HIMA F8621A Coprocessor Module

Description

Core Product Summary

The HIMA F8621A is a coprocessor module designed for compatible HIMA H41q and H51q programmable electronic systems. It uses an HD64180 microprocessor operating at 10 MHz and provides 384 KB of static memory implemented with CMOS RAM and EPROM.

The module includes two galvanically isolated, half-duplex RS-485 interfaces, with transmission rates configurable by software. Dual-port RAM provides a fast data-access path between the coprocessor and the central module. The F8621A occupies four TE of rack space and operates from the system’s 5 V DC supply, with a documented current consumption of 360 mA.

The module is intended for established HIMA control-system architectures. Before replacement, verify the controller family, operating-system version, communication configuration, and memory backup arrangement.

 

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer	HIMA
Model	F8621A
Ordering number	984862160
Product type	Coprocessor module
Compatible systems	HIMA H41q / H51q
Processor	HD64180
Processor clock frequency	10 MHz
Memory capacity	384 KB
Memory technology	CMOS RAM and EPROM
Communication interfaces	2 × RS-485
Communication mode	Half-duplex
Interface isolation	Galvanic isolation
Configurable transmission rates	300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 4,800, 9,600, 19,200, 38,400 and 57,600 bps
Data exchange	Dual-port RAM for access to the central module
Supply voltage	5 V DC
Current consumption	360 mA
Rack space requirement	4 TE
RAM backup in H51q	Battery buffering through the F7131 power-supply monitoring module
RAM backup in H41q	Buffer batteries on the rear printed circuit board
Operating-system compatibility	Verify the exact installed OS version and configuration

Specifications reflect the available F8621A technical documentation. Confirm the installed hardware revision and operating-system compatibility before ordering or commissioning.

 

Main Features and Engineering Advantages

Dedicated coprocessor processing

The F8621A uses an HD64180 microprocessor operating at 10 MHz. Its coprocessor role supports processing and communication functions within the HIMA control-system architecture, rather than serving as a general-purpose standalone PLC.

Dual isolated RS-485 interfaces

Two half-duplex RS-485 interfaces provide serial communication capability. Galvanic isolation separates the interface circuits electrically as specified in the module documentation. Actual network behavior depends on the configured protocol, wiring, termination, and connected devices.

Integrated memory resources

The module includes 384 KB of static memory using CMOS RAM and EPROM. The RAM backup arrangement differs between H41q and H51q systems, so the applicable system-specific documentation must be consulted during maintenance.

Dual-port RAM data exchange

Dual-port RAM provides a fast memory-access path between the coprocessor and the central module. This supports communication between the module’s processing resources and the main control-system architecture.

Configurable serial transmission rates

The RS-485 transmission rate can be set through software or, where applicable, taken from values configured on the central unit using DIP switches. The correct method depends on the system configuration and operating-system version.

Compact rack integration

The F8621A occupies four TE of rack space, allowing it to fit the corresponding position in a compatible HIMA subrack. Mechanical fit alone does not establish system compatibility; hardware and software requirements must also be checked.

System Compatibility and Integration Requirements

Before purchasing or installing an F8621A, verify the following:

• Controller family: Confirm whether the module is being installed in an H41q or H51q system.
• Operating system: Check the installed operating-system version and compatibility requirements. The applicable datasheet revision must be used.
• Serial communication: Confirm the interface assignment, half-duplex wiring, baud rate, and communication settings.
• Central-unit configuration: Determine whether serial transmission settings are configured through software or taken from the central unit’s DIP switches.
• Memory backup: Check the relevant battery-buffering arrangement and the condition of the associated backup components.
• Rack position: Confirm the required four-TE installation space and the correct subrack position.
• Replacement identity: Compare the existing module label and ordering number against the replacement documentation.

Do not assume that the F8621A is interchangeable with a similarly named HIMA CPU, communication module, or output module. Its documented role is that of a coprocessor.

 

Installation and Connection Notes

The F8621A is a rack-mounted module intended for a compatible HIMA programmable electronic system. Installation and servicing should follow the applicable system manual and site maintenance procedures.

1. Record the module designation, ordering number, and installed hardware revision.
2. Identify the controller family and verify the required operating-system version.
3. Isolate the equipment as required by the site’s maintenance and electrical-safety procedures.
4. Check the subrack position and connector condition before installing the replacement.
5. Verify RS-485 interface assignments, communication settings, cable routing, and termination against the system wiring documentation.
6. Check the RAM backup arrangement appropriate to the H41q or H51q installation.
7. After replacement, complete the prescribed communication, diagnostic, and system functional checks.

If memory backup is involved in the maintenance procedure, follow HIMA’s instructions before removing power or disconnecting associated backup components. Do not assume that stored data will be retained without the specified backup arrangement.

 

Detailed Product Overview

Coprocessor architecture

The F8621A is a dedicated coprocessor for HIMA H41q and H51q programmable electronic systems. Its HD64180 processor and 384 KB memory support functions assigned to the coprocessor within the established system architecture.

Dual-port RAM provides a fast access path between the coprocessor and the central module. This arrangement allows data to be exchanged without treating the F8621A as an independent controller.

Serial communication and interface configuration

The module provides two galvanically isolated RS-485 interfaces operating in half-duplex mode. The documented transmission rates range from 300 bps to 57,600 bps. The applicable rate is selected through the system’s software configuration or, where supported, through settings on the central unit.

When diagnosing communication problems, engineers should check the configured baud rate, interface assignment, cabling, polarity, termination, and the settings of connected equipment. The presence of an RS-485 interface does not by itself establish which higher-level communication protocol is active.

Memory retention and system maintenance

The F8621A uses CMOS RAM and EPROM. RAM buffering is implemented differently depending on the controller family: H51q systems use the F7131 power-supply monitoring module, while H41q systems use buffer batteries on the rear printed circuit board.

This difference is important during maintenance and replacement. Confirm the actual system architecture and follow the correct procedure for preserving retained data. The condition of the backup components should be assessed according to the relevant HIMA maintenance instructions.

Replacement planning

Before ordering a replacement F8621A, record the module’s full designation and ordering number, verify the controller family and operating-system version, and document the current communication configuration. After installation, confirm that the module is recognized by the system and that required serial communication and diagnostic functions operate as intended.

 

Applications and System Role

The HIMA F8621A supports coprocessor and serial communication functions in compatible H41q and H51q control systems.

Typical system roles include:

• Control-system data exchange: Providing a coprocessor path for communication with the central module.
• Serial communications: Connecting compatible devices through the module’s isolated RS-485 interfaces.
• Legacy HIMA system maintenance: Replacing an existing F8621A in a supported installation.
• Control-system diagnostics: Supporting troubleshooting of communication and coprocessor functions.
• Industrial process control infrastructure: Maintaining the communication architecture of compatible HIMA programmable electronic systems.

The actual application depends on the configured software, communication protocol, controller architecture, and system documentation. Do not assume support for Ethernet, Modbus TCP, or other protocols unless the installed configuration explicitly provides them.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HIMA F8621A?

The F8621A is a coprocessor module for compatible HIMA H41q and H51q programmable electronic systems.

What processor does it use?

The documented processor is the HD64180, operating at 10 MHz.

How much memory does the module have?

It has 384 KB of memory implemented using CMOS RAM and EPROM.

How many communication ports does the F8621A provide?

It provides two galvanically isolated, half-duplex RS-485 interfaces.

What baud rates are supported?

The documented software-selectable rates are 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 4,800, 9,600, 19,200, 38,400, and 57,600 bps. The central-unit configuration may determine the active setting in some installations.

What is its power requirement?

The module operates from 5 V DC and has a documented current consumption of 360 mA.

How much rack space does it occupy?

The F8621A requires four TE of rack space.

Can it be used in any HIMA controller?

No. Compatibility must be confirmed for the exact H41q or H51q configuration and installed operating-system version.

What should be checked before replacing an F8621A?

Confirm the ordering number, controller family, operating-system version, RS-485 settings, rack position, and memory backup arrangement.

 

Procurement Checklist

When requesting a quotation for the HIMA F8621A, prepare the following information:

• Model: F8621A
• Ordering number: 984862160
• Product type: Coprocessor module
• Required quantity
• Installed system: H41q or H51q
• Operating-system version, if available
• Existing module label and hardware revision
• RS-485 communication configuration
• Required condition and delivery destination

Replacement recommendation: Match the module to the existing HIMA configuration before purchase. For this coprocessor, operating-system compatibility and retained-memory arrangements are as important as the physical module designation.