Triconex Tricon Safety System Modules | 3636T Relay Output Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Triconex Tricon Safety System Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Triconex Tricon platform is a Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Safety Instrumented System (SIS) deployed across the most demanding process industries globally. Installed in petrochemical complexes, LNG terminals, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, and refinery units, the Tricon architecture provides IEC 61511 / IEC 61508 SIL 3-rated protection for critical process loops. Its triple-redundant voting logic (2-out-of-3) ensures continuous operation even under single-channel failure conditions, making it the reference standard for Emergency Shutdown (ESD), High Integrity Pressure Protection (HIPPS), and Burner Management Systems (BMS) worldwide. The 3636T is a Relay Output Module within this architecture, providing 16 channels of relay-driven digital output for final element actuation in safety-critical applications.

The Evolution of Tricon Architecture

The Triconex Tricon system was introduced in the mid-1980s as one of the first commercially available TMR programmable safety controllers. The original Tricon chassis used a parallel backplane with three independent processing legs (Leg A, Leg B, Leg C), each executing identical logic and cross-comparing results via a dedicated voter bus. Early I/O modules operated at 5V TTL logic levels and communicated over a proprietary serial backplane.

The transition to the Tricon v9 and v10 hardware generations introduced enhanced diagnostics, faster scan rates, and expanded I/O density. The 3636T belongs to the mature Tricon I/O module family, designed for direct relay-contact output to solenoid valves, motor starters, and alarm annunciators. Subsequent generations introduced the Tricon CX (compact chassis) and the Triconex Trident platform for smaller-footprint SIS applications. The Tricon v11 series introduced fiber-optic communication between chassis and expanded support for HART pass-through on analog modules.

Compatibility note: Tricon I/O modules are chassis-slot specific. The 3636T is compatible with the standard 7-slot and 14-slot Tricon main chassis. It is not interchangeable with Trident or TS3000 series hardware without engineering review.

Tricon Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Controller / Main Processor Modules

• 3008: Main Processor Module (MP) — dual-ported, manages TMR voting and program execution
• 3006: Main Processor Module — earlier generation, 16MB program memory
• 3007: Main Processor Module — enhanced diagnostics variant for v9 chassis
• 3009: Main Processor Module — high-speed variant with expanded I/O addressing

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• 3501: 32-channel 24VDC Digital Input Module — field-powered, TMR voting per channel
• 3503: 32-channel 120VAC Digital Input Module — for high-voltage field devices
• 3504: 32-channel 24VDC Digital Input Module — enhanced noise immunity variant
• 3511: 16-channel 24VDC Digital Input Module — high-density, short-circuit protected

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• 3601: 32-channel 24VDC Solid-State Digital Output Module — 0.5A per channel
• 3603: 16-channel 120VAC Solid-State Digital Output Module — triac output
• 3625: 16-channel 24VDC Relay Output Module — Form C contacts, 2A rated
• 3636T: 16-channel Relay Output Module — TMR-voted relay contacts, 5A rated, for ESD final elements
• 3664: 16-channel 24VDC Digital Output Module — pulse-width modulation capable

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• 3700A: 8-channel 4–20mA Analog Input Module — 12-bit resolution, HART-capable
• 3703E: 8-channel 4–20mA Analog Input Module — enhanced EMI filtering, SIL 2 rated
• 3721: 16-channel Thermocouple/RTD Input Module — multi-type sensor support

Communication & Network Modules

• 4351B: Tricon Communication Module (TCM) — Modbus TCP / EtherNet/IP gateway
• 4119A: Enhanced Intelligent Communication Module (EICM) — serial Modbus RTU, peer-to-peer Tricon link
• 4100: Network Communication Module (NCM) — legacy Triconex proprietary network interface

Power Supply Modules

• 8312: 24VDC Power Supply Module — redundant pair operation, 20A output
• 8110: AC/DC Power Supply Module — 115/230VAC input, chassis bus regulated output

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Tricon Parts

The Tricon platform entered its mature/end-of-active-production phase for several module families. Schneider Electric (which acquired Triconex from Invensys in 2014) continues to provide limited OEM support, but lead times for new modules such as the 3636T, 3008, and 4351B can extend to 26–52 weeks through standard distribution channels.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested Tricon spare modules to support lifecycle extension programs for plants operating Tricon v9, v10, and v11 systems. Our sourcing protocol covers:

• Direct stock of pulled-and-tested Tricon I/O and processor modules
• Cross-referencing of superseded part numbers to current equivalents (e.g., 3700A → 3703E upgrade paths)
• Emergency same-day dispatch for critical plant shutdowns
• Long-term consignment agreements for operators managing multi-unit Tricon fleets

For obsolete modules with no OEM replacement path, DriveKNMS provides board-level repair assessment and functional equivalency documentation to support plant MOC (Management of Change) processes.

Quality Control for the Tricon Range

Tricon modules present specific test challenges due to their TMR backplane architecture and internal voter circuitry. Standard bench testing is insufficient — each module must be validated within a live Tricon chassis environment to confirm correct leg-to-leg voting behavior.

DriveKNMS quality control procedures for Tricon modules include:

• Chassis-resident functional test: Each module is installed in a reference Tricon chassis running a validated test program. Output states are verified against commanded logic states across all three TMR legs.
• Relay contact integrity test (3636T-specific): All 16 relay channels are cycled under rated load (5A resistive). Contact resistance is measured pre- and post-cycle to confirm within-spec performance (<100mΩ).
• Backplane communication verification: Module-to-chassis communication is logged over a minimum 4-hour soak period to detect intermittent bus errors.
• Firmware revision audit: Module firmware version is recorded and compared against the target system's compatibility matrix prior to dispatch.
• ESD packaging and documentation: All modules are shipped in anti-static packaging with a test report, revision label, and traceability record.

© 2026 DriveKNMS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice. Verify all parameters against official documentation before installation.