Honeywell Universal Control Network (UCN)

Honeywell Universal Control Network (UCN)

Description

Honeywell UCN is a proprietary communication protocol and network system developed by Honeywell specifically for process control and automation applications, primarily used in the TDC-2000 / TDC-3000 / TPS series DCS systems. It functions as the “central nervous system” of industrial control systems, enabling real-time data exchange and control communication between controllers, I/O modules, sensors, and field devices.

In 1975, Honeywell introduced the TDC-2000, the world’s first distributed control system. After years of continuous technological development, the TDC-3000 was launched in October 1983. This system adopted a Local Control Network (LCN), added a process control management layer, and the original TDC-2000 was converted to TDC-3000 BASIC. In 1988, the TDC-3000 (UCN) was introduced, adding new products such as the Universal Control Network (UCN), Universal Workstation (UWS), Process Management Station (PM), and the ST3000 intelligent transmitter, further enhancing the system’s control capabilities, open communication network, and integrated information management.

The Universal Control Network and its management station (UCN) are used to communicate with the process management station PM and the logical management station LM connected to it. It is a process network that realizes data acquisition and control functions. It is connected to the local control network (LCN) through the network interface module (NIM) to realize the monitoring, operation, information management and system maintenance functions required by users.

(1) The Universal Control Network (UCN) is an open communication network that uses the IEEE 802.4 standard communication protocol and is compatible with ISO standards. It has a communication rate of 5Mbps, peer-to-peer communication, and token bus transmission. Redundant coaxial cables are used to support up to 32 redundant devices, allowing PMs and LMs on the network to share network data. 63 modules (32 redundant devices) can be connected to the UCN network, and the network distance is usually 300 m.

(2) The Process Manager (PM) integrates the functions of a multi-function controller and a process interface unit, and has greater improvements and enhancements in speed, capacity, and functionality. It provides highly flexible input/output functions and powerful control functions for data monitoring and control, including a dedicated regulation control software package, fully centralized interlocking logic functions, and a process-oriented high-level control language (CL/PM). It can easily implement continuous control, logic control, sequential control, and batch control. The PM has a scan cycle of 0.75s. One PM can process 5,000 CL/PM statement programs.

(3) The Advanced Process Manager (APM) is an improved product of the PM. Compared with the PM, it adds data points such as digital input event sequence (DICOE) processing, DEVICE management points, CL programs, and non-TDC-3000 device serial interface capabilities. Another major improvement is the enhancement of CL/APM functions. For example, the increase in device management points makes the management of discrete devices more flexible. The combination of composite digital point display and logic control functions under the same bit number allows operators to directly see the cause of the interlock. The serial interface capability of non-TDC-3000 devices allows the UPC 6000 process controller with serial communication capabilities to be directly connected to the APM and operated as an auxiliary system of the APM.

(4) Logical Management Station (LM) The Logic Manager (LM) is a field management station for logic control, providing functions such as logic processing, ladder logic programming, logic program execution, and communication with modules in the UCN and LCN networks.

Key Features：
Deterministic Communication: Based on a token-passing bus architecture, ensuring collision-free, real-time and deterministic control communication.
Redundant Design: Supports dual redundant networks (UCN A/B) with automatic failover, guaranteeing uninterrupted transmission of critical process data.

Core Benefits：
High-Speed Transmission: Delivers data transfer speeds of up to 5 Mbps, supporting efficient communication in complex industrial environments.
Scalability: A single network supports up to 32 redundant nodes, allowing easy expansion as automation needs grow.
Industrial-Grade Reliability: Designed for harsh industrial conditions with high noise immunity, ensuring secure and reliable transmission of critical process data.

Stock part list:

SPS5785
51198651-100
51198947-100
51198947-100F
51198947-100G
51196653-100
51196653-200
51196655-100
51109693-100B
51196990-500
SPS5710
51199929-100
51199930-100
51199935-100
MC-PLAM02
MC-TAIH02
MC-TAIH12
MC-TAMR03
MC-TAMR04
MC-TAMR04(51305907-175)
MC-TAMT03
MC-TAMT04
MC-TLPA02
MU-TAIH02
MU-TAIH12
MU-TAIL02
MU-TAMR02
MU-TAMT02
MU-TAOX02
MU-TAOX12
MU-TDID12
MU-TDPR02
MU-TLPA02
MU-TLPA02
MU/MC-TAIH12
MU/MC-TAOX12
ACX631
51109684-100
51195066-100