Hot Swapping Electronic Modules

Definition

Hot swapping is the ability to remove an I/O electronic module from its bus base and then replace it with an identical electronic module while the TM5 System is under power without disrupting the normal operations of the controller. When the electronic module is returned to its bus base or replaced with another electronic module with the same reference, it starts to operate again.

Hot Swapping Considerations

Before initiating a hot swap operation, confirm that the electronic module type is approved for hot swapping.

When removing or inserting an I/O module while power is applied, remove and insert the electronic module by hand. Do not use tools to hot swap modules because they may come into contact with hazardous voltages. Also, remove any locking clips and the terminal block before removing the electronic module from its bus base. Hot swapping is only allowed when replacing identical electronic modules.

 DANGER
EXPLOSION OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
  • Only perform a hot swap operation in locations known and confirmed to be non-hazardous.
  • Use only your hands.
  • Do not use any metal tools.
  • Do not disconnect any wires from the terminal block.
  • Only replace an electronic module with an identical reference.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.
NOTE: Only the electronic module is hot swap-able. Do not attempt a hot swap operation on the bus base, or on electronic modules that are integrated with their bus bases such as the compact I/O.

You need to understand and plan for the effects of hot-swapping certain modules. Hot-swapping modules that control power distribution to other modules, for example, can impact your machine or process. Power Distribution modules, Interface Power Distribution Modules, Common Distribution modules, Field Bus Interface Modules, and Transmitter and Receiver modules all either distribute power or communications to other electronic modules. Disconnecting the connector to these modules will interrupt power or communications to the modules they service.

For example, some Power Distribution Modules (PDMs) provide power to both the TM5 power bus and 24 Vdc I/O power segment. It is possible that you may need to replace the PDM because one service is inoperable, but not both. In this case, hot-swapping the PDM would interrupt the service that is still operating, and would interrupt power to the modules drawing power from that service.

I/O configurations that employ Common Distribution modules require careful consideration when wiring is restricted by short wire lengths. It may be the case that in order to hot-swap an electronic module that has become inoperable, you need to disconnect the connector of the Common module servicing it. Further, that same Common module may be connected to modules or devices other than the module you wish to hot-swap. Disconnecting the Common module in this case would necessarily interrupt the supply to the unaffected modules and/or devices. Be sure that you know what I/O slices or devices are connected to the Common module, and the impact that this disconnection would have on your machine or process before attempting a hot-swap operation.

 WARNING
LOSS OF CONTROL
  • The designer of any control scheme must consider the potential failure modes of control paths and, for certain critical control functions, provide a means to achieve a safe state during and after a path failure. Examples of critical control functions are emergency stop and overtravel stop, power outage and restart.
  • Separate or redundant control paths must be provided for critical control functions.
  • System control paths may include communication links. Consideration must be given to the implications of unanticipated transmission delays or failures of the link.
  • Observe all accident prevention regulations and local safety guidelines.1
  • Each implementation of this equipment must be individually and thoroughly tested for proper operation before being placed into service.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

1 For additional information, refer to NEMA ICS 1.1 (latest edition), "Safety Guidelines for the Application, Installation, and Maintenance of Solid State Control" and to NEMA ICS 7.1 (latest edition), "Safety Standards for Construction and Guide for Selection, Installation and Operation of Adjustable-Speed Drive Systems" or their equivalent governing your particular location.

NOTE: Be sure you thoroughly understand the effects of a hot-swap operation on all modules and connected devices as they relate to your machine or process.

Modules that are not Hot Swap-able

Electronic modules that can not be hot swapped under any circumstances include:

TM5

Electronic Modules Type

Reasons

Controller

PCI communication

The replacement of the PCI communication module requires a power cycle before it will recognized by the controller.

Controller Power Distribution Module

These modules are not removable.

Embedded I/O Modules

Field bus interface

CANopen interface module

The replacement of the CANopen interface module depends on CANopen master architecture. Refer to the Generic CANopen Implementation Guide and documentation associated with the CANopen master.

Compact I/O

I/O modules

These modules are not removable.