SAF CA418

Technical Specifications​

Processors: TMS320C25 at 50 MHz for block-program execution, Intel 386EX at 25 MHz for communication management

Power draw: 5 VDC at 850 mA with Handterm connected; +15 VDC and -15 VDC draws depend on installed option configuration

Communication ports: Ethernet 10BaseT RJ45 and AUI for download, upload, annunciation and rack-to-rack communication; serial download port; serial Handterm port

Serial protocol options: AB DF1, Modicon Modbus RTU, SBL download and Handterm service

Node addressing: rotary switch SW1 for node address, standard 1 to 15, extended range through J7

Status indicators: green Status LED, red Running LED, fault codes by Status flash patterns

Rack rule: one CA418, CA451 or CA408-1 multiprocessor card per physical rack

Functional Features​

High-speed block-program execution. Independent communication processor preserves control scan performance. Ethernet programming and rack-to-rack data transfer. Serial interfaces for PLC, HMI, modem or handheld maintenance. Jumper-controlled options for Handterm power and communication mode.

Application Scenarios​

SAFphire safety and automation racks, machine control, drive and encoder interface systems using companion SAF cards, Allen-Bradley DF1 integration, Modicon Modbus integration, standalone rack-based logic replacement and maintenance through Handterm.

Performance Parameters​

TMS320C25 clock: 50 MHz. Intel 386EX clock: 25 MHz. Ethernet: 10 Mb/s base-band operation. Serial download rates configurable by SBL tools. I/O update performance depends on installed sibling input, output, analog and drive cards.

Material Composition​

Multilayer printed circuit board with surface-mount and through-hole components. Metal mounting bracket. Gold or tin-plated card-edge and serial connectors. Conformal coating options depend on the specific revision.

Structural Characteristics​

Full-height SAFphire processor card format. Rotary node switch, configuration jumpers, Ethernet connector, serial connectors and LED cluster on the front face. Internal bus connector engages the rack backplane.

Working Principle​

The operator downloads an SBL block program to the card. The TMS320C25 processor executes control, timing and math blocks, reads inputs and writes outputs on the rack backplane. The 386EX subsystem handles Ethernet, serial DF1/Modbus, program transfer and diagnostic messaging. The Status and Running LEDs report health, scan activity and fault codes.

Installation Requirements​

Insert CA418 into the designated processor slot of a SAFphire rack. Set SW1 node address before power-up. Configure J4 and other jumpers per the SAFphire hardware manual. Connect Ethernet or serial download media for configuration. Verify that the rack contains only one multiprocessor card. Ground the rack and shield communication cables properly.

Usage Precautions​

Remove rack power before inserting or removing the card. Never set SW1 to address 0. Validate the downloaded program and checksum before placing the rack in automatic control. Use the correct Handterm jumper for 5 V handheld power. Investigate any abnormal Status LED flash pattern before restarting the process.

Alternate Catalog Identity​

Some industrial-supply catalogs list SAF CA418 as a 16-channel 4-20 mA input module, 9-30 VDC power, CAN-bus communication, IP67 enclosure and -40°C to 85°C operation, or as a sensor-actuator fusion device. Those specifications describe a different product family. Confirm the manufacturer nameplate, system platform and drawing number before substituting CA418 parts.