Description
System Role and Integration
The 1C31169G02 serves as the serial communication gateway within the Ovation Distributed Control System architecture, functioning as a critical bridge between the Ovation controller network and external serial devices. As a Link Controller (LC) module, it mounts in standard Ovation I/O chassis and manages the protocol conversion and data exchange necessary for integrating non-Ovation equipment—such as intelligent motor relays, variable frequency drives, power meters, and legacy PLCs—into the unified control strategy.
This module occupies a specialized position in hybrid automation environments where the Ovation DCS must communicate with existing plant infrastructure utilizing serial communication standards. While the Ovation controller executes the primary control logic, the 1C31169G02 handles the real-time data polling, command transmission, and protocol management required to coordinate disparate equipment into a cohesive control system.
Core Functionality and Signal Handling
The module provides two independent serial communication ports, configurable for RS-485 (2-wire or 4-wire), RS-422 (differential), or RS-232 (single-ended) operation depending on the specific requirements of the connected field devices. This flexibility allows the same module to interface with diverse equipment—from local RS-232 configuration ports on smart transmitters to long-distance RS-485 multi-drop networks spanning hundreds of meters across process units.
The 1C31169G02 supports standard industrial communication protocols, with primary emphasis on Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) master and slave modes. In master mode, the module polls external devices for register data; in slave mode, it responds to queries from external SCADA systems or master controllers. Data transfer rates reach 115.2 kbps, accommodating both legacy slow-speed devices and modern high-speed instrumentation.
Signal isolation and transient protection are integrated to safeguard the Ovation backplane from ground loops and electrical surges common in industrial environments. The module presents high-impedance inputs and protected outputs to ensure reliable communication across electrically noisy plant floor installations.
Platform Heritage and Operational Benefits
Manufactured originally by Westinghouse and now maintained within Emerson’s Ovation portfolio, the 1C31169G02 reflects the mature serial communication technology essential for brownfield automation projects and legacy system integration. The module’s “LC” (Link Controller) designation identifies it as part of Ovation’s communication interface family, distinct from standard I/O modules by its specialized protocol handling capabilities.
The dual-port architecture maximizes communication density—enabling simultaneous connection to two separate serial networks or providing redundant communication paths for critical devices. LED indicators on the module face provide immediate visual feedback of communication activity, port status, and module health, facilitating rapid troubleshooting without requiring software diagnostic tools.
The wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +70°C) accommodates installation in remote field enclosures, outdoor electrical vaults, and uncontrolled auxiliary buildings without requiring auxiliary heating or cooling systems. This ruggedness proves particularly valuable for water distribution systems, pipeline compressor stations, and power generation balance-of-plant applications where environmental conditions exceed standard commercial equipment ratings.
WESTINGHOUSE 1C31169G02
Part 4: Technical Specifications
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Model Number: 1C31169G02
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Manufacturer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation (Emerson Ovation product line)
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Product Type: Serial Link Controller Module (LC Module)
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Serial Ports: 2 independent configurable ports
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Supported Interfaces: RS-485 (2-wire/4-wire), RS-422, RS-232
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Data Transfer Rate: Up to 115.2 kbps (configurable)
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Protocols Supported: Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), ASCII, Binary (protocol-dependent)
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Isolation: Port-to-system isolation (typical 500V or greater)
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Port Indicators: LED status indicators per port (TX/RX activity, fault status)
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Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
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Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
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Humidity: 0% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
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Power Supply: 5V DC (via Ovation backplane) or 24V DC (depending on configuration)
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Power Consumption: ≤3W typical
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Mounting: Ovation I/O chassis plug-in module
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Dimensions: 12.1 cm × 5.2 cm × 16.5 cm (4.8 in × 2.0 in × 6.5 in) – typical Ovation EMOD form factor
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Weight: 0.3 kg to 0.5 kg (0.7 lbs to 1.1 lbs)
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Cable Connection: Terminal block or DB9 connector (configuration dependent)
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Termination: Optional RS-485 termination resistors (configurable)
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Status: Discontinued by manufacturer; available via secondary market and Emerson certified spares
Part 5: Core Features & Customer Value
Multi-Protocol Serial Flexibility: The configurable RS-485/RS-422/RS-232 interfaces accommodate diverse field device requirements without requiring separate communication cards for each physical layer standard. For system integrators, this eliminates the need for external protocol converters or media converters, reducing hardware costs and potential failure points in critical data links while simplifying spare parts inventory to a single module type.
Modbus RTU Integration: Native Modbus RTU support enables seamless integration of the vast installed base of Modbus-compatible devices—smart motor protection relays, power quality meters, variable frequency drives, and environmental sensors—into the Ovation control strategy. This capability protects existing infrastructure investments during control system migrations by providing a direct communication bridge to legacy equipment that must remain in service during phased upgrades.
Dual-Port Communication Density: The two independent serial ports maximize connectivity options—either serving two separate device networks simultaneously or providing primary/backup communication paths for critical equipment. This density reduces per-port hardware costs compared to single-port alternatives and allows flexible network architectures such as ring configurations or segmented device networks without additional communication hardware.
Industrial-Grade Noise Immunity: Integrated signal isolation and transient suppression protect the Ovation controller from ground loop currents and electromagnetic interference common in switchgear environments and motor control centers. The differential signaling of RS-485/RS-422 provides inherent noise rejection, ensuring reliable data transmission across electrically noisy plant floors where single-ended communication would fail.
Wide Environmental Operating Range: The -40°C to +70°C temperature rating accommodates installation in outdoor enclosures, remote pump stations, and unheated auxiliary buildings without climate control. This ruggedness proves particularly valuable for geographically distributed infrastructure such as water treatment facilities, natural gas pipeline stations, and power generation remote balance-of-plant systems where equipment must operate reliably across extreme ambient conditions.
WESTINGHOUSE 1C31169G02
Part 6: Typical Applications
Power Generation Auxiliary System Integration: The 1C31169G02 is extensively deployed in coal-fired, gas-fired, and hydroelectric power plants to interface with generator protection relays, turbine supervisory instruments, and boiler combustion control systems utilizing serial communication. In these applications, the module polls Modbus registers from intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for voltage, current, and power data, integrating this information into the Ovation control strategy for unit coordination and automatic generation control (AGC) while maintaining the deterministic control performance required for grid stability.
Water and Wastewater Remote Telemetry: Municipal water treatment and distribution facilities utilize the module to connect with remote terminal units (RTUs) at well fields, pump stations, and reservoir sites. The RS-485 multi-drop capability supports communication with multiple flow meters, pressure transmitters, and chlorine analyzers over distances exceeding 1,000 meters using standard twisted-pair cabling. This architecture eliminates the cost of individual point-to-point analog wiring while providing centralized monitoring and control from the main treatment plant.
Oil and Gas Pipeline Control: In petroleum pipeline and natural gas transmission applications, the module interfaces with custody transfer flow computers, compressor station controllers, and emergency shutdown systems. The Modbus master capability allows the Ovation controller to poll smart transmitters along the pipeline for pressure, temperature, and flow data required for leak detection algorithms and batch tracking, while the 115.2 kbps data rate accommodates the rapid scan requirements of high-speed compressor controls.
Building Automation and Facility Management: Commercial and industrial facilities employ the 1C31169G02 to integrate building management systems (BMS), HVAC controllers, and energy metering systems into the Ovation DCS. The module bridges the gap between the process control system and facility infrastructure, allowing coordinated control of manufacturing processes and building systems for optimized energy consumption and environmental management through unified operator interfaces.
Legacy System Migration: During control system modernization projects, the module provides the communication bridge between new Ovation controllers and existing legacy PLCs or smart transmitters that must remain in service during phased upgrades. The multi-protocol support allows the Ovation system to communicate with older Modbus devices while preparing for future migration to native Ovation I/O, protecting capital investment in field instrumentation and minimizing disruption to continuous process operations.
