TELI CS3500 Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

TELI CS3500 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The TELI CS3500 series represents a distributed control system (DCS) platform deployed across heavy industrial sectors including petrochemical refineries, chemical processing plants, and power generation facilities. Its modular backplane architecture allows for high-density I/O integration within a standardized rack form factor, making it a long-term infrastructure choice for facilities requiring deterministic process control. The CS3500 platform has been installed in continuous-process environments where system uptime requirements exceed 99.9%, and where module-level replacement — rather than full system overhaul — is the standard maintenance protocol.

The Evolution of CS3500 Architecture

The CS3500 series was developed as a successor to earlier TELI DCS platforms, introducing a high-speed internal bus that reduced inter-module latency compared to legacy parallel-bus designs. Early revisions of the CS3500 used proprietary backplane connectors that are incompatible with later CS3500E and CS3500P variants — a critical consideration for facilities performing partial upgrades. The transition from CS3500 to CS3500E introduced enhanced EMI shielding and extended operating temperature ranges, addressing field failures observed in high-vibration environments such as compressor stations. The CS3500A and CS3500D variants introduced redundant CPU configurations, enabling hot-standby failover without process interruption. As of 2026, the CS3500 core platform is in the mature/end-of-active-production phase; TELI has transitioned primary development resources to next-generation platforms. However, the installed base remains substantial, and module-level spare parts continue to be sourced through authorized distributors and specialist suppliers such as DriveKNMS to support lifecycle extension programs.

CS3500 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified components within the TELI CS3500 series, organized by functional category. Each module is independently replaceable within the CS3500 rack system.

CPU / Controller Modules

• CS3500C: Main control unit; executes process logic and manages backplane communication.
• CS3501: Single-slot CPU module; entry-level controller for small-scale CS3500 configurations.
• CS3500A: Redundant CPU module; supports hot-standby failover for high-availability applications.
• CS3500D: Dual-processor control unit; enhanced scan rate for high-speed loop control.
• CS3500E: Extended-temperature CPU variant; rated for ambient conditions up to 60°C.

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• CS3508: 8-channel analog input module; 4–20 mA / 0–10 V configurable per channel.
• CS3510: 16-channel analog input module; supports HART protocol pass-through on all channels.
• CS3520: High-resolution AI module; 24-bit ADC for precision temperature and pressure measurement.
• CS3500P: Analog input module with built-in signal conditioning; designed for thermocouple inputs.

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• CS3530: 32-channel digital input module; 24 VDC sourcing/sinking, optically isolated.
• CS3540: 64-channel DI module; high-density configuration for valve position feedback applications.

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• CS3550: 8-channel analog output module; 4–20 mA, 12-bit resolution, loop-powered.
• CS3560: 16-channel AO module; supports simultaneous update across all channels for coordinated control.

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• CS3570: 32-channel digital output module; relay-type, rated 2A per channel at 24 VDC.
• CS3580: 16-channel DO module; transistor output, high-speed switching for pulse applications.

Communication & Network Modules

• CS3590: Ethernet communication adapter; supports Modbus TCP and OPC-DA for SCADA integration.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete CS3500 Parts

As the CS3500 series enters its lifecycle maintenance phase, procurement of specific module variants — particularly early-revision CPU boards and high-channel-count I/O modules — has become increasingly constrained through standard distribution channels. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of CS3500 series components sourced from decommissioned systems, authorized surplus channels, and direct manufacturer relationships. For facilities operating under long-term service agreements that predate the CS3500's end-of-active-production announcement, DriveKNMS provides documented traceability records for each unit, including revision history and prior operational environment data. Requests for obsolete or low-availability SKUs — including early CS3500C revisions and CS3500A redundancy modules — are processed within 24 hours of inquiry submission.

Quality Control for the CS3500 Range

The CS3500 series employs a multi-layer backplane bus architecture that requires module-specific functional validation beyond standard power-on testing. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all CS3500 units prior to shipment: (1) Backplane continuity verification using CS3500-compatible rack test fixtures to confirm all bus lines are intact; (2) CPU module boot sequence validation, confirming firmware version compatibility with target system revision; (3) I/O channel-level functional test — each analog channel is stimulated across its full input range and output accuracy is measured against factory specification tolerances (±0.1% FS for AI modules, ±0.05% FS for AO modules); (4) Communication module loopback testing on all supported protocols (Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, OPC-DA); (5) 48-hour burn-in at rated operating temperature to screen for early-life component failures. All units are shipped with a test report documenting pass/fail results for each test stage.