GE BC820K02 CEX-Bus Interconnection Unit for Redundant Communication

Technical Specifications Breakdown

Key parameters for the BC820K02 are listed below for quick reference:

Industry Applications

In chemical plants or refineries, redundant communication interfaces prevent single points of failure. The BC820K02 allows sectioning the CEX-Bus into two independent segments up to 200 meters apart, which is valuable for geographically distributed I/O. For maintenance engineers, the hot swap capability reduces downtime during CPU upgrades or replacements.

Installation & Setup Guidance

Mount the BC820K02 on a standard DIN rail within the cabinet. Connect the external power supply to terminals L+ and L- with 24 V DC (19.2 to 30 V DC). For RCU Control Link, use a shielded twisted pair crossover cable (RJ45) with all four pairs crossed per T568A to T568B, maximum length 200 m. For RCU Data Link, use 50/125 μm OM3 fiber with LC Duplex connectors, also up to 200 m. Ensure the CEX-Bus cable length does not exceed 200 m per segment. The unit supports up to 6 CEX-Bus interfaces.

Maintenance & Reliability

Inspect the BC820K02 periodically for dust accumulation and ensure the IP20 enclosure is not compromised. Verify that the external power supply remains within the specified voltage range. The module's hot swap feature allows replacement without powering down the system, but always follow your plant's lockout/tagout procedures. The unit is designed for reliable operation in temperatures from +5 to +55 °C and non-condensing humidity up to 95%.

CEX-Bus Interconnection for Reliable Redundant Communication

The GE BC820K02 (3BSE071500R1) is a CEX-Bus Interconnection Unit designed to extend the onboard communication ports of compatible processor units. This module enables the use of redundant communication interfaces on the CEX-Bus, improving system availability in critical industrial applications. It supports hot swap, allowing online replacement of the CPU without disrupting operations.

Compatibility & Integration

The BC820K02 is compatible with PM858, PM862, PM866 (PR:F or later; PR:H or later for PM866K01), and PM866A processors. It extends the CEX-Bus and RCU-Link, supporting redundant communication interfaces. The unit is powered from the processor via the CEX-Bus and can also receive redundant power through its external connector.

Selection Guide & Purchasing Advice

When selecting the BC820K02, verify that your processor unit is compatible and that the required cables (RJ45 crossover and OM3 fiber) are ordered separately. AutoDCSTech stocks this module and can advise on lifecycle status and availability. Contact our team to confirm stock and lead times.