F8628X HIMA

Description

HIMA F8628X Communication Module

1. Product Description

• Dual Protocol Support: Integrates Profibus DP for fieldbus communication and Ethernet for programming, bridging legacy and modern systems.
• Redundancy Enablement: Works seamlessly with HIMA’s dual-channel architectures (e.g., H41q-HR/H51q-HR) to create fault-tolerant communication paths.
• Real-Time Diagnostics: Built-in LED indicators provide instant feedback on power status, communication health, and module functionality, enabling quick fault detection.
• Environmental Resilience: Operates reliably in extreme temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) and withstands electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for harsh industrial settings.

2. Technical Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Brand	HIMA
Model	F8628X
Module Type	Safety Communication Module
Power Supply	24 V DC ±20%
Power Consumption	≤15 W (maximum load)
Communication Protocols	Profibus DP Slave (up to 12 Mbps), Ethernet (10/100 Mbps for Elop II)
Physical Dimensions	133.35 mm (3 HU) × 20.32 mm (4 WU) × 150 mm (depth)
Weight	0.8 kg
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Safety Integrity Level	SIL 3 compliant (IEC 61508)
Redundancy Support	Compatible with dual-channel CPU configurations
Mounting	19-inch rack (3 HU vertical, 4 WU horizontal)

HIMA F8628X

3. Advantages and Features

• SIL 3 Compliance for Critical Safety:
  The F8628X is part of HIMA’s SIL 3-certified safety ecosystem, ensuring compliance with the highest international safety standards (IEC 61508). This makes it ideal for applications where communication failures could lead to severe consequences, such as chemical reactor control or oil refinery safety systems.
• Protocol Flexibility for Hybrid Systems:
  By supporting both Profibus DP (for legacy field devices) and Ethernet-based Elop II programming, the module eliminates the need for additional protocol converters. This reduces integration complexity and costs, especially in environments with mixed industrial networks.
• High Availability with Redundancy:
  When paired with HIMA’s redundant CPU modules (e.g., F8652X), the F8628X creates 1oo2D (one-out-of-two with diagnostics) architectures, achieving a mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 100,000 hours. This ensures continuous operation even if one communication channel fails.
• Compact Design for Space Efficiency:
  The module’s 3 HU × 4 WU form factor optimizes rack space, fitting seamlessly into HIMA’s 19-inch subracks. This is particularly beneficial for dense control panel installations where space is limited.

4. Application Areas and Case Study

Application Areas:

• Petrochemical and Chemical Processing: Connecting safety PLCs to distributed control systems (DCS) for real-time monitoring of reactor pressures, temperatures, and valve positions.
• Power Generation: Enabling communication between turbine safety controllers and SCADA systems in thermal and renewable energy plants.
• Transportation and Logistics: Integrating safety interlocks in railway signaling systems and automated warehouse control.
• Manufacturing: Facilitating data exchange between machine safety PLCs and enterprise-level management systems for predictive maintenance.

Case Study:

5. Competitive Comparison

• Higher Safety Integrity: SIL 3 certification surpasses many alternatives that support only SIL 2, making it a preferred choice for risk-critical applications.
• Dual Protocol Integration: Native support for both Profibus DP and Ethernet eliminates the need for external gateways, reducing hardware costs and potential points of failure.
• Ecosystem Optimization: Designed exclusively for HIMA’s safety PLC platforms, it ensures plug-and-play compatibility without custom programming, unlike generic third-party modules that require additional configuration.
• Extended Temperature Range: Operates reliably across -40°C to +70°C, outperforming competitors with narrower temperature tolerances in extreme industrial environments.
  

  HIMA F8628X

6. Selection Recommendations

• Protocol Compatibility: Choose the F8628X if your system requires integration with Profibus DP devices or remote Ethernet-based programming. It is not suitable for systems relying solely on newer protocols like Profinet or Ethernet/IP without additional adapters.
• Redundancy Requirements: For applications where downtime is unacceptable (e.g., 24/7 production lines), pair the module with HIMA’s redundant CPU and power supply solutions to create a fully fault-tolerant communication layer.
• Environmental Fit: Verify that your operational temperature (-40°C to +70°C) and EMI exposure match the module’s specifications, especially for outdoor or high-vibration installations.
• Scalability Needs: If your system requires future expansions, the F8628X’s compatibility with HIMA’s modular I/O and CPU systems ensures seamless upgrades without redesigning the entire architecture.

7. Precautions

• Installation:
  • Mount the module in a grounded, shielded enclosure to comply with EMC standards and protect against voltage surges.
  • Route Profibus DP cables separately from high-power cables to minimize signal interference, using twisted-pair shielded cables for best results.
• Configuration:
  • Use HIMA’s Elop II software for parameterization, ensuring Profibus DP addresses are unique and correctly mapped to field devices.
  • Validate all communication settings during commissioning to prevent protocol mismatches or data transfer errors.
• Maintenance:
  • Inspect LED indicators monthly to monitor power and communication status; a blinking red light indicates a fault requiring immediate attention.
  • Clean the module’s ventilation slots quarterly to remove dust, which can accumulate and affect heat dissipation in high-dust environments.
  • Replace the module every 7–10 years or as recommended by HIMA’s maintenance guidelines, even if no faults are detected, to maintain system reliability.
• Safety Compliance:
  • Ensure the module is part of a fully validated SIS architecture, following IEC 61511 guidelines for safety instrumented system design.
  • Never modify the module’s firmware using unauthorized tools, as this may compromise safety certifications and operational stability.