The Triconex Model 3005 is a high-integrity Main Processor (MP) Module designed for Tricon v9.6 and later safety systems. Developed for use in critical Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) applications across the oil, gas, chemical, and power generation industries, the 3005 module implements Invensys / Schneider Electric’s patented Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) architecture to deliver fault-tolerant, fail-safe operation.
Key Specifications & Identification
| Attribute | Details |
| Manufacturer | Triconex (Schneider Electric / Invensys) |
| Model / Part Number | Model 3005 (Main Processor Module) |
| System Architecture | Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) Safety Instrumented System (SIL 3) |
| Primary Microprocessor | Motorola MPC860 (32-bit RISC processor operating at 50 MHz) |
| Memory Configuration | • 16 MB DRAM (non-battery backed-up execution memory)
• 32 KB SRAM (battery-backed diagnostic and variable memory) • 6 MB Flash PROM (system firmware storage) |
| TriBus Communication | 25 Mbps high-speed inter-processor voting and synchronization bus (32-bit CRC protected, DMA driven) |
| Diagnostic Port | Optically isolated RS-232 interface on a 25-pin D-sub connector (500 V DC isolation) |
| Required Chassis Setup | Must be installed as a set of three identical modules (MPs) in the Main Chassis of every Tricon system |
Primary System Functions
- TMR Logic Execution: Executes user-written safety logic and control algorithms independently across three parallel legs, continuously voting on inputs, intermediate states, and outputs to eliminate single-point failures.
- TriBus Synchronization & Voting: Coordinates synchronization across the three processors via the 25 Mbps TriBus at the beginning of every scan cycle, transferring data and validating digital/analog values through hardware-level voting.
- I/O Subsystem Management: Communicates independently with local and remote I/O expansion racks, polling input modules and updating output channels every scan.
- Sequence of Events (SOE) Time Stamping: Houses an onboard TriClock (real-time clock with battery backup) to provide high-precision time stamping for system alarms and Sequence of Events recorders.
Servicing & Installation Guidelines
- Mandatory Triple Configuration: Because the system relies on TMR architecture, a Model 3005 module cannot operate as a single standalone unit. If replacement is necessary, it must match the active triad installed in the main chassis slots (typically slots 9, 10, and 11).
- Hot-Swappable Replacement: The Tricon system permits online replacement of a single faulted Main Processor module without tripping the process, provided two healthy processors remain active in the chassis. Always allow the new module to synchronize its memory from the active controllers automatically.
- Battery Maintenance: The module features an internal lithium battery to back up the 32 KB SRAM and TriClock. Monitor battery status warnings via TriStation software and replace backup batteries according to scheduled preventative maintenance cycles.
- ESD & Handling Precautions: Highly sensitive CMOS microprocessors and surface-mount components require strict static controls. Always wear a grounded anti-static wrist strap when handling processor modules.
