduced more flexible addressing and expanded the supported I/O channel density per module. The F2 series predates the widespread adoption of IEC 61508 as a formal certification framework, yet HIMA retroactively validated many F2 modules against SIL 2 and SIL 3 criteria, extending their operational legitimacy in regulated industries. As the industry transitioned toward Ethernet-based fieldbus and IEC 61784 communication standards, HIMA introduced communication adapter modules within the F2 range to bridge legacy backplane I/O with modern HART, Profibus, and Modbus supervisory networks. The F2 platform is now in the mature-to-end-of-life phase of its product lifecycle. HIMA's current flagship safety platform is the HIMax and HIMatrix series. However, the F2 installed base remains extensive, and many operators have elected to maintain F2 systems under long-term service agreements rather than undertake full SIS migration projects, which carry significant engineering, validation, and shutdown costs. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of F2 spare modules to support these lifecycle extension strategies.

F2 Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced modules within the HIMA F2 platform. Each entry reflects the module's primary functional classification and channel specification.

Digital Output Modules

• F2DO1601: 16-channel digital output module, 24 VDC, SIL 3 rated, fail-safe de-energize-to-trip
• F2DO0801: 8-channel digital output module, 24 VDC, high-current capable outputs
• F2DO3201: 32-channel digital output module, compact density for large ESD matrices

Digital Input Modules

• F2DI1601: 16-channel digital input module, 24 VDC, SIL 3, with input diagnostics
• F2DI0801: 8-channel digital input module, suitable for field device monitoring
• F2DI3201: 32-channel digital input module, high-density field wiring termination
• F2DI1602: 16-channel digital input, enhanced EMC filtering variant

Analog Input Modules

• F2AI0401: 4-channel analog input, 4–20 mA HART-compatible, SIL 2
• F2AI0801: 8-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA, loop-powered transmitter support
• F2AI0402: 4-channel analog input with redundant A/D conversion for SIL 3 loops

Analog Output Modules

• F2AO0401: 4-channel analog output, 4–20 mA, for positioner and control valve interfaces

CPU / Controller Modules

• F2CPU01: Central processing unit, primary controller for F2 rack, 1oo2D logic execution
• F2CPU02: Enhanced CPU variant with expanded memory and faster scan cycle
• F2CPU03: CPU module with integrated Ethernet port for supervisory SCADA connectivity

Power Supply Modules

• F2PS01: 24 VDC rack power supply module, redundant-capable, internal fuse protection
• F2PS02: Wide-range input power supply, 110/230 VAC input, 24 VDC output

Communication & Interface Modules

• F2COM01: Serial communication adapter, RS-232/RS-485, Modbus RTU master/slave
• F2COM02: Profibus DP communication module, for integration with DCS historian networks

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete F2 Series Parts

The HIMA F2 platform has entered the end-of-active-production phase. HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH no longer manufactures new F2 modules as standard catalog items, and lead times through OEM channels for remaining new-old-stock (NOS) units are unpredictable. For operators running F2-based SIS in facilities with 10–20 year remaining operational horizons, unplanned module failure without an available spare creates a critical path risk to production continuity and safety system availability. DriveKNMS specializes in lifecycle extension support for legacy safety PLC platforms including the HIMA F2 series. Our sourcing network covers: verified surplus inventory from decommissioned plant assets, factory-refurbished modules with documented restoration records, and new-old-stock units held in climate-controlled storage. All F2 modules sourced through DriveKNMS are accompanied by full traceability documentation. We maintain stock of high-demand F2 modules including digital I/O, CPU, and power supply variants, and can fulfill emergency orders with expedited logistics to minimize system downtime. Customers operating under ISA 84 or IEC 61511 lifecycle management obligations can request documentation packages to support their Management of Change (MOC) processes when introducing replacement modules.

Quality Control for the F2 Series Range

The HIMA F2 backplane uses a proprietary parallel bus architecture with deterministic timing requirements. Standard bench testing procedures applicable to general-purpose PLCs are insufficient for validating F2 module integrity. DriveKNMS applies a dedicated F2-specific test protocol that includes: functional energization on an F2-compatible test rack with active CPU communication, verification of all I/O channel states against known reference signals, backplane bus communication integrity check across all slot positions, output relay or transistor switching verification under rated load, and internal diagnostic register readout to confirm no latched fault codes. For CPU modules, the test protocol additionally covers memory integrity verification, watchdog timer function, and communication port loopback testing. Analog modules are calibrated against a traceable reference standard with channel-by-channel linearity verification across the 4–20 mA range. All tested modules are assigned a unique test record number and shipped with a test report. Modules that fail any test parameter are quarantined and not offered for sale.

For F2DO1601 availability, bulk F2 spare part inquiries, or lifecycle support consultation:

• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Web: driveknms.com