Description
The HIMA F8627X (part number 984862765) is a high-reliability, safety-related Fast Ethernet communication module designed for the H51q and H41q Safety Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems. It serves as a network gateway, enabling secure data exchange and programming between the system CPUs and external operational environments.
By separating safe and non-safe communications, this module ensures that high-speed industrial operations—such as Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems and Fire and Gas (F&G) networks—maintain absolute structural integrity up to SIL 3 constraints.
Commercial Availability & Logistics
| Lifecycle and Procurement | Status & Details |
| Product Condition | New Original (Factory Sealed / New Surplus) or Refurbished (Fully certified via safety-network bus loading) |
| Warranty | 12-month comprehensive industrial warranty |
| Availability | Active in global surplus stock; standard industrial packaging and dispatch within 24 to 48 hours |
| Pricing Note | Pricing fluctuates based on critical infrastructure demand and stock constraints. Contact our industrial sales engineering division for a formal quotation. |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Value |
| Module Designation | F8627X / Fast Ethernet Module |
| HIMA Part Number | 984862765 |
| System Compatibility | HIMA H41q and H51q Safety Systems |
| CPU Pairing Links | Safe CPUs: F8650X, F8652X
Non-Safe CPUs: F8651X, F8653X |
| Operating Input Voltage | 5 VDC (Derived directly via the central chassis backplane) |
| Physical Interface | RJ45 standard port on the front bezel faceplate |
| Data Transmission Speed | 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps, Full Duplex) |
| Safety Certifications | TÜV certified up to SIL 3 (IEC 61508) and PL e Cat. 4 (EN ISO 13849-1) |
| Hardware Variant | Coated PCB assembly layout for enhanced environmental resistance |
Supported Network & Communication Protocols
The F8627X acts as a multi-protocol processor capable of concurrently managing independent safe and open communications:
- safeethernet: HIMA’s proprietary, safety-certified protocol layer. It facilitates deterministic peer-to-peer data synchronization between standalone HIMA controllers over standard Ethernet media without degrading safety integrity.
- MODBUS TCP (Slave): Allows third-party Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and plant SCADA masters to extract process parameters, variables, and trip logs.
- OPC DA / OPC A&E: Bridges data to specialized HIMA OPC servers, enabling standardized data collection, alarm monitoring, and sequence-of-events logging across plant automation architectures.
- ELOP II TCP Programming: Enables control room engineers to perform real-time diagnostic checks, safety logic visualization, and software uploads over the local TCP/IP network rather than a legacy serial cable.
Field Replacement & Safety Engineering Rules
Because the F8627X operates inside a certified safety loop, specific operational guardrails must be enforced during maintenance or field swaps.
Hardware Addressing & Coding Switches
Before inserting a replacement F8627X module into the central subrack slot, you must carefully configure the physical hardware coding switches located on the side of the PCB to exactly mirror the defective card.
Critical Field Note: The network node identity, baud rates, and protocol constraints are determined by these onboard micro-switches. Sliding a replacement module into the rack with incorrect switch configurations will induce a configuration mismatch fault, drop the peer-to-peer communication ring, and potentially trigger an uncommanded safety shutdown across downstream field equipment.
Module Swapping Mechanics
The H41q/H51q architectures permit the hot-swapping of communication interfaces, provided the module is integrated into a redundant setup.
- Use an anti-static ESD grounding wrist strap connected to the metal cabinet frame.
- Unclip the RJ45 network patch line from the defective module faceplate.
- Loosen the front flange retaining screws and slide the unit straight out along its guide rails.
- Verify the coding switches on the new F8627X card, insert it, tighten the retention fasteners to 0.8 Nm, and reconnect the Ethernet patch line.
- Monitor the front diagnostics panel until the module initializes into a stable status state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary difference between the older F8627 module and the newer F8627X variant?
The “X” suffix signifies an updated hardware revision featuring an accelerated onboard microprocessor, expanded internal buffer memory arrays, and broader protocol support. While older F8627 boards focus primarily on baseline serial-to-Ethernet bridging, the F8627X natively supports advanced services like MODBUS TCP Slave functionality and direct ELOP II engineering workstation uploads via an active Ethernet path.
Q: Why is the front panel “ERR” (Error) LED illuminated steady red?
A steady red Error indicator points to an internal self-test failure, configuration database corruption, or an address conflict on the local subrack bus. Access the system diagnostic logs via the ELOP II engineering workstation through the main central processor card to pinpoint the exact failure code before removing the module.
Q: Does the F8627X require a standalone external 24 VDC power feed?
No. The F8627X draws its working voltage entirely from the high-reliability redundant 5 VDC system power rail piped across the chassis backplane. The front RJ45 port handles data signals exclusively and does not feature or accept Power over Ethernet (PoE) current flows. Ensure your industrial network switches do not feed active PoE voltages into this interface card.
