TRICONEX Tricon Series Modules | 3805E Analog Output Module 8PT TMR 4-20mA DC

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

TRICONEX Tricon Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of Tricon Architecture

The Tricon platform was introduced by Triconex Corporation in the late 1980s as a hardware-based TMR safety controller. The original Tricon v1 and v2 chassis used proprietary backplane communication at low bus speeds, with discrete I/O modules designed for hardwired field termination. Through the 1990s, the platform evolved to support analog I/O with HART pass-through capability, expanded communication adapters (Modbus, DH+, Ethernet), and higher-density I/O modules.

Invensys acquired Triconex in 2004, followed by Schneider Electric's acquisition of Invensys in 2014. The Tricon platform continued under Schneider Electric's Process Automation division (now rebranded as AVEVA / Schneider Electric Safety Systems). The modern Tricon CX (Tricon v10+) introduced enhanced cybersecurity features, faster processors, and IEC 62443 compliance, while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy Tricon v9 chassis and I/O modules in most configurations. This cross-generation compatibility is critical for plant operators managing long-lifecycle assets: a 3805E analog output module from a v9 system can often be validated against a v10 chassis with appropriate firmware alignment. However, mixing generations requires careful revision-level verification, particularly for communication modules and main processors.

Tricon Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked modules within the TRICONEX Tricon TMR platform. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware function within the Tricon I/O and control architecture.

Analog Output Modules

• 3805E: Analog Output, 8-channel, TMR, 4–20mA DC, capacitively coupled — the subject of this listing. Provides isolated current-loop outputs for final control elements such as control valves and variable speed drives in SIL 3 loops.
• 3805H: Analog Output, 8-channel, TMR, 4–20mA, enhanced HART revision support for smart field device diagnostics.
• 3703E: Analog Input, 16-channel, TMR, 4–20mA DC, capacitively coupled, for process variable acquisition in SIL 3 loops.
• 3704E: Analog Input, 8-channel, TMR, ±10V DC voltage input, for high-precision sensor interfacing.

Digital Input Modules

• 3501E: Digital Input, 32-channel, 24V DC, TMR, for field switch and discrete sensor interfacing.
• 3503E: Digital Input, 32-channel, 120V AC, TMR, for high-voltage field device monitoring.
• 3504E: Digital Input, 32-channel, 240V AC, TMR, for utility-grade discrete input applications.
• 3532: Digital Input, 32-channel, 24V DC, isolated, enhanced noise immunity for electrically harsh environments.

Digital Output Modules

• 3601E: Digital Output, 16-channel, 24V DC, TMR, solid-state relay output for solenoid valve and actuator control.
• 3603E: Digital Output, 16-channel, 120V AC, TMR, for AC-powered field actuators.
• 3604E: Digital Output, 16-channel, 240V AC, TMR, for high-voltage discrete output applications.
• 3625: Digital Output, 16-channel, 24V DC, with enhanced diagnostics and output current monitoring.

Main Processor & CPU Modules

• 3008: Main Processor Module (MP), Tricon v9/v10, 32-bit TMR CPU, primary execution and voting logic engine.
• 3006: Main Processor Module (MP), Tricon v7/v8 legacy, compatible with older chassis revisions.
• 3007: Main Processor Module (MP), Tricon v8, intermediate generation with expanded memory.

Communication & Network Modules

• 4351A: Enhanced Intelligent Communication Module (EICM), supports Modbus RTU/TCP, DH+, and peer-to-peer Tricon network communication.
• 4119A: Tricon Communication Module (TCM), Ethernet-based, supports Modbus TCP and OPC DA for DCS integration.
• 3721: Termination Panel interface module for remote I/O expansion via Tricon bus extension.

Power Supply Modules

• 8312: Power Supply Module, 24V DC input, TMR chassis power distribution, with individual leg monitoring.
• 8110: AC Power Supply, 120/240V AC input, for Tricon main chassis power in utility-fed installations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Tricon Parts

A significant portion of the global Tricon installed base operates on hardware revisions that Schneider Electric has classified as end-of-life (EOL) or no longer available through standard distribution channels. Modules such as the 3006, 3007, 3501E, and early-revision 3805E units are no longer manufactured but remain in active service at facilities with 20–30 year asset lifecycles.

Quality Control for the Tricon Range

TRICONEX Tricon modules present specific testing challenges due to their TMR architecture: each module contains three independent processing or signal-conditioning legs that must be individually verified, along with the inter-leg voting logic. Standard bench testing that validates only output signal integrity is insufficient for TMR hardware.

DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol for Tricon modules: