Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Description | PWA MODULE, CONTROL FIREWALL 9 G3 CC |
| System Platform | Honeywell Experion C300 / C-Series |
| Module Type | Control Firewall Module |
| Network Function | FTE cable distribution to C-Series FIMs |
| Port Configuration | 8 ports + 1 uplink |
| Mounting Base | CC-TCF901 Control Firewall IOTA |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC |
| Current Draw | 0.112 A @ 24 VDC |
| Redundancy Support | Yes, supports redundant FTE topology |
| Diagnostics | Power-on and run-time self-diagnostics with fault indication |
| Broadcast Storm Protection | Yes, broadcast storm suppression |
| Uplink Options | Copper; fiber uplink variants may be available depending on configuration |
Product Introduction
If your C300 controller keeps dropping off the network during a plant switch event, the problem is rarely the CPU. More often, someone plugged a laptop, HMI, or third-party device straight into the control network and flooded the segment. The CC-PCF901 exists to stop that from killing your controller scan.This is not a general-purpose Ethernet switch. It is Honeywell’s cabinet-level FTE firewall for the C300 system. It takes the FTE backbone, splits it to multiple C-Series FIMs, and keeps upper-level IP traffic from hammering the controller. The 8-port + 1-uplink layout is small by IT standards, but that is the point. It is meant for controlled cabinet distribution, not for turning the control room into a LAN party. I have seen plants where swapping a failed CC-PCF901 restored communications faster than reworking half a dozen random managed switches.One thing to watch: some web listings call it a “PLC CPU,” “analog input module,” or “module driver system.” Those are wrong. It is a control firewall/FTE distribution module for the C300 platform. Always confirm the revision and the companion IOTA before you cut a purchase order.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP)
- Visual inspection: check housing, connector pins, label, revision, and signs of heat or corrosion.
- Counterfeit check: compare Honeywell label format, part description, and serial number against known originals.
- Live test on a C-Series test rack: mount on CC-TCF901 IOTA, apply 24 VDC, verify power-up LEDs.
- FTE link verification: confirm port link status, uplink communication, and basic FTE path health.
- Diagnostic check: review module fault indicators and self-test status.
- Insulation and supply check: verify 24 VDC draw and absence of shorted inputs with a Fluke 115 or equivalent.
- Firmware/revision logging: record module revision and any visible firmware markers.
- Anti-static packaging: seal with ESD bag, desiccant, and test record.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- Do not treat this as a generic Ethernet switch. It is part of Honeywell’s FTE architecture. Plugging random devices into its ports can break redundancy behavior.
- Revision matters. “G3 CC” is not just decorative text. A mismatched revision can cause recognition issues on some C-Series racks.
- The IOTA is not optional. CC-PCF901 mounts on CC-TCF901. Trying to force it onto the wrong base is a fast way to bend pins.
- I once walked into a refinery turnaround where a technician replaced a failed firewall module but connected the uplink to the wrong VLAN. The controller came up fine; the engineering station did not. Two hours lost, zero hardware faults. Always document FTE A/B paths before you pull anything.
Installation & Configuration Guide
1. Pre-Installation ⚠️
- Notify operations and obtain work permit.
- Confirm which FTE segment is affected: FTE A, FTE B, or both.
- Photograph existing cabling, port assignments, LED states, and module revision.
- Verify replacement revision matches the original or is approved by your Honeywell rep.
2. Removal
- Label every Ethernet cable before disconnecting.
- Disconnect FTE A and FTE B cables separately to avoid confusing redundant paths.
- Release the module from the CC-TCF901 IOTA carefully. Do not pry the connectors.
3. Installation
- Inspect the CC-TCF901 IOTA connector for bent pins.
- Seat the CC-PCF901 firmly and evenly.
- Reconnect FTE cables exactly as labeled.
- Verify the uplink port connects to the correct FTE switch or controller network segment.
4. Power-On & Testing
- Confirm 24 VDC supply is within spec.
- Watch the LED sequence: power, link, fault, and port activity.
- Verify C300 controller communication through both FTE paths if redundant.
- Check Experion station connectivity, controller health, and alarm status.
- Do not declare the job complete until redundancy failover has been verified during the next approved window.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Compatibility | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Drop-in Replacement | CC-PCF901 (same revision) | Best choice. Match revision and IOTA type. |
| ⚠️ Software/Config Compatible | CC-PCF901 (different revision) | May work, but confirm with Honeywell documentation and site standards. |
| ⚠️ System-Level Alternative | CC-TCF901 IOTA + matching firewall module | The IOTA is the base; it is not a standalone substitute. |
| ❌ Not a Direct Replacement | CC-PCNT01 / CC-PCNT02 | These are C300 controller processors, not firewall modules. |
| ❌ Not a Direct Replacement | Generic managed Ethernet switch | Will not replicate Honeywell FTE behavior without full architecture review. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the CC-PCF901 a C300 CPU?
No. It is a control firewall/FTE distribution module. The C300 processor is a different card, typically CC-PCNT01 or CC-PCNT02.Q2: Can I use any Ethernet switch instead?
Not safely. The CC-PCF901 is built for Honeywell FTE topology. A generic switch may pass traffic, but it will not guarantee the same redundancy, storm suppression, or controller protection behavior.Q3: What base does it mount on?
It mounts on the CC-TCF901 Control Firewall IOTA. Do not try to install it on a controller IOTA or random DIN rail adapter.Q4: Does it support redundancy?
Yes. It supports redundant FTE configurations when used correctly in the C300 architecture.Q5: Is it hot-swappable?
Treat it as a controlled replacement. Some C-Series modules support removal and insertion under power, but firewall and FTE paths affect controller communication. Always follow site procedure and Honeywell guidance before pulling it live.Q6: What power does it need?
24 VDC at 0.112 A. If your cabinet supply is unstable, fix the supply first. A marginal 24 VDC rail will cause more headaches than the module itself.Q7: How do I know if my replacement is genuine?
Check the Honeywell label, part description “PWA MODULE, CONTROL FIREWALL 9 G3 CC,” revision, serial number, and physical connector quality. Ask for a live test video on a C-Series rack if you are buying surplus.
