ICS TRIPLEX T8151C Trusted Communication Interface

The ICS TRIPLEX T8151C Trusted Communication Interface is the communications interface (CI) of the Trusted® TMR safety system (Rockwell Automation). It bridges the triplicated Inter-Module Bus (IMB) to external networks and engineering workstations, carrying process data, diagnostics, and programming traffic without compromising the safety domain.

Key Features

• Connects the Trusted TMR controller to external networks and the Trusted Toolset via the Inter-Module Bus (IMB)
• 2 × 10/100BaseT Ethernet ports (RJ45) for redundant network links
• 4 × rear serial ports (RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485) with 1.2–115.2 kBaud support
• On-board PowerPC processor running the Trusted real-time operating system kernel
• Front-panel status/error LEDs and a Programming/Monitoring (PS2) connection
• Factory conformal coating (ISA-S71.04 Class G3) for corrosive-gas environments (Series C)
• Contains a permanently connected lithium cell — removal by trained personnel only
• Certified for ordinary, hazardous, ATEX, and IECEx locations; CCC certified

Technical Specifications

• Type Designation: T8151C (Series C; T8151B Series B is officially equivalent)
• Product Type: Trusted Communications Interface (CI) module
• Supply Voltage: 20–32 V DC (from chassis backplane)
• Power Consumption: 14 W (Series C, per Rockwell certification); Series B 10 W
• Ethernet Ports: 2 × 10/100BaseT (RJ45)
• Serial Ports: 4 × rear (RS-232 / RS-422 / RS-485); 1.2–115.2 kBaud
• Front Panel: Status/error LEDs; Programming/Monitoring PS2 connection (not for hazardous-area use)
• On-board Processor: PowerPC with Trusted real-time OS kernel
• Bus Interface: Inter-Module Bus (IMB) via T8100 chassis backplane
• Environmental Protection: Factory conformal coating, ISA-S71.04 Class G3 (Series C)
• Battery: Permanently connected lithium cell (service by trained personnel only)
• Operating Temperature: 0…60 °C
• Certifications: Ordinary / HazLoc / ATEX / IECEx; CCC (China Compulsory Certification)
• Companion Module: T8153 Communications Interface Adaptor (Ethernet expansion)
• Dimensions: approx. 241 mm height (service data); weight per module
• Origin: United Kingdom (ICS Triplex heritage)

Installation Notes

1. De-energize the T8100 backplane or confirm the area is non-hazardous before inserting or removing the module (arcing risk).
2. Install the T8151C in its designated communications slot in the T8100 chassis; seat the backplane connector fully and secure the retaining screws.
3. Connect the two Ethernet ports (RJ45) to the plant network / redundant LAN as configured; route serial cables via the rear serial ports per the wiring diagram.
4. Do not use the front-panel PS2 programming connection in hazardous-area installations (per Rockwell warning).
5. Configure communication parameters (Ethernet IP addressing, serial baud rates) using the Trusted Toolset; verify link status LEDs after commissioning.
6. For battery-related service, return the module to trained personnel — do not remove the internal lithium cell in the field.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the T8151B and the T8151C?

Per Rockwell, the T8151B (Series B) is equivalent to the T8151C (Series C). The Series C carries factory conformal coating for corrosive environments and is rated at 14 W vs. 10 W for Series B; both run 20–32 V DC from the backplane.

What does the module connect to?

It connects the Trusted TMR controller’s Inter-Module Bus (IMB) to external Ethernet and serial networks, and provides the engineering path for the Trusted Toolset (programming, monitoring, diagnostics).

Is this a safety-rated communications channel?

The module is part of the SIL 3-certified Trusted system and meets the Trusted 8000-series environmental certifications; communication links to external (non-safety) networks are typically segregated per system architecture.

Does the T8151C have a battery?

Yes — it contains a permanently connected lithium button cell (per Rockwell documentation). It is serviceable only by trained professionals and must not be removed in the field.