Description
Unboxing & Hardware Overview
- Manufacturer & Architecture: MTL (Eaton / PAC8000 / MTL 8000 Series)
- Part Number / Model: 8701-CA-BI
- Product Type: Redundant Bus Interface (BI) Carrier / Communication Gateway Backplane Sub-Assembly
- Physical Dimensions: Standard DIN-rail / panel-mount backframe engineered specifically to host dual redundant bus interface or communication gateway modules (such as the MTL 8507-BI-DP series)
- Estimated Shipping Weight: ~2.0 lbs (0.91 kg) enclosed in protective anti-static packaging and structural cushioning
- Primary Condition Status: Factory New / New Surplus / Refurbished Tested options available (verify specific lot status with provider prior to dispatch)
Product Introduction
The MTL 8701-CA-BI is a specialized communication and bus interface carrier designed for the PAC8000 and MTL 8000 remote I/O platforms. It provides the physical backplane housing and electrical interconnects required to support redundant bus interface modules (such as PROFIBUS DP gateway cards).
By establishing a dual-path communication structure, the 8701-CA-BI ensures high availability and fault tolerance between distributed I/O racks and the upper-level host control system (DCS/PLC), preventing network communication dropouts in critical process automation loops.
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Product Model | 8701-CA-BI |
| System Compatibility | MTL PAC8000 / MTL 8000 Series Remote I/O Architecture |
| Module Capacity | Designed to host dual redundant Bus Interface / Network Gateway modules (e.g., MTL 8507 series) |
| Communication Backplane | Supports high-speed redundant fieldbus and internal rack data distribution |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to 158°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
Compliance & Standards Alignment
- Manufactured in accordance with rigorous industrial EMC, electrical isolation, and vibration standards for process control hardware.
- Designed to maintain safe electrical separation and robust shield-grounding paths when installed within heavy industrial control cabinets.
Technical Note: Always inspect connector pins, address switches, and communication header sockets for particulate dust or bending before seating interface modules onto the 8701-CA-BI carrier.
Storage & Asset Preservation Guidelines
- Keep the carrier sealed in its original anti-static or moisture-barrier packaging to protect backplane pin-fields from environmental oxidation.
- Store inventory in a climate-controlled warehouse where relative humidity is strictly maintained below 60%.
- Avoid mechanical stacking or heavy pressure on the carrier assembly to prevent structural distortion of the sub-rack frame.
Physical Installation Prerequisites
- Ensure that all power feeds, network communication cables, and system connections are completely de-energized and locked out (LOTO) prior to installation.
- Secure the 8701-CA-BI carrier firmly to the cabinet DIN-rail or backplate mounting surface using all specified anchoring points to ensure solid mechanical ground bonding.
- Verify network termination settings and redundancy jumpers on the interface modules before powering up the system.
Buyer’s FAQ & Logistics
Q: What Harmonized System (HS) code applies to this bus interface carrier?
A: Industrial automation network hardware, control system racks, and associated parts typically classify under HS code 8538.90 (parts suitable for use solely or principally with control apparatus). Confirm final classification parameters with your customs broker.
Q: Are communication modules included with the 8701-CA-BI?
A: Typically, the 8701-CA-BI is supplied as the base carrier backplane frame. Redundant bus interface modules (such as Profibus DP gateway cards) are generally provisioned separately according to your network architecture requirements.
Q: Is the listed online price final for procurement?
A: Note: Price is subject to market conditions and available surplus inventory levels; contact our technical sales desk for a formal, time-sensitive quotation.
