Description

The 51404170-175 is a high-availability communication gateway module from Honeywell, specifically functioning as a ControlNet Communication Module (CN2) for the Experion PKS C300 Process Controller. This module is a vital component in building a robust and deterministic control network, serving as the primary interface between the C300 controller and the plant-wide ControlNet network. The 51404170-175 CN2 module enables seamless, high-speed peer-to-peer communication between multiple C300 controllers and provides a critical data pathway for integration with Honeywell’s Experion PKS Operator Stations and other nodes on the network. Its redundant design is a key feature, allowing it to be paired with a second CN2 module to create a fault-tolerant communication link. This ensures that a single module failure does not interrupt data flow, which is paramount for maintaining continuous process visibility and control in mission-critical applications. The 51404170-175 is engineered for reliability and performance, forming the nervous system that connects distributed controllers into a unified and cohesive automation architecture.

51404170-175 HONEYWELL

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Parameter Value
Product Model	51404170-175
Manufacturer	Honeywell
Product Type	ControlNet Communication Module (CN2)
Redundancy Support	Yes (supports 1:1 hot backup)
Communication Protocol	ControlNet (ANSI/ISA 50.02, Part 2)
Data Transfer Rate	5 Mbps
Network Access	Deterministic, scheduled via Concurrent Time Domain Multiple Access (CTDMA)
Number of Nodes	Supports up to 99 nodes on a single trunk
Connector Type	Standard BNC for coaxial cable
Backplane Interface	PCI-based connection to the C300 controller
Operating Temperature	0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
Storage Temperature	-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Relative Humidity	5% to 95% (non-condensing)
Certifications	cULus Listed, ATEX, IECEx, NEPSI

Main Features and Advantages

The 51404170-175 CN2 module offers several distinct advantages that contribute to system resilience and performance. Its foremost feature is native support for 1:1 redundancy. When installed in pairs, one module acts as the primary while the other runs as a hot standby, automatically and seamlessly taking over communications should the primary module fail, with zero impact on the control network. This eliminates a single point of failure and is essential for achieving high system availability. The module operates on the deterministic ControlNet protocol, which guarantees bandwidth and response time for critical I/O and peer-to-peer messaging. This ensures that time-sensitive data is delivered predictably, without the delays or collisions associated with non-deterministic networks like standard Ethernet.

The module simplifies network configuration and diagnostics. It features clear status LEDs that provide at-a-glance information on module health, network activity, and redundancy status, enabling quick troubleshooting. Furthermore, its integration with the Experion PKS software suite allows for centralized configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics of the entire network from the operator console. This deep integration reduces engineering effort and provides operators with a unified view of both process and network health, making the 51404170-175 a cornerstone for building a reliable and manageable control infrastructure.

Application Field

The 51404170-175 is deployed in continuous process industries where network reliability and deterministic data exchange are critical to plant safety, efficiency, and profitability. In oil and gas refineries, it forms the communication backbone for distributed control applications, ensuring reliable data transfer for advanced regulatory control and safety interlocks across vast facilities. Power generation facilities use it to connect turbine control and balance-of-plant systems, where predictable communication is necessary for grid synchronization and load management. In large-scale chemical and petrochemical plants, the module enables high-speed peer-to-peer communication between reactors, distillation columns, and utility systems, allowing them to operate in tight coordination.

It is also extensively used in pulp and paper mills for coordinating large drives and process sections and in pharmaceutical plants for ensuring batch recipe integrity through reliable data handling. Any application that utilizes a distributed control architecture with Honeywell C300 controllers and requires a hardened, deterministic network for I/O and inter-controller messaging is a prime candidate for the 51404170-175 CN2 module. Its robustness makes it suitable for both standard and harsh industrial environments.

51404170-175 HONEYWELL

Related Products

51403516-175: The Experion PKS C300 Process Controller, which the CN2 module serves.

51404171-175: A redundant partner 51404170-175 module for creating a fault-tolerant link.

51404172-175: A related FTE (Fault Tolerant Ethernet) communication module for integrating with the Experion server network.

51171230-100: A typical Experion C Series I/O Mounting Unit (rack) for housing the controller and modules.

ControlNet Taps and Cable: The physical layer components required to build the ControlNet trunkline.

Experion PKS Software: The platform for configuring, monitoring, and diagnosing the CN2 network.