Description
ICS Triplex T8160 | Trusted TMR Interface | Regent I/O System Integration
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | T8160 |
| Manufacturer | ICS Triplex / Rockwell Automation |
| Product Family | Trusted T8000 |
| Product Type | Trusted TMR Interface |
| Alternate Description | Regent Interface Module (RIM) |
| Main Function | Trusted-to-Regent / Regent+Plus I/O interface |
| Architecture | Triple Modular Redundancy |
| Trusted-side Interface | Triplicated Inter-Module Bus |
| Regent-side Interface | Triplicated, synchronized RS-485 Safetybus |
| Power Input | Dual redundant +24 VDC |
| Supported I/O Chassis | Up to 16 |
| I/O Modules per Chassis | Up to 10 |
| Configuration | Automatically configured by Trusted TMR Processor |
| Typical Installation | Trusted processor chassis |
| Supported Platforms | Regent and Regent+Plus I/O |
| Safety Application | Trusted safety system / IEC 61508 SIL 3 use |
| Manual | PD-T8160 |
The T8160 contains three redundant interface/processor sections. It communicates with the Trusted processor through the triplicated Inter-Module Bus and communicates with Regent/Regent+Plus I/O through a triplicated, synchronized RS-485 Safetybus.
The module can communicate with 16 I/O chassis, with up to 10 I/O modules in each chassis. Data is exchanged synchronously, with the three processor subsystems operating in lock-step and using voting and fault detection across the Safetybus architecture.
Product Introduction
The ICS Triplex T8160 is the Trusted TMR Interface used when a Trusted controller must communicate with existing Regent or Regent+Plus I/O hardware. It provides the interface between the newer Trusted controller architecture and the legacy I/O subsystem, making it particularly relevant to Regent-to-Trusted migration projects.
Unlike the T8110B Trusted TMR Processor, the T8160 does not execute the primary application logic. Its job is to maintain the redundant data path between the Trusted processor and the external Regent I/O subsystem while isolating faults between the respective fault-containment regions.
T8160
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
The usually appears in systems where an installed Regent/Regent+Plus I/O infrastructure is being retained while the controller architecture is migrated to Trusted. That makes configuration compatibility more important than the physical appearance of the module.
Typical Applications
- Regent-to-Trusted migration — retaining existing Regent or Regent+Plus I/O while replacing the controller architecture.
- Safety shutdown systems — maintaining redundant I/O communication within a Trusted safety system.
- Legacy turbine and process protection — interfacing existing Regent I/O with Trusted processing hardware.
- Large distributed I/O systems — supporting up to 16 Regent I/O chassis through the TMR interface architecture.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse with T8110B.
T8110B is the Trusted TMR Processor; is the Trusted TMR Interface. Rockwell’s own product documentation lists these as separate products. - Do not install it as an ordinary Trusted I/O module.
Rockwell issued a product notice specifically stating that /T8160C should not be inserted into a Trusted I/O module slot. The configuration tool restricts placement to the processor chassis. - Check Regent I/O compatibility before replacement.
The supports many Regent and Regent+Plus modules, but not every historical module is supported in every firmware/toolset combination. Rockwell’s manual contains a specific compatibility table, including modules with firmware/toolset restrictions. - Check the redundant power feeds.
The receives dual redundant +24 VDC from the controller chassis backplane. A single failed feed should not be mistaken for a complete module failure. - Review the product notice before installing a surplus unit.
Rockwell documented a potential /T8160C anomaly in which internal component interconnections could loosen because of vibration or heat cycling. Affected serial numbers were subject to factory repair. This is an important acceptance check for older spare stock.
Related Products
- T8100 — Trusted Controller Chassis that houses the Trusted processor and associated interface modules.
- T8110B — Trusted TMR Processor; executes the Trusted application and manages the .
- T8151B — Trusted Communications Interface for controller communications.
- T8153 — Trusted Communications Interface Adapter used with the communications interface.
- T8300 — Trusted I/O Expander Chassis for additional Trusted I/O capacity.
- T8231 — Trusted 24 VDC Power Pack used in redundant system power arrangements.
- T8240 — Trusted Power Shelf for multiple power packs.
- T8160C — Related T8160C interface variant; verify firmware, hardware revision, and system documentation before treating it as interchangeable.
- Regent / Regent+Plus I/O modules — Legacy I/O subsystem supported through the interface, subject to the compatibility matrix.
Procurement Note
For a replacement, specify the complete module identification and confirm the installed Trusted processor generation, Toolset/firmware version, Regent or Regent+Plus I/O chassis, Safetybus configuration, and system redundancy arrangement.
For used or surplus inventory, pay particular attention to the front-panel health indicators, connector condition, module keying, PCB condition, and serial number. The Rockwell product notice makes serial-number verification especially relevant for older /T8160C stock. A simple power-up test should not be treated as sufficient acceptance for a safety-system interface module.
