IS420PFFAH1A - Foundation Fieldbus Linking Device

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No.: IS420PFFAH1A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Country of Manufacture: United States of America (USA)
Power supply: 24 V dc ±20%
Power consumption: Typical 200 mA
Dimensions: 47 x 131 x 111 mm (1.9 x 5.2 x 4.4 in)
Product Type: Foundation Fieldbus Linking Device
Availability: In Stock
Series: Mark VIe

Functional Description

IS420PFFAH1A is a Foundation Fieldbus Linking Device developed by GE. It is a part of the Mark VIe series. The Mark VIe Control FOUNDATION FieldbusTM linking device is meticulously engineered to meet the stringent standards set forth by class 42c of the FF-HSE profile, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility within industrial control systems. Operating on 24 V dc power, this advanced device offers a comprehensive array of features tailored to streamline data communication and system management. 

Port Configuration

• One Serial COM Port: Designed for redundant operation, providing a reliable communication interface for serial devices.
• One LAN Port: Facilitates high-speed Ethernet (HSE) subnet connection, enabling seamless integration within modern network infrastructures.
• Four Fieldbus H1 Ports: Equipped with multiple H1 ports, the device accommodates a variety of field devices, enhancing flexibility and scalability within the control system architecture.

Grounding Mechanism

• Separate Screw Connection for Grounding: In addition to the ground wire required as part of the power supply connection, the linking device incorporates a separate screw connection for grounding, ensuring robust electrical grounding for enhanced safety and reliability.

Gateway Functionality

• HSE and Onboard Ports Gateway: Serving as a gateway between the HSE and four onboard ports, the device facilitates seamless data exchange and communication between different network segments.
• Link Master (LM) and System Management (SM) Time Publisher: For each port, the linking device operates as both the Link Master (LM) and the System Management (SM) time publisher, ensuring efficient network management and synchronization.

Compatibility

• Redundancy Support: The linking device offers support for both simplex and hot-backup redundant operations, providing flexibility and reliability in system configurations. In hot-backup mode, two physical linking devices are interconnected using a serial RS-232 null modem cable to form one logical linking device, referred to as a redundant set. Redundancy control information is shared over the RS-232 cable, allowing for seamless synchronization between primary and secondary devices.
• Automatic Failover Mechanism: In the event of a primary device failure, the secondary device automatically assumes control to ensure continuity and uninterrupted operation. This automatic failover mechanism enhances system reliability by mitigating the impact of device failures on overall system performance.
• Role Switching for Redundancy: When the failed linking device is replaced, it is automatically configured to match the primary device's settings and assumes the role of the secondary device within the redundant set. Additionally, if an H1 segment connector becomes disconnected from the primary linking device, role switching occurs only if there are two or more H1 devices on the segment. This intelligent role switching mechanism optimizes redundancy management while ensuring efficient utilization of system resources.

The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark VIe requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IS420PFFAH1A?
It is a Foundation Fieldbus Linking Device developed by GE under the Mark VIe series.

What compatibility does the linking device have with Mark VIe systems?
The linking device is fully compatible with all Mark VIe I/O packs and controllers available in the ToolboxST application version V04.03 or later. This ensures seamless integration within Mark VIe control systems, enabling enhanced functionality and interoperability.

How does the linking device support redundancy?
The linking device supports both simplex and hot-backup redundant operations. In hot-backup mode, two physical linking devices are interconnected to form one logical linking device (redundant set). Redundancy control information is shared over an RS-232 cable, allowing for seamless synchronization between primary and secondary devices.

What happens in the event of a primary device failure?
If the primary device fails, the secondary device automatically takes over to ensure continuity and uninterrupted operation. This automatic failover mechanism enhances system reliability by mitigating the impact of device failures on overall system performance.