Product Overview

The Honeywell CC-PCF901 (Part Number: 51405047-176) is a Control Firewall (CF9) module for the Experion PKS Series C system. It acts as a protective gateway for the C300 Controller and associated I/O modules, isolating the mission-critical control network from broader plant communications.

The CC-PCF901 manages traffic on the FTE (Fault Tolerant Ethernet) bridge to prevent network storms from impacting controller performance. It ensures that the controller only processes valid, high-priority control traffic and provides hardware-based filtering to safeguard against unauthorized access and accidental network interference.

Technical Data

System Functionality and Network Security

• Traffic Prioritization: Advanced queuing algorithms prioritize real-time control data over secondary traffic.

• Network Storm Protection: Integrated rate-limiting prevents excessive broadcasts from overwhelming the I/O Link.

• Hardened Security: Dedicated hardware platform reduces the attack surface compared to general-purpose OS devices.

• Seamless Redundancy: Deployable in redundant pairs; backup module takes over immediately if the primary fails.

Typical Applications

• Critical Infrastructure: Protects power grid controllers from external noise and cyber threats.

• Integrated Refineries: Manages cross-controller communications in large-scale facilities.

• Offshore Platforms: Ensures stable communication for automated ESD systems in remote locations.

• Pharmaceutical Facilities: Maintains data integrity for validated systems, preventing loss of critical production data.

FAQ

Q1: Is the CC-PCF901 required for every C300 Controller installation?
A1: While small test systems can function without it, Honeywell recommends a Control Firewall for all production environments to isolate the FTE network from the controller's I/O link.

Q2: How many C300 controllers can a single CC-PCF901 firewall support?
A2: Typically, a single firewall (or redundant pair) is dedicated to a specific Series C I/O row, servicing one or two C300 controllers.

Q3: What is the difference between part numbers 51405047-176 and -175?
A3: The -176 indicates a newer hardware revision, often with improved longevity and better compliance with modern environmental standards such as RoHS.

Q4: Does this module require manual software configuration?
A4: Most filtering rules are pre-configured. Users must assign the correct FTE IP addresses during initial system setup using Monitoring Tools.