ALE111-S50 Yokogawa Field Ethernet Interface Card

Description

Product Model: ALE111-S50
Product Brand: Yokogawa
Product Series: ALE111 Ethernet Communication Module

Product Features:

• Ethernet connection via IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, RJ-45 interface
• Supports Modbus slave, DNP3 slave, and subsystem communication functions
• Able to mount on Yokogawa SCS / FIO / N-IO racks (e.g. AFV/ANB/ANR units)
• Standard (non-explosion) type (suffix “S5 0”) and ~0.3 kg weight

Applications & Industry Context

In modern automation environments, bridging legacy control architectures and Ethernet-based subsystems is often essential. The ALE111-S50 module serves exactly that role: an Ethernet communication bridge in Yokogawa’s safety or control system stacks.

Typical deployment sees ALE111-S50 mounted in safety control stations (SCS) or field control units (FCS), enabling communication with external systems via Modbus or DNP3 over Ethernet.  For instance, an SCS configured to control safety logic might use the ALE111 to expose internal variables to a supervisory system or remote monitoring unit

In hybrid systems where discrete control or safety systems must talk to SCADA or MES servers, the ALE111-S50 acts as the gateway. In fields such as utilities, oil & gas, or process industries, its deterministic 10 Mbps Ethernet interface ensures predictable latency and simple point-to-point connectivity.

Because it supports “subsystem communication,” the module lets FIO (field I/O) or subsystem devices like FA-M3 PLCs interface into the Yokogawa backbone. In safety-rated environments, you’ll see ALE111-S50 in redundant configurations within SCS units, ensuring the external link remains available without compromising internal safety loops.

In retrofit applications, if a plant is migrating to Ethernet or connecting to third-party devices, the ALE111-S50 is a low-risk insert: it sits in the communication layer without changing core safety/control logic.

4. Technical Specifications & Benefits

Below is a detailed breakdown of ALE111-S50 technical characteristics and why they matter in real systems.

Ethernet Interface & Signal Layer

• Physical Layer: IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, half-duplex operation
• Connector: RJ-45, point-to-point link via 100 Ω twisted-pair cable (unshielded)
• Maximum segment length: 100 m between the SCS / FCS and external system or hub
• Single Port (one Ethernet interface) on the module
• Data Rate: 10 Mbps only (no 100 Mbps option)

Communication Protocol & Functions

• Modbus Slave: The ALE111 can act as a slave device to Modbus masters, exposing internal variables from SCS or subsystem data
• DNP3 Slave: On applicable SCS (e.g. SSC57 model), the module supports DNP3 protocol connectivity
• Subsystem Communication: It supports communication with Yokogawa subsystem devices (e.g. FA-M3 or other programmable logic systems) via Ethernet link
• Only a single communication function can be active per module (i.e. you cannot simultaneously run Modbus and DNP3)

Mounting & Compatibility

• The ALE111-S50 mounts on racks such as ANB10, ANB11 (ESB bus node units), AFF50, AFV10, AFV30, AFV40 field control units, and optical ESB bus node units
• It is intended for use in FIO / N-IO / SCS / FCS systems that require Ethernet linkage to external networks

Electrical & Environmental

• Current consumption: approximately 0.5 A from the module’s power rail
• Weight: ~0.30 kg
• Type / Suffix: S (standard type) with “5” indicating no explosion protection, and “0” being the base version
• Operating environment: as per Yokogawa’s ambient specs (consult GS manuals for temperature, humidity, vibration)

5. Installation & Maintenance Insights

Even though the ALE111-S50 is primarily a communication module, practical details matter. Here are field-proven tips:

• Mounting Orientation & Rack Integration
  Ensure proper alignment on the host rack (ANB/ANR or AFF/AFV). The module should sit flush to avoid connector misalignment.
  Leave adjacent slots if possible for airflow and heat dissipation; although the module is low-power, dense racks can cause thermal accumulation.
• Ethernet Cabling Practices
  Use quality 100 Ω twisted-pair cable (Cat 5 is acceptable). Do not exceed 100 meters. Keep cable runs away from high-voltage or noisy lines.
  Terminate unused ports appropriately or ensure that no spurious reflections occur. While the ALE111 is point-to-point, the external hub or switch can be used accordingly.
• Power & Rail Connections
  Connect the module’s supply rails per Yokogawa wiring guides (usually part of the rack power bus). Ensure that supply voltage levels and tolerances are correct, and that common bus rails have low impedance to avoid dropouts.
• Communication Function Setup
  In engineering software, choose exactly one active communication mode (Modbus, DNP3, or subsystem). Enabling more than one can result in conflicts.
  Assign network parameters (IP address, subnet, etc.) consistent with subnet design. Although 10 Mbps is modest, avoid overloading the link with excessive polling or broadcast traffic.
• Testing & Commissioning
  Once installed, ping the module over Ethernet to confirm basic link. Test functional exchange (e.g. read registers) via Modbus or DNP3.
  Monitor error logs or link-down alarms. Validate that the data bits from internal safety/control variables map correctly to external addresses.
• Maintenance & Diagnostics
  Because it’s electronic with no moving parts, failures are rare. But check periodically for dust accumulation, connector corrosion, or rack vibration issues.
  Keep the firmware version recorded; if a replacement is needed, matching firmware can avoid mismatches & reprogramming.
  Always document the module’s role in the station (e.g. “SCS #2 external interface”) for future troubleshooting or swap.
• Redundancy Planning
  In critical systems, you can install two ALE111 modules in a dual-redundant configuration. The system will allow seamless failover of Ethernet connectivity if one module fails.
  In such layouts, align the modules’ firmware versions, and plan your external redundancy (switches, cabling) as carefully as internal switching logic.

6. Related Models

Here are commonly associated or alternate modules in the ALE / Yokogawa communication family:

• ALE111-S01 – Alternative suffix variant for the ALE111 module (often same function)
• ALE111 (base) – baseline model without suffix; same module family
• ALR111 / ALR121 – Serial communication modules (RS-232, RS-422/485) used in Yokogawa safety / control systems
• ALF111 – Foundation Fieldbus (H1) communication module in Yokogawa fieldbus environments
• ALE111 (N-IO / FIO variant) – Specific variant of ALE111 designed for FIO or field I/O rack installations

Each module differs mainly in communication medium (Ethernet, serial, fieldbus) and deployment context (safety system, field control unit, I/O rack). But the ALE111 line is a reliable go-to for Ethernet connectivity within Yokogawa systems.