Triconex 8110 High Density Main Chassis

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Triconex Tricon Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Triconex Tricon series is a Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) safety programmable logic controller platform developed by Triconex (now a Schneider Electric brand). It is one of the most widely deployed safety instrumented systems (SIS) in global heavy industry, with documented installations in petroleum refining, chemical processing, nuclear power generation, LNG terminals, and offshore platforms. The Tricon architecture achieves IEC 61511 SIL 3 certification by executing all logic across three independent processing paths simultaneously, with a fault-tolerant voter circuit that maintains output integrity even when one channel fails. This design philosophy has made the Tricon the reference standard for high-consequence process safety applications where unplanned shutdowns carry multi-million-dollar operational penalties.

The 8110 High Density Main Chassis is the primary backplane assembly for Tricon systems, providing the physical and electrical infrastructure for all I/O, communication, and processing modules. It supports high-density module population, reducing rack space requirements in large-scale installations.

The Evolution of Tricon Architecture

The Triconex Tricon platform was introduced in the late 1980s as one of the first commercially available TMR safety controllers. The original Tricon v1 and v2 systems used proprietary backplane communication and were programmed via early versions of TriStation software. Through the 1990s, Triconex released the Tricon v9 and v10 hardware generations, which introduced enhanced I/O density, improved diagnostics, and expanded communication options including Modbus and DH+ adapters.

The Tricon v10 and v11 generations, which remain the dominant installed base globally, introduced the Enhanced Intelligent Field Device Interface (EIFDI) and expanded the module catalog to include high-density analog and digital I/O. The TriStation 1131 programming environment standardized IEC 61131-3 function block and ladder logic programming across the platform. As the installed base aged into the 2010s, Triconex introduced the Tricon CX as a next-generation replacement, offering Ethernet-based communication and modern cybersecurity features. However, the volume of legacy Tricon v9/v10/v11 installations in active service means that demand for original spare modules — including the 8110 chassis — remains high through the 2020s and beyond.

Compatibility note: Tricon v9 modules are generally not interchangeable with v10/v11 modules. Chassis, I/O modules, and communication adapters must be matched to the correct hardware revision. Always verify the system's hardware version before ordering replacement parts.

Triconex Tricon Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Main Chassis & Backplane

• 8110: High Density Main Chassis — primary backplane for Tricon TMR systems, supports full module population across three redundant channels.
• 8100: Standard Main Chassis — base backplane assembly for Tricon v9/v10 systems, lower module slot density than 8110.
• 8101: Expansion Chassis — extends I/O capacity beyond the main chassis, connected via chassis expansion cable.
• 8102: Remote Expansion Chassis — supports remote I/O node configuration for distributed plant installations.

Main Processors (MP)

• 4351B: Main Processor Module — Tricon v10 TMR CPU, executes safety logic across three independent processing paths at up to 10ms scan time.
• 4352: Main Processor Module — enhanced v10 MP with increased memory capacity and faster scan performance for large logic programs.
• 4353: Main Processor Module — v11 generation MP, supports TriStation 1131 v4.x and later, includes enhanced diagnostic reporting.

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• 3501E: 32-Channel 24VDC Digital Input Module — standard DI for discrete field device monitoring, TMR voting on all 32 channels.
• 3503E: 32-Channel 120VAC Digital Input Module — for AC-powered field devices, common in legacy North American plant installations.
• 3664: 16-Channel Digital Input Module — high-voltage DI for 120/240VAC field signals, used in motor control and valve position monitoring.

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• 3601E: 16-Channel 24VDC Digital Output Module — TMR voted solid-state outputs for solenoid valves and relay drivers.
• 3603E: 16-Channel Relay Output Module — dry contact relay outputs for applications requiring galvanic isolation from field devices.
• 3625: 8-Channel High-Current Digital Output Module — for high-load actuator applications requiring greater than standard output current ratings.

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• 3700A: 16-Channel Analog Input Module — 4–20mA HART-compatible AI for pressure, temperature, and flow transmitter inputs, TMR architecture.
• 3703E: 8-Channel Analog Input Module — high-resolution AI with individual channel diagnostics, used in critical measurement loops.
• 3721: 8-Channel Thermocouple Input Module — direct thermocouple connection for high-temperature process measurement without external transmitters.

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• 3805E: 8-Channel Analog Output Module — 4–20mA AO for control valve positioners and variable speed drive setpoint signals.

Communication Modules

• 4119A: Tricon Communication Module (TCM) — primary Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP gateway for DCS integration and historian connectivity.
• 4329: Enhanced Intelligent Field Device Interface (EIFDI) — HART pass-through communication module for field device asset management.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Triconex Tricon Parts

The Triconex Tricon v9, v10, and v11 hardware generations have been formally discontinued by Schneider Electric. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support for these platforms has transitioned to limited lifecycle support contracts, and new production of many module types — including the 8110 chassis — has ceased. For plant operators committed to maintaining existing Tricon installations through their process lifecycle (typically 20–30 years for refinery and chemical plant infrastructure), sourcing certified surplus and refurbished modules from specialist distributors is the primary procurement strategy.

Quality Control for the Triconex Tricon Range

All test results are documented and available upon request. Modules that do not pass all test criteria are quarantined and not offered for sale.