Product Overview

The T8310 is a specialized expander processor module developed by ICS Triplex for the Trusted® Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) system. This module serves as the primary communication bridge between the main controller and additional expansion chassis. By functioning as a high-speed interface, it extends the Inter-Module Bus (IMB) across multiple racks using Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling, allowing for the horizontal scaling of I/O capacity without compromising system speed or safety integrity.

Engineered for mission-critical environments, the T8310 maintains the fault-tolerant characteristics of the Trusted platform across extended distances. It is designed to inhabit the dedicated processor slots of an expansion chassis, where it manages data traffic and executes rigorous fault containment protocols to ensure that a localized failure does not propagate throughout the entire control network.

Technical Characteristics

• Architecture: Hardware Implemented Fault Tolerant (HIFT) with Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR).

• Processing Power: Dual 32-bit ARM Cortex-A9 high-speed processors.

• Memory: 2 GB DDR3 RAM for high-performance data buffering and execution.

• Voting Logic: Advanced 3-2-0 voting circuitry for error detection and elimination of spurious trips.

• Connectivity: Integrated Ethernet and RS-485 interfaces; supports UTP cabling for Expander Bus links.

• Fault Management: Comprehensive fault isolation between the Expander Bus, the local backplane, and internal module circuitry.

• Operational Continuity: Supports hot-swapping (online replacement) with configurable automatic or manual recovery modes.

• Diagnostics: Continuous self-testing with real-time health and status monitoring via front-panel LED indicators.

• Power Requirements: 24V DC nominal input.

• Physical Profile: 3 x 30.2 x 26.5 cm; Weight: 1.26 kg.

System Expansion and Fault Containment

The T8310 is a fundamental building block for large-scale Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). Its primary role is to act as a "slave" processor that synchronizes expansion I/O with the main "master" processor. This synchronization is achieved with microsecond precision, ensuring that the TMR system operates as a single, cohesive entity regardless of physical chassis distribution.

In the event of a hardware anomaly, the T8310 utilizes its HIFT architecture to identify and isolate the faulty component. Whether the issue resides within the cabling, the module itself, or the expansion rack, the system maintains 2-out-of-3 (2oo3) voting where possible, or degrades gracefully to ensure safe process shutdown. This level of reliability is essential for high-risk industrial sectors, including subsea control, emergency shutdown (ESD) systems, and fire and gas (F&G) monitoring, where downtime or failure can have catastrophic consequences.