The Triplex Regent T3150 (also identified by part number 200013) is a high-reliability, fault-tolerant communication module designed for the Regent Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) control system. This module provides two independent, non-isolated RS232 serial ports, allowing the Regent system to interface with external devices such as operator workstations, SCADA systems, printers, or third-party PLCs. As part of a TMR architecture, the T3150 is engineered to maintain communication integrity even in the event of a hardware failure, making it a cornerstone for safety-critical industrial applications.

 

Product Parameters and Technical Specifications

The T3150 is built to sustain continuous operation in high-availability environments.

• Model Number: T3150 / 200013
• Series: Triplex Regent TMR System
• Interface Type: Dual RS232 Serial Ports (D-type connectors)
• Data Rates: Programmable baud rates up to 19.2 kbps (standard) or higher depending on firmware
• Protocol Support: Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), ASCII, and proprietary Triplex protocols
• Power Consumption: Typically 5W (drawn from the system backplane)
• Isolation: Internal logic is isolated from the system bus; ports are non-isolated from each other
• Diagnostics: Front-panel LEDs for Module Status, Port Activity (TX/RX), and Fault detection

Product Datasheet Summary

The T3150 datasheet highlights its “Hot-Repair” capability, which is a hallmark of the Regent TMR system. If a communication module fails, it can be replaced while the system is online without interrupting the control logic or the communication flow on the redundant partner module. The “200013” part number refers to the specific hardware assembly that includes the synchronized communication processors. The module performs continuous self-diagnostics and reports its “Health” status to the main TMR processors, ensuring that only “voted” valid data is transmitted across the network.

 

Country of Origin

This high-integrity communication module was manufactured in the USA, reflecting Triplex’s (now part of Rockwell Automation/ICS Triplex) history in specialized safety and subsea control systems.

 

Application Fields

The Triplex Regent T3150 is typically found in “Zero-Downtime” environments:

• Oil & Gas: Interfacing Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems with the main control room SCADA.
• Chemical Plants: Providing data logging for Fire and Gas (F&G) systems.
• Nuclear Power: Managing non-safety-related data transfers to plant monitoring stations.
• Subsea Control: Acting as the surface-to-seabed communication link for critical valve manifolds.

 

Product Usage Instructions

1. Installation: Insert the T3150 module into a designated I/O slot in the Regent chassis. Ensure the module is firmly seated in the backplane connectors.
2. Wiring: Use high-quality shielded RS232 cables. Limit cable lengths to 15 meters (50 feet) to maintain signal integrity at higher baud rates.
3. Configuration: Use the Regent configuration software to define the port parameters (Baud, Parity, Stop bits) and select the required communication protocol.
4. Redundancy Setup: For full fault tolerance, it is standard practice to install two T3150 modules in adjacent slots, allowing the TMR system to vote between the two communication paths.

 

Technical Description

The T3150 operates as an intelligent serial controller. It contains its own dedicated microprocessor to handle the low-level serial “handshaking” and buffer management, which prevents the main system processors from being bogged down by communication interrupts. In a Regent TMR setup, the T3150 receives data from the three main processors, performs a 2-out-of-3 (2oo3) vote on the outgoing data, and transmits the result. This ensures that a single processor failure cannot result in the transmission of corrupted serial data to an external SCADA system.

 

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Port 1 for Modbus and Port 2 for a printer simultaneously? A: Yes, the two ports on the T3150 are independent and can be configured with different protocols and baud rates within the system software.

Q: Does this module support RS485 for long-distance communication? A: No, the T3150 is strictly RS232. For RS485 requirements, you would typically use a Triplex T3151 module or an external RS232-to-RS485 converter.

Q: What does a solid red “FAULT” LED indicate? A: A solid red LED usually indicates an internal hardware failure discovered during the power-on self-test (POST) or a “Voter Failure” where the module cannot reconcile data from the main processors.

Q: Where can I find more Triplex Regent parts and 200013 modules? A: You can find the Triplex Regent T3150 and other legacy ICS Triplex safety system components through specialized industrial automation and safety system suppliers.

 

Recommended Similar Models

1. Triplex Regent T3151 – The RS485/RS422 version of the dual communication module.
2. Triplex Regent T3401 – A high-speed Ethernet communication module for modern networking.
3. Triplex Regent T3310 – A common TMR processor module used in conjunction with the T3150.
4. ICS Triplex T8403 – A Trusted™ series TMR processor (the successor to the Regent line).
5. Triplex Regent T3451 – Specialized interface module for proprietary Triplex peer-to-peer networks.