HIMA F8000 Series Modules — F8621/A CPU Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

HIMA F8000 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The HIMA F8000 series is a safety-rated programmable logic controller (PLC) platform engineered for deployment in high-consequence industrial environments. It holds a substantial installed base across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical refining, offshore oil and gas platforms, nuclear power generation auxiliary systems, and large-scale chemical processing facilities. The F8000 architecture is certified to IEC 61508 SIL 3 and is recognized under TÜV Rheinland assessments, making it a reference platform for functional safety engineers specifying Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD), Burner Management Systems (BMS), and High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS). Its redundant backplane design and deterministic scan cycle have made it a long-term standard in plants where replacement cycles span 15–25 years.

The Evolution of F8000 Architecture

The F8000 series was introduced by HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH as part of its transition from relay-based safety systems to fully programmable safety PLCs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The initial F8000 modules used a proprietary backplane bus with parallel I/O addressing, designed for single-channel and 1oo2 (one-out-of-two) voting logic configurations. Through successive hardware revisions, HIMA introduced dual-channel redundant CPU architectures (1oo2D) that allowed online diagnostics without process interruption.

The F8621/A CPU module represents a mature revision within the F8000 central processing unit family, featuring enhanced diagnostic coverage and compatibility with HIMA's ELOP II programming environment. As the F8000 series has entered its end-of-active-production phase, compatibility with legacy backplanes (F8600-series racks) and original I/O bus protocols remains a critical concern for plant operators performing like-for-like replacements. Migration paths to HIMA's HIMax and HIMatrix platforms exist but require full system re-engineering, making F8000 spare parts procurement a sustained operational requirement for existing installations.

F8000 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU / Central Processing Units

• F8621/A: Central processing unit, 1oo2D architecture, ELOP II compatible, SIL 3 rated
• F8622/A: Redundant CPU module, paired operation with F8621/A for hot-standby configurations
• F8627/A: CPU module with extended memory capacity for large application programs
• F8628/A: High-speed CPU variant, reduced scan cycle time for fast-response ESD applications

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• F8651/A: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input module, SIL 2 rated, single-channel
• F8652/A: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input, 1oo2 voting, SIL 3 rated
• F8653/A: 32-channel digital input module, high-density I/O for large process units
• F8654/A: 16-channel 120 VAC digital input module for legacy field device interfaces

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• F8661/A: 16-channel 24 VDC digital output, solid-state, SIL 2 rated
• F8662/A: 8-channel relay output module, 230 VAC rated, for final element actuation
• F8663/A: 16-channel digital output with line fault detection, SIL 3 rated

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• F8671/A: 8-channel 4–20 mA analog input, 12-bit resolution, HART pass-through capable
• F8672/A: 8-channel analog input with redundant signal processing, SIL 2 rated
• F8673/A: 16-channel analog input module, high-density configuration for transmitter-heavy applications

Communication & Power Modules

• F8640/A: PROFIBUS DP communication adapter, master/slave configurable, for DCS integration
• F8641/A: Modbus RTU/TCP gateway module for third-party SCADA connectivity
• F8600/A: Backplane rack unit, 8-slot, base chassis for F8000 module installation
• F8601/A: Power supply module, 24 VDC input, redundant pair capable
• F8602/A: Redundant power supply module, hot-swap rated, for continuous availability systems

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete F8000 Parts

The HIMA F8000 series has transitioned out of active production. HIMA's official support for new hardware orders of F8000 modules is limited, with the manufacturer directing customers toward HIMax migration. However, the global installed base of F8000 systems in operating plants — particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and European refining sectors — creates sustained demand for like-for-like replacement modules.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of F8000 series modules sourced through certified industrial surplus channels, decommissioned plant asset recovery, and authorized distributor overstock. All units are catalogued by part number, hardware revision, and firmware version where applicable. DriveKNMS provides F8000 modules with full traceability documentation, supporting plant maintenance teams in meeting their Management of Change (MOC) and functional safety audit requirements. For end-of-life modules where new stock is unavailable, DriveKNMS can source tested-good refurbished units with inspection reports.

Quality Control for the F8000 Range

F8000 modules present specific testing challenges due to their proprietary backplane bus architecture and safety-critical diagnostic logic. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection and functional test protocol to all F8000 units prior to dispatch:

• Visual inspection of PCB, connector pins, and backplane edge connectors for corrosion, mechanical damage, and component integrity
• Power-on functional test using HIMA-compatible rack and power supply to verify module initialization and self-diagnostic pass status
• CPU modules (including F8621/A) are tested for communication handshake with paired redundant CPU and verified for ELOP II program load/execute cycle
• I/O modules are tested channel-by-channel using calibrated signal sources and loads to verify input accuracy and output switching integrity
• Communication modules are tested for protocol frame transmission and error-free data exchange under simulated network load
• All tested units are logged with test date, technician ID, and pass/fail result, with documentation available upon request