Description

The TRICONEX 3502E​ is a Triple Modular Redundant (TMR) Power Supply Module, forming the ultra-reliable power foundation for Tricon v9. v10. and Tricon CX safety systems. It is engineered to convert AC mains power into the clean, regulated DC power required by all other modules in the chassis, such as Main Processors and I/O cards. Its core mission is to ensure continuous, uninterrupted power to the critical Safety Instrumented System (SIS), even in the event of a component failure.

Application Scenarios

Imagine a large chemical processing plant where a Tricon safety system is responsible for executing emergency shutdowns (ESD) and fire & gas (F&G) functions. A glitch or failure in the system’s power supply could render the entire safety system inoperable at the worst possible moment. The TRICONEX 3502E​ is specifically deployed to eliminate this single point of failure. Installed in the Tricon chassis, it doesn’t just provide power; it provides fault-tolerantpower. Its internal triple-redundant design means that if one of its internal power converters fails, the remaining two seamlessly and automatically take over the full load without a single blip in output. This ensures the Main Processors, input modules (like the DI3301), and output modules remain fully powered and operational, maintaining the plant’s last line of defense. It solves the fundamental pain point of power supply vulnerability in a safety system.

 

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: Internal TMR Architecture for Power Supply Resilience:​ The TRICONEX 3502E’s fundamental innovation is applying the core TMR safety principle to the power supply itself. It houses three complete, independent, and isolated power conversion circuits within a single module. These three circuits operate in parallel, and their outputs are “voted” on by a monitoring circuit. If one converter fails, the other two instantly and transparently compensate, maintaining full-rated power output. This design provides an order of magnitude higher availability than a standard redundant (1+1) power supply system.

Innovation Point 2: Seamless Fault Management and Predictive Diagnostics:​ The module is not a “black box.” It features advanced diagnostics that continuously monitor the health of each internal power converter, input voltage, output voltage, and temperature. This data is communicated over the Tricon backplane to the Main Processors. The system can generate early warnings for a degrading converter, allowing maintenance to be scheduled predictivelyduring a plant turnaround, rather than reacting to a surprise failure. This transforms power management from reactive to proactive.

Innovation Point 3: Deep Integration with the Tricon Safety Ecosystem:​ The TRICONEX 3502E​ is engineered exclusively for the Tricon platform. It communicates its status and health directly to the TMR Main Processors (MP3008​ or MP3203), which can then log events and alert operators. Its form factor, cooling design, and electrical characteristics are optimized for the Tricon chassis, ensuring reliable thermal performance and electrical stability under all load conditions, a level of integration unmatched by third-party power solutions.

Application Cases and Industry Value

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal experienced an unplanned shutdown when a fault in a standard dual-redundant power supply caused a complete loss of power to a Tricon safety system controlling critical cryogenic valves. The shutdown resulted in a multi-day production loss and significant flaring. During the root cause analysis, it was determined that a single fault in a common component of the “redundant” supply had cascaded. The facility upgraded all critical Tricon racks with the TRICONEX 3502E​ TMR power supplies. Two years later, a similar internal fault occurred in one 3502E module. This time, the module’s internal redundancy masked the fault entirely—the safety system and the process never missed a beat. The module’s diagnostics alerted maintenance, and it was replaced online at the next convenience. The Maintenance Supervisor noted, “The 3502E​ did exactly what it was designed to do. It turned a potential multi-million dollar trip into a scheduled maintenance event. Its true triple redundancy proved its worth.”

Related Product Combination Solutions

TRICONEX 4351B or 4352B Chassis:​ The main system enclosures designed to house and power the 3502E​ and other TMR modules.

TRICONEX MP3008 or MP3203 Main Processor:​ The brain of the Tricon system; it relies on the clean, fault-tolerant power from the 3502E.

TRICONEX DI3301 / DO3301 / AI3351 I/O Modules:​ These critical input and output modules are all powered via the chassis backplane by the 3502E.

TRICONEX 3805E or 3806E Communication Module:​ Network modules that also depend on the stable power from the 3502E​ for continuous communication.

TRICONEX 3503E Power Supply:​ Another model in the TMR power supply family, often used in different configurations or system sizes alongside the 3502E.

TRICONEX 9564 Power Distribution Module:​ An accessory used in some configurations to distribute and condition power from the main supplies.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installation and Maintenance: The TRICONEX 3502E​ is designed for straightforward installation by qualified personnel. The system must be properly de-energized and locked out before initial installation. The module slides into its designated slot in the Tricon chassis and connects via a robust connector. Its key advantage is hot-swap capability; in a properly configured system with dual power feeds, a faulty 3502E​ can be replaced without shutting down the safety system—a critical feature for maintaining availability. Routine maintenance involves monitoring its status and diagnostic alarms in the control system’s engineering station (TriStation) and ensuring its cooling fan intake is free of debris. Periodic verification of input and output voltages during system checks is also recommended.

We provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the TRICONEX 3502E. Our commitment includes supplying fully tested, genuine modules with traceable documentation. Our technical experts can assist with compatibility verification, installation best practices, and troubleshooting support. We understand that this module is the cornerstone of your safety system’s reliability, and we ensure the components we provide meet the original specifications for performance and safety integrity. Let us help you secure the foundation of your critical control system.