Aggregate Data Rate: 57.6 Kbps total across all 4 serial ports
Isolation Rating: 500VDC (field-to-system, all ports)
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
Power Draw: 5VDC from backplane; ~3.5W typical
Max Per Chassis: 2 modules (occupies 1 logical slot each)
Max RS-485 Distance: 1,200 m (4,000 ft)
RS-485 Slave Nodes: Up to 32 per port
Certifications: IEC 61508 SIL3, TÜV, CE, UL
The Real-World Problem It Solves
SIL3 SIS needs deterministic, isolated comms to external devices. Generic serial cards lack isolation, violate SIL3, and cause ground-loop trips. Dedicated printer ports are rare on standard PLCs.Where you’ll typically find it:
Power plant BMS: Tricon ↔ DCS Modbus gateway linksThis module delivers isolated, SIL3-certified multi-protocol comms in one slot, eliminating third-party converters and reducing trip risk.
Hardware Architecture & Under-the-Hood Logic
This is a intelligent, microprocessor-based comms card—passes data between Tricon backplane and external devices with isolation.
Backplane interface links to Tricon main processor via dedicated comms bus.
On-board MCU manages protocol stacking (Modbus/TriStation) and port arbitration.
Each serial port has isolated transceivers (RS-232/422/485 software-selectable).
Centronics port drives line printers for hard-copy safety logs/alarm tickets.
500VDC isolation barriers block ground loops and transients from field side.
Dual-port RAM buffers data between backplane and external ports to avoid overruns.
LEDs indicate port activity, fault, and power status for quick visual checks.
Triconex 4119A
Field Service Pitfalls: What Rookies Get Wrong
Exceeding Aggregate 57.6 Kbps LimitTechs run four 19.2 Kbps ports at once. Total bandwidth caps at 57.6 Kbps—causes data drops, timeouts, and Modbus CRC errors.
Field Rule: Sum of all active port baud rates ≤ 57.6 Kbps; prioritize critical Modbus links.
Mixing Isolated/Non-Isolated Cables on RS-485Rookies use unshielded cable or ground both ends. Breaks 500VDC isolation, creates ground loops, triggers spurious SIS trips.
Quick Fix: Use shielded twisted pair; ground shield only at 4119A end; float field end.
Overloading Chassis with More Than 2 EICMsUsers slot 3+ modules—Tricon backplane comms bus saturates, causing all EICMs to drop offline.
Field Rule: Max 2×4119A per Tricon chassis; use external Modbus gateways if more ports needed.
Commercial Availability & Pricing Note
Please note: The listed price is for reference only and is not binding. Final pricing and terms are subject to negotiation based on current market conditions and availability.
