Description
Product Overview
The Woodward 8237-1597 is a high-availability redundant control module designed for mission-critical power generation and industrial automation systems. As part of Woodward’s 8000 series of fault-tolerant controllers, this advanced unit provides triple-redundant processing with <10ms failover time, ensuring uninterrupted operation in turbine control, compressor stations, and other vital applications. The 8237-1597 features quad-core 64-bit processors with lockstep execution, delivering deterministic control loop execution at 1ms intervals. Its modular hot-swappable design allows for component replacement during operation, while the IP68-rated stainless steel enclosure withstands extreme environments (-40°C to +85°C, 15G vibration, 50G shock). With cyber-secure TSN Ethernet and IEC 62443-4-2 compliance, the Woodward 8237-1597 sets new standards for reliability in safety-critical control systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product Model | 8237-1597 |
| Manufacturer | Woodward |
| Product Type | Redundant Control Module |
| Processors | 4× 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 (lockstep) |
| Control Loop Speed | 1ms deterministic |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 ECC, 64GB eMMC |
| I/O Capacity | 1024 points (expandable) |
| Redundancy | Triple modular redundancy (TMR) |
| Failover Time | <10ms |
| Communication | 4× TSN Ethernet, 2× CAN FD |
| Power Supply | 24V DC (18-36V) or 125V DC (90-150V) |
| Power Consumption | 25W typical |
| Operating Temp. | -40°C to +85°C |
| Vibration Resistance | 15G (5-2000Hz) |
| Protection Rating | IP68 (NEMA 6P) |
| Certifications | SIL 3, IEC 61508, DNV-GL, UL |
WOODWARD 8237-1597
Main Features and Advantages
Fault-tolerant architecture: The Woodward 8237-1597 implements triple-redundant processing with continuous voting, automatically isolating and correcting errors without process interruption. Its distributed shared memory ensures seamless state synchronization between redundant units.
Deterministic performance: Hardware-based 1ms control loop execution is guaranteed through FPGA-accelerated I/O processing and time-triggered scheduling. The module’s ≤100ns timestamp accuracy enables precise event sequencing across distributed systems.
Cyber-physical security: Implements IEC 62443-4-2 Level 2 requirements including secure boot, runtime integrity monitoring, and hardware-based TLS 1.3 acceleration. The 8237-1597 supports HSM-protected firmware updates with cryptographic chain of trust verification.
Advanced diagnostics: Built-in predictive failure analysis monitors component degradation (CPU, memory, power supplies) using machine learning models. The module generates ISO 13374-3 compliant health reports with probabilistic remaining useful life estimates.
WOODWARD 8237-1597
Application Field
The Woodward 8237-1597 is deployed in ultra-critical control applications:
Nuclear Power Plants: Reactor protection systems requiring SIL 3 certification
LNG Trains: Cascade control for parallel compressor strings
Naval Propulsion: Integrated power and propulsion control
High-Speed Turbomachinery: Active magnetic bearing control
Grid Stability Systems: Wide-area monitoring and control
Related Products
8237-1598: Aerospace version with DO-254/178C certification
8237-1596: Process industry version with Foundation Fieldbus
ProAct XT: Distributed control system platform
TSN-SWITCH16: 16-port managed TSN switch
RIO-8000: Remote I/O extension unit
HIM-9000: Hazardous area interface module
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation: Implement optical isolation for field wiring in high-noise environments. Configure PTP Grandmaster clock synchronization before network activation. Verify grounding resistance <0.1Ω for EMI protection.
Maintenance recommendations: Perform annual memory scrubbing to prevent bit errors. Monitor FPGA junction temperatures via embedded diagnostics. Update HSM security keys during planned outages. The 8237-1597 supports hot-swapping of all field-replaceable units.
Product Guarantee
Woodward’s 10-year warranty covers all components including firmware and security updates. Each unit undergoes:
5000-hour accelerated life testing
MIL-STD-810H environmental stress screening
IEC 61508 SIL 3 verification
The Diamond Support Program includes:
1-hour emergency response for critical systems
Lifetime security patches with FIPS 140-3 Level 4 encryption
NIST-traceable calibration services
30-year spare parts availability guarantee
