Description

Product Overview

The HONEYWELL 8C-PCNT02 (part number 51454363-275) is a core network component of the C-series controller network in the Honeywell Experion PKS process knowledge system. It is a dedicated, deterministic industrial Ethernet switch module specifically designed to build reliable, high-speed real-time control networks between controllers (C-network) and between controllers and operator stations/servers (non-defense). Its core function is to ensure deterministic, non-blocking transmission of control data within the Experion PKS system, acting as the “information highway hub” for stable system operation.

Core Functions and Value

The core value of this module lies in providing high-availability, deterministic network connectivity for the Honeywell Experion PKS system, especially the C-series controllers. It enables peer-to-peer communication between controller nodes, allowing control strategies to be seamlessly distributed and coordinated across different physical controllers. Its dedicated network protocol and hardware design ensure the isolation and security of the control network from the upper-level information network, while providing extremely high reliability and predictable data transmission performance, making it a cornerstone for building large-scale, highly reliable DCS system architectures.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Category

Description

Product Model

8C-PCNT02

Part Number/Catalog Number

51454363-275

Manufacturer

Honeywell Process Solutions

Compatible Systems

Honeywell Experion PKS (used with C-series controllers)

Device Type

Dedicated control network switch/network interface module

Network Standard

Based on IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), using Honeywell’s proprietary deterministic network protocol

Main Functions

Enables high-speed, deterministic peer-to-peer communication between C-series controllers; connects controllers to operator stations/servers.

Network Topology

Supports star, ring, and other topologies, often used with Honeywell NT series switches to build redundant networks.

Physical Ports

Provides multiple (typically 4 or more) Ethernet ports for connecting controllers and network uplinks. Network Redundancy

Supports network-level redundancy configuration to ensure that single-point failures do not affect communication.

Installation Method

Typically installed as a dedicated module in a controller rack or dedicated network enclosure.

Power Supply

Powered through the backplane of the installed rack or enclosure.

Application Scenario

Scenario: Plant-wide control network for a large-scale chemical complex

In a chemical plant with dozens of process units, each unit is controlled by one or more Honeywell C300 controllers. The HONEYWELL 8C-PCNT02 module is deployed in the rack of each C300 controller, or as a centralized network node. All 8C-PCNT02 modules are connected via fiber optic cables or network cables to form a highly redundant ring or mesh control network (C-network).

When a pressure controller in a reactor unit needs to send a signal to a temperature controller in a downstream distillation unit, the data packet enters the C-network through the local 8C-PCNT02 module. A dedicated protocol in the network ensures that this critical control signal is transmitted with deterministic low latency and prioritized to avoid potential network congestion, arriving at the target controller accurately and promptly. Simultaneously, real-time data from all controllers is collected through this network to the operator station, providing operators with a unified view of the plant. This network, composed of 8C-PCNT02 modules, acts as the “nervous system” of the plant, addressing the core pain points of multi-controller coordination, real-time data consistency, and network reliability in large-scale DCS systems.

Technical Advantages and Innovative Value

Deterministic Control Peer-to-Peer Network

Unlike commercial Ethernet switches, the 8C-PCNT02 and its C-network utilize an optimized, deterministic network protocol. It manages the timing of data exchange between controller nodes, providing guaranteed bandwidth and extremely low latency for critical real-time control data (such as interlock signals and inter-controller communication variables). This determinism avoids the communication latency jitter caused by data collisions and random backoff mechanisms in traditional Ethernet, and is the cornerstone for the safe and reliable execution of complex control strategies across multiple controllers. Deeply Integrated System Architecture and Simplified Engineering

The 8C-PCNT02 is not a standalone standard switch, but a system component deeply integrated with Experion PKS hardware and software. In the Control Builder engineering software, engineers do not need to separately configure complex IP addresses, routing, and VLANs. Once the controller’s network connection and communication variables are configured, the system automatically manages the data flow on the network. This “plug-and-play” network integration greatly simplifies network design, configuration, and maintenance, reducing the risk of system failures due to network configuration errors.

High Availability and Secure Isolation Design

This module supports the construction of redundant network paths. When a link or node in the network (such as an 8C-PCNT02 or its connection) fails, the network protocol can detect and switch to the backup path in a very short time (milliseconds), achieving seamless switching and ensuring uninterrupted control data transmission. In addition, the C-network formed by the 8C-PCNT02 is a dedicated control network, physically or logically isolated from the plant’s office network (IT network). This isolation effectively shields against threats such as viruses, unauthorized access, and broadcast storms from the IT network, building a security defense line for process control.

Industry Application Case

Case Study: Refinery-wide DCS Upgrade and Integrated Control

A large refinery underwent a comprehensive DCS upgrade, replacing its old system with the Experion PKS system. The project involved hundreds of C300 controllers, distributed across multiple units such as atmospheric and vacuum distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating.

Implementation and Value:

Building a Unified Control Network: 8C-PCNT02 modules were deployed in each controller cabinet and core network node, using single-mode fiber optics to build a plant-wide redundant ring control backbone network.

Achieving Plant-wide Information Integration: Through this efficient and reliable network, real-time data from all units was seamlessly integrated. The previously independent “information silos” were broken down, allowing operators in the central control room to monitor and operate any unit in the plant.

Supporting Advanced Control Applications: The high bandwidth and determinism of the network enabled the deployment of advanced applications such as multivariable predictive control, which require rapid data acquisition and optimization calculations from hundreds of points across the plant. Results: After the new system was put into operation, the number of unplanned shutdowns in the entire plant decreased by 25%. Due to improved overall coordinated control, overall energy consumption was reduced by approximately 2%. The robust network formed by 8C-PCNT02 provided a solid data transmission foundation for achieving these benefits.

Supporting Solutions

Honeywell C-Series Controllers: Such as the C300 controller, which is the main service object and connection terminal for the 8C-PCNT02 network module.

Experion Servers and Operator Stations: Such as ES series servers and HMIWeb stations, which are also connected to the C-network, obtaining data from controllers and providing a human-machine interface.

Honeywell Network Switches: Such as NT series industrial Ethernet switches, often used with 8C-PCNT02 to build the network backbone, achieve network redundancy, and expand the network topology.

Control Builder Engineering Tool: Used for configuring and programming the entire control system (including controller logic and network communication).

System Racks and Power Supplies: Such as dedicated racks for installing C300 controllers and 8C-PCNT02 modules, and redundant power supply modules.

Network Diagnostic and Management Software: Used to monitor the health, traffic, and fault diagnosis of the C-network.

Installation, Commissioning, and Maintenance Support

Installation and Commissioning

Network Planning: During the project design phase, the control network topology (ring network, star network, etc.), IP address range, and the role and location of each 8C-PCNT02 node in the network need to be planned.

Hardware Installation: Insert the 8C-PCNT02 module into the designated slot of the C-series controller rack or dedicated network chassis. Use fiber optic or shielded twisted-pair cables that meet specifications to connect the ports of each module according to the planned network topology, ensuring a secure and reliable physical connection.

Software Configuration: In the Control Builder software, configure the system hardware and add the corresponding controllers and network modules. Network parameters (such as IP addresses) are usually predefined or can be automatically assigned; engineers mainly define the communication points between controllers.

Network Testing: After the system is powered on, use the network diagnostic tools on the engineering station to verify the connectivity of each 8C-PCNT02 node, test the network redundancy switching function, and verify that data communication between controllers is normal. Maintenance and Support

Status Monitoring: Continuously monitor the status, error counts, and traffic overview of the C network through the Experion system’s network diagnostic view. Any anomalies (such as link interruptions or high error rates) will trigger system alarms.

Troubleshooting: Network failures typically manifest as controller communication interruptions. Based on the diagnostic tool’s prompts, check the indicator lights, fiber optic links, and network connections of the corresponding 8C-PCNT02 module. On-line replacement of faulty modules is supported (under system permission and procedural guidance).

Firmware and Documentation: Maintain network component firmware versions in accordance with Honeywell’s recommendations. Properly maintain network topology diagrams and configuration documentation.

Professional Services: We provide comprehensive Honeywell Experion PKS network services, including network design consulting, hardware supply, on-site installation and commissioning, fault diagnosis, and health checks. For complex network issues, our network experts can provide remote or on-site technical support to ensure your control network operates efficiently and stably.