ICS TRIPLEX T8100 Replacement Controller Chassis

The ICS TRIPLEX T8100 Replacement Controller Chassis is the central backplane chassis of the Trusted® TMR (Triple Modular Redundancy) safety system, now part of the Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation portfolio. It hosts the main safety processor, communications modules, and up to eight I/O modules, providing the triplicated backplane infrastructure for SIL 3 safety applications.

Key Features

• TMR (Triple Modular Redundancy) backplane for fail-safe, fault-tolerant control
• 8 I/O module slots (numbered 1–8) for Trusted 8000-series I/O modules
• Dedicated slots for the T8111 Main Processor and T8151B Communications Module
• 20–32 V DC chassis supply; external 20 A fuse advised
• 19-inch rack mounting; vertical orientation only
• Requires T8270 fan trays for system cooling
• Unused slots must be fitted with blanking shields (T8191 single-slot / T8193 triple-slot)
• Certified for ordinary, hazardous, ATEX Zone 2, and IECEx locations
• Safety-rated to SIL 3 (IEC 61508 / IEC 61511) as part of the Trusted system

Technical Specifications

• Type Designation: T8100
• Product Type: TMR controller / processor chassis
• I/O Module Slots: 8 (numbered 1–8)
• Processor Slot: Dedicated (T8111 Main Processor)
• Communications Slot: Dedicated (T8151B / T8151C)
• Supply Voltage: 20–32 V DC; external fuse 20 A advised
• Mounting: 19-inch rack, vertical orientation only
• Cooling: T8270 fan trays (mandatory)
• Blanking Plates: T8191 (single slot) / T8193 (three slots) for unused slots
• Ambient Temperature: 0…60 °C
• Environment: Pollution Degree 2, overvoltage Category II, altitude ≤ 2000 m without derating
• Enclosure Requirement: IP 54 or better; tool-access only
• Certifications: Ordinary / HazLoc Class I Div 2 / ATEX (Ex nA, Ex ec IIC T4 GC) / IECEx
• System Safety Level: SIL 3 (per Trusted TMR system certification)
• Companion Chassis: T8300 Expander Chassis (systems 2–15 per Trusted architecture)
• Dimensions / Weight: approx. 266.7 × 483 × 312 mm, approx. 5 kg
• Origin: United Kingdom (ICS Triplex heritage; Rockwell Automation)

Installation Notes

1. Mount the chassis vertically in a 19-inch rack inside an IP 54 (or better) enclosure; only tool-access panels are permitted.
2. Install the mandatory T8270 fan trays before powering the system; confirm fan operation.
3. Fit blanking plates (T8191 / T8193) into every unused slot to maintain the certified configuration.
4. Supply 20–32 V DC with an external 20 A fuse; observe polarity and use the recommended wire cross-sections.
5. Install the T8111 Main Processor in its dedicated slot, T8151B in the communications slot, and I/O modules in slots 1–8.
6. Observe ESD precautions; do not remove or insert modules with backplane power in hazardous areas (arcing risk).
7. After commissioning, run the Trusted self-test / diagnostics and confirm fault/fail relay states before returning the process to service.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the T8100 and the T8300?

The T8100 is the Processor Chassis — it holds the main safety processor (T8111), communications modules, and 8 I/O slots. The T8300 is the Expander Chassis with 12 I/O slots, extending I/O capacity; one T8100 plus up to 14 T8300 chassis can form a single Trusted system (chassis numbers 1–15).

How many I/O modules can the T8100 hold?

Eight I/O modules in slots 1–8 (per Rockwell Trusted documentation). Some aftermarket listings claim 12 slots — that figure applies to the T8300 Expander Chassis, not the T8100.

What voltage powers the chassis?

20–32 V DC (24 V DC nominal range), with a 20 A external fuse advised. It is not a mains-voltage chassis.

Is the T8100 approved for hazardous areas?

Yes — it carries ordinary, Class I Div 2, ATEX (Ex nA / Ex ec IIC T4 GC), and IECEx approvals, subject to the special installation conditions (vertical mounting, T8270 fan trays, IP 54 enclosure, blanking plates).