Tricon 4329 NCM | Network Communication Module Ethernet TSAA

Description

Product Description

• Tricon 4329 Network Communication Module (NCM) connects Tricon to Ethernet networks.
• It talks to other Tricons and outside host computers.
• The module supports TSAA protocol and user-written apps.
• NCMG version adds GPS time synchronization.
• Two NCMs can sit in one logic slot but work alone – not as hot spares.

Technical Specifications

• Model Number: 4329
• Brand: Tricon / Triconex
• Product Type: Network Communication Module (NCM)
• Ethernet Ports: 2 x BNC connectors (RG58 50-ohm thin cable)
• External Transceiver Ports: 2 x 15-pin D-connectors
• Serial Port: 1 x RS-232 compatible
• Port Isolation: 500 VDC
• Communication Speed: 10 megabits per second (Ethernet ports)
• Protocol: TSAA (TCP/UDP/IP/802.3)
• Max Distance (thin coax): 607 feet (185 meters)
• Max Distance (with repeaters): 2.5 miles (4,000 meters)
• Status Indicators: PASS, FAULT, ACTIVE, TX (per port), RX (per port)

Key Features (Hierarchical View)

• Two Network Ports with Different Roles
  • NET 1: Peer-to-Peer and Time Sync for Tricon-only safety networks
  • NET 2: Open networking to external systems via TriStation, SOE, OPC Server, DDE Server, or user apps
• GPS Sync Option (NCMG)
  • Same functions as standard NCM
  • Adds GPS-based time synchronization
• Supported Protocols (TSAA Frame Types)
  • TRICON_DATA (Frame Type 1)
  • TRICON_DATA_REQ (Frame Type 2)
  • WRITE_TRICON_DATA (Frame Type 3)
  • WRITE_TRICON_DATA_RSP (Frame Type 4)
  • READ_TRICON_CLOCK (Frame Type 5)
  • READ_TRICON_CLOCK_RSP (Frame Type 6)
  • SET_TRICON_CLOCK (Frame Type 7)
  • SET_TRICON_CLOCK_RSP (Frame Type 8)
  • READ_TRICON_DATA (Frame Type 11)
  • READ_TRICON_RSP (Frame Type 12)
• Data Handling
  • Main processors refresh data once per scan
  • External hosts read/write only to variables with Alias numbers
• Status LEDs
  • PASS – module working
  • FAULT – error detected
  • ACTIVE – module active
  • TX (Transmit) – one per port
  • RX (Receive) – one per port

Installation Guide

• Install NCM into Tricon chassis logic slot.
• Two NCMs can share one logic slot but work separately.
• Use RG58 coaxial cable (50-ohm thin cable) for BNC ports.
• For longer runs, add repeaters with thick-net or fiber-optic cable.
• Assign Alias numbers to variables for external host access.

Cabling & Distance Guide

• Standard cable: RG58 coaxial (thin-net), up to 607 ft (185 m)
• Extended distance: Use repeaters + thick-net or fiber-optic cable
• Max extended distance: 2.5 miles (4,000 meters)
• Do not mix cable types without proper adapters.

Debugging & Maintenance

• Check PASS LED – module is ready.
• If FAULT LED lights up, check connections and configuration.
• ACTIVE LED confirms module is communicating.
• TX/RX LEDs blink when data moves through each port.
• Main processors refresh data once per scan – no user action needed.

Compatibility

• Works with Tricon safety systems (all models).
• NET 1 port connects to other Tricons only.
• NET 2 port connects to TriStation, OPC servers, DDE servers, and custom apps.
• Integrates with Modicon Quantum systems via open networking on NET 2.

Certifications & Standards

• IEEE 802.3 electrical interface compliant.
• Port isolation: 500 VDC for safety.
• TSAA protocol support for Triconex safety applications.

Package List

• 1 x Tricon 4329 Network Communication Module
• No cables included – order RG58 coax separately
• No transceivers included

Warranty & Shipping

• 12 months warranty against manufacturing defects.
• Shipping carriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL.
• Tracking number provided within 24 hours.

Typical Applications

• Tricon-to-Tricon peer-to-peer safety networks
• Connecting Tricon to TriStation for programming and monitoring
• SOE (Sequence of Events) logging systems
• OPC server data collection from Tricon
• DDE server integration with HMIs
• Time-synchronized safety systems (with NCMG version)

Diagnostic Capabilities

• Five status LEDs show module health and activity.
• PASS/FAULT/ACTIVE for overall module status.
• TX/RX per port for network traffic monitoring.
• System can read Tricon clock via READ_TRICON_CLOCK frames.
• Faults visible through TriStation software.

FAQ – Professional Questions & Buying Guide

• Can two NCMs work as a redundant pair?
  No. Two NCMs can sit in one logic slot but work independently. They are not hot-spare modules.
• Why can’t my external host read certain Tricon variables?
  External hosts only read or write variables with assigned Alias numbers. Check the Alias configuration.
• What is the difference between NCM and NCMG?
  NCMG has all NCM functions plus GPS time synchronization. Use NCMG when time alignment across systems is critical.
• Can I use NET 1 for external hosts like OPC servers?
  No. NET 1 only supports Peer-to-Peer and Time Sync for Tricon-only networks. Use NET 2 for external hosts.
• How far can I place the NCM from another device?
  Up to 607 feet with RG58 coax. With repeaters and thick-net or fiber optics, you can reach 2.5 miles.

Experience-Based Buying Guide

• Choose Tricon 4329 NCM when you need Ethernet communication for your Tricon safety system.
• Select 4329 NCMG if your application requires GPS time sync across multiple controllers.
• Buy this module for TSAA protocol support – it is the standard for Triconex networking.
• Avoid this module if your Tricon chassis has no free logic slots – two NCMs share one slot, but you still need slot space.
• For simple serial communication only, consider a different module without Ethernet.
• Order RG58 coaxial cable separately. Standard Ethernet (RJ45) cables will not work with BNC ports.
• Use NET 2 for open networking. Keep NET 1 for Tricon-to-Tricon safety links only.

Contact & Inquiries

• Need help choosing between NCM and NCMG for your Tricon 4329 setup?
• Call or message us on WhatsApp: +86 158 8020 0923

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