Fault finding and maintenance, Fault reporting, Field wiring faults – Rockwell Automation T8448 Trusted TMR Zone Interface Module - 40 Channel User Manual
Page 35: Module faults
 
Trusted
TM
Module T8448
Issue 14 Apr 10
PD-T8448
35
5. Fault Finding and Maintenance
5.1. Fault Reporting
Zone Interface Module faults are reported to the user through visual indicators on the front panel of the 
module and through status variables which may be automatically monitored in the application 
programs and external system communications interfaces. There are generally two types of faults that 
must be remedied by the user: external wiring and module faults. External wiring faults require 
corrective action in the field to repair the fault condition. Module faults require replacement of the 
module. 
5.2. Field Wiring Faults
By measuring the channel voltage and current, the module automatically detects field-wiring and load 
faults. When a field signal fails open circuit, short circuit or there is no field supply voltage connected, 
the status indicator will display the configured LED mode, the corresponding state will be reported and 
the line fault status for that channel will be set to ‘1’. All other channels will be unaffected, except in the 
case of common cause wiring and supply voltage faults in the field. 
The field voltage and current variables can be monitored to determine the actual operating conditions 
of each channel. This additional information assists the user in determining the specific type of wiring 
fault. 
Once the specific field-wiring fault has been identified and corrected, the status variables and status 
indicator will display the normal status of the field device. 
5.3. Module Faults
Extensive diagnostics provide the automatic detection of module faults. The TMR architecture of the 
module and the diagnostics performed ensure the validity of all critical circuits. Using the TMR 
architecture provides a Fault Tolerant method to withstand the first fault occurrence on the module and 
continue normal controls without interruption in the system or process. Faults are reported to the user 
through the Healthy status indicators on the front panel of the module and through the INFO and 
HKEEPING variables. Under normal operations all three Healthy Indicators are green. When a fault 
occurs, one of the Healthy Indicators will be flashing red. It is recommended that this condition is 
investigated and if the cause is within the module, it should be replaced. 
Module replacement activities depend on the type of spare module configuration chosen when the 
system was configured and installed. The module may be configured with a Dedicated Companion 
Slot or with a SmartSlot for a spare replacement module.