HONEYWELL LCNP4E

Description

Product Description

HONEYWELL LCNP4E is a Local Control Network (LCN) Interface Module for the Honeywell TDC 2000/3000 distributed control system. This module, the LCNP4E, is a critical communication card that serves as the gateway between a TDC system’s Universal Control Network (UCN) and the higher-level plant-wide Local Control Network (LCN). Its primary function is to enable a Honeywell Advanced Process Manager (APM) or other UCN-based process controller to communicate with LCN devices such as the Universal Station (operator console), History Module, and Application Module. The HONEYWELL LCNP4E translates data and commands between the two proprietary Honeywell networks, allowing for centralized operator control, data logging, and advanced application processing. In the hierarchy of a TDC system, the LCNP4E module is an essential component for integrating process control with plant-wide supervision and management.

Product Parameters / Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Honeywell
• System: TDC 2000 / TDC 3000 Distributed Control System (DCS)
• Functional Designation: LCN Interface Module for UCN Nodes (specifically, a “P4” series card).
• Network Interface:
  • LCN Port: Connects to the coaxial-cable based Local Control Network (LCN) running at 5 Mbps.
  • UCN Port: Connects to the Universal Control Network (UCN) for communication with the attached process manager (APM, HPM, etc.).
• Form Factor: A large, proprietary circuit board designed to plug into a specific slot within the process manager’s cabinet.
• Node Address: Configured with a unique LCN node address, which identifies the attached process manager on the plant-wide LCN.
• Functions: Handles time synchronization, data buffering, protocol conversion, and error checking between the LCN and UCN networks.
• Status Indicators: Features status LEDs for power, network activity, and faults.

Advantages and Key Features

• Legacy System Integration: The HONEYWELL LCNP4E was the vital link that enabled Honeywell’s UCN-based controllers to participate in the larger, plant-wide TDC 3000 system, creating a unified control and information architecture.
• Deterministic Communication: Provided reliable, time-synchronized data exchange between the process control level and the operator/historian level, which was essential for coordinated plant operation.
• Gateway Functionality: Acted as a sophisticated gateway, offloading network protocol handling from the main process manager CPU and improving overall system performance.
• Robust Hardware Design: Built with the ruggedness expected for 24/7 industrial operation in control room environments.
• Established Technology: For decades, this module was a cornerstone of thousands of TDC installations worldwide.

Application Cases in Industry

• TDC 3000 System Expansion: Used when adding a new Advanced Process Manager (APM) or History Module to an existing TDC 3000 LCN network in a refinery, chemical plant, or pulp & paper mill.
• Legacy System Maintenance: Serves as a critical spare part for maintaining operational TDC systems where the LCNP4E module has failed, restoring communication between a control cabinet and the operator consoles.
• Plant-Wide Data Integration: Enabled the process data from individual units (controlled by APMs) to be visible on universal stations across the plant and recorded in the system’s history modules.

Comparison with Competing Products

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Confirm System Architecture Compatibility: The HONEYWELL LCNP4E is only for TDC 2000/3000 systems with a UCN network. Verify your system uses UCN-based process managers (APM, HPM) and not later Experion systems.
2. Exact Module Revision: There were multiple revisions of LCN interface cards (P2, P4, etc.). The LCNP4E must be the correct revision specified for your process manager model and TDC software release. Using an incompatible card can cause communication failures.
3. LCN Network Address: Each module must have a unique LCN node address. Before replacing a card, record the address setting from the old module (often via switches) and configure the new LCNP4E identically. Duplicate addresses will crash the LCN segment.
4. Handle with Extreme Care (ESD & Physical): These are large, static-sensitive, legacy cards. Use proper ESD protection. Be very careful with the edge connectors and the card’s weight during handling.
5. Full System Impact: Replacing this card will sever the communication link between that process manager and the rest of the DCS. This is a major activity that requires a well-planned outage window for the associated process unit.
6. Sourcing from Legacy Specialists: The TDC platform is obsolete. Source the LCNP4E from vendors who specialize in legacy Honeywell DCS support. They can often provide tested/refurbished cards with a warranty and may offer technical guidance for installation.

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