CE4006P2 Emerson DeltaV Serial Interface / Communications Module

Description

Product Model: CE4006P2
Product Brand: Emerson (DeltaV / Ovation)
Product Series / Platform: DCS / DeltaV / Ovation serial interface I/O

Product Features:

• Serial interface / communication card for DeltaV / DCS integration
• Supports Modbus / RS-232, RS-422/485 serial protocols out of the box
• Plug-and-play installation in standard I/O carriers; supports redundant operation
• Preloaded protocol drivers; auto-sensing, minimal configuration required

Applications & Industry Context

In modern process control systems, bridging the gap between legacy or field-level serial devices and modern DCS infrastructure is a common requirement. The CE4006P2 serves exactly that need. It is used within Emerson’s DeltaV or Ovation systems to connect serial-protocol devices—like analyzers, PLCs, and RTUs—into the control network, making their data accessible in the DCS environment.

Whether you have Modbus RTU instruments, flow computers, or remote controllers using serial links, the CE4006P2 enables communication integration. Engineers often deploy these in retrofits, expansions, or system modernization projects to avoid wholesale replacement of field devices.

In industries such as power, water/wastewater, oil & gas, or chemical processing, field devices often continue to operate on serial links long after the central control system is upgraded. By inserting CE4006P2 modules into standard I/O racks, communication is unified without touching all the downstream wiring. This capability extends the life of existing assets, reduces costs, and simplifies system management.

Because the card supports redundancy and auto-failover in many DeltaV environments, it can be used in mission-critical systems where communication reliability is essential.

Technical Features & Benefits

Here are the notable features and advantages of the CE4006P2:

Serial Interface with Multiple Protocols
The module supports standard serial protocols, notably Modbus RTU or ASCII, and may also talk to Data Highway Plus and other serial systems. The card comes preloaded with Modbus driver software, enabling immediate integration.

Plug-and-Play Integration
The CE4006P2 fits into a standard I/O carrier within the DeltaV I/O rack. Once installed, the controller auto-detects it and presents configuration options—no manual DIP settings required.

Redundancy Support & Autosensing
You can configure redundant pairs of these serial interface cards for high availability. The system can autosense redundancy and perform automatic switchover in case of a failure.

Isolation & Channel Safety
Each serial port is isolated from the system and from other ports, which helps prevent cross-talk and ground-related problems in industrial environments.

Efficient Data Handling
Each port supports up to 16 data set registers, allowing up to 32 datasets per interface card (16 per port)  These datasets can be referenced directly by DCS logic (as analog or discrete I/O), reducing overhead.

Reliable Industrial Construction
Although often sold as surplus, the CE4006P2 module is built to industrial standards and designed to handle the demands of control environments.

Technical Specifications

Installation & Maintenance Insights

Here are practical tips for deploying and maintaining the CE4006P2 in industrial settings:

1. Slot Insertion & Orientation
   Ensure correct insertion into the I/O carrier slot. Be careful to match the keyed edges so that proper alignment is maintained and no pins are misaligned.
2. Power / Localbus Connection
   Confirm localbus power availability; the card typically draws power from the bus (e.g. 12 V DC, ~300 mA according to one listing).
3. Cable Wiring & Isolation
   Use proper shielded serial cables and maintain isolation between the serial field wiring and system grounds. Since ports are isolated by the module, grounding strategy is important to avoid noise.
4. Port Configuration & Protocol Setup
   Use the system’s configuration tool to assign protocols (Modbus, ASCII, others) to each port, set baud rates, parity, device addressing, and mapping of datasets to control logic.
5. Redundancy Testing
   If using redundant CE4006P2 cards, test failover behavior under load: disconnect or simulate failure on the primary and confirm the card switch occurs and data continuity is maintained.
6. Diagnostics & Status LEDs
   Monitor LED indicators for port status, error conditions, or communication issues. Use diagnostic logs to identify issues such as timeouts, framing errors, or protocol mismatches.
7. Firmware & Driver Management
   If alternative serial drivers are needed (beyond built-in Modbus), ensure the correct driver files are present and loaded, and that firmware versions are compatible with system controllers.
8. Spare Module Strategy
   Because communication modules are critical to integration, keep a spare CE4006P2 (same revision and firmware) on hand. When replacing, restore configuration quickly using backup files.
9. Periodic Maintenance
   Inspect connectors, re-seat the card occasionally, check for corrosion or contamination in the rack backplane, and validate communication with attached devices periodically during plant maintenance windows.