HIMA F8621A 984862160

Description

HIMA F8621A 984862160 Communication Module

1. Product Description

• Protocol Flexibility: Supports legacy and modern industrial protocols, eliminating the need for additional gateways and simplifying integration with diverse devices.
• Redundancy Management: Enables 2oo4D redundancy architecture, where two independent channels verify data transmission, ensuring 99.999% availability in critical systems.
• Real-Time Diagnostics: Built-in LED indicators provide instant feedback on communication status, power health, and module integrity, enabling proactive maintenance.
• Environmental Resilience: Operates reliably in extreme temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) and withstands electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

2. Technical Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Brand	HIMA
Model	F8621A 984862160
Module Type	Safety Communication Module (19-inch rack mount)
Power Supply	24 V DC ±15%
Power Consumption	≤10 W (max load)
Communication Interfaces	2 × RS-485 (half-duplex, galvanically isolated)
Supported Protocols	Modbus RTU/ASCII, PROFIBUS DP
Redundancy Support	Hot-swappable dual-channel (2oo4D architecture)
Safety Integrity Level	SIL 3 compliant (IEC 61508/61511)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Physical Dimensions	187 mm × 128 mm × 22 mm (7.36″ × 5.04″ × 0.87″)
Weight	0.16 kg
Certifications	CE, UL, RoHS, TÜV (SIL 3)

F8621A 984862160

3. Advantages and Features

• SIL 3 Safety Compliance:
  The F8621A 984862160 meets the highest safety integrity level (SIL 3), ensuring compliance with international standards like IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. This makes it suitable for applications such as emergency shutdown systems (ESD) and high-integrity pressure protection systems (HIPPS), where safety failures could result in environmental hazards or operational disruptions.
• Dual-Channel Redundancy:
  The module’s hot-swappable design allows for seamless replacement without system downtime, while its dual-channel architecture provides fault tolerance. In case of a channel failure, the standby channel assumes full operation, achieving a mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 500,000 hours—critical for 24/7 industrial processes.
• Protocol Adaptability:
  Native support for Modbus RTU/ASCII and PROFIBUS DP ensures compatibility with a wide range of field devices, from legacy sensors to modern control systems. This flexibility reduces integration complexity and costs, as no additional protocol converters are required.
• Rugged Environmental Performance:
  Capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C, the module withstands extreme conditions typical of industrial sites, such as offshore platforms, chemical plants, and power generation facilities. Its galvanic isolation and EMI resistance further enhance reliability in noisy electromagnetic environments.

4. Application Areas and Case Study

Application Areas:

• Petrochemical & Chemical Processing: Enables communication for ESD systems, burner management, and hazardous material handling.
• Power Generation: Supports turbine protection, boiler control, and SCADA integration in thermal and renewable energy plants.
• Manufacturing: Facilitates machine safety interlocks, robotic cell communication, and quality control systems.
• Transportation: Used in railway signaling safety systems and automated warehouse logistics.

Case Study:

5. Competitive Comparison

• Higher Safety Certification: SIL 3 compliance surpasses many alternatives that offer only SIL 2, making it a top choice for high-risk applications.
• Enhanced Redundancy: Built-in dual-channel redundancy eliminates the need for external hardware, reducing system complexity and potential points of failure.
• Wider Temperature Range: Operates across a broader thermal spectrum (-40°C to +70°C) than most competitors, ensuring reliability in extreme environments.
• Ecosystem Integration: Designed exclusively for HIMA’s H41Q/H51Q platforms, it provides plug-and-play compatibility with HIMA’s I/O modules and power supplies, unlike generic modules that require custom configuration.
  

  F8621A 984862160

6. Selection Recommendations

• Safety Requirements: Choose the F8621A 984862160 if your application requires SIL 3 certification, such as processes governed by IEC 61511. For lower-risk setups, consider non-redundant alternatives.
• Protocol Needs: Ensure your field devices use Modbus RTU/ASCII or PROFIBUS DP, as the module does not natively support newer protocols like Ethernet/IP without additional adapters.
• Environmental Fit: Verify that your operational temperature and EMI exposure fall within the module’s specifications, especially for outdoor or high-vibration installations.
• Scalability: Pair with HIMA’s redundant CPU modules (e.g., F8652E) for large-scale systems requiring extensive I/O connectivity and fault tolerance.

7. Precautions

• Installation:
  • Mount the module in a grounded 19-inch rack with adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Separate power cables from signal wires to minimize EMI interference.
  • Use shielded twisted-pair cables for RS-485 connections and torque terminal screws to 1.2 N·m for secure wiring.
• Configuration:
  • Program using HIMA’s Elop II software to set protocol parameters and enable redundancy. Validate configurations with TÜV-approved tools to maintain safety compliance.
  • Regularly back up project files to protect against data loss during firmware updates or module replacement.
• Maintenance:
  • Inspect LED indicators monthly: a steady green light signals normal operation, while a red light indicates a fault requiring immediate attention.
  • Clean ventilation slots quarterly with compressed air to remove dust, which can degrade heat dissipation over time.
  • Replace the module every 7–10 years or as per HIMA’s maintenance guidelines, even if no faults are detected, to ensure long-term reliability.
• Safety Compliance:
  • Design the system in accordance with IEC 61511, ensuring the module is part of a fully validated safety instrumented system (SIS).
  • Avoid using unauthorized firmware or configuration tools, as this may compromise safety certifications.