Product Overview
Honeywell PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E Replacement for CompactPCI Series: Seamless Transition from Legacy to Modern Control Architecture
The Honeywell PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E is a high-performance CompactPCI Single Board Computer (SBC) widely deployed in industrial automation, process control, and distributed control system (DCS) environments. As legacy PCM-9310 series boards approach end-of-life or become increasingly difficult to source, facilities managers and control engineers face mounting pressure to maintain uptime while planning a structured migration path. TOPNLMS stocks verified replacement units of the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E to support both emergency swap-outs and planned system modernization projects — with same-week dispatch from Xiamen and a 12-month warranty on every unit.
Whether your plant is running a Honeywell TotalPlant Solution (TPS) or a legacy Experion PKS node that relies on CompactPCI backplane architecture, the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E fits directly into the existing 6U CompactPCI chassis without mechanical modification. The board retains the same rear I/O connector pinout as earlier PCM-9310 variants, meaning field wiring, terminal blocks, and I/O marshalling panels do not require rewiring during a like-for-like swap. This dramatically reduces planned maintenance windows and eliminates the risk of wiring errors that often accompany forced hardware migrations.
Compatibility Comparison Table
| Parameter |
Legacy / Outgoing Model |
PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E (Replacement) |
| Form Factor |
6U CompactPCI |
6U CompactPCI (PICMG 2.0 R3.0) |
| Processor |
Intel Pentium III / Celeron (earlier PCM-9310 revisions) |
Intel Core 2 Duo / Celeron M (PCM-9310CQ) |
| Memory Support |
Up to 512 MB SDRAM |
Up to 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM |
| Rear I/O Connector |
J2 CompactPCI standard |
J2 CompactPCI standard (pin-compatible) |
| Communication Interfaces |
Ethernet 10/100, RS-232/422/485 |
Dual GbE, RS-232/422/485, USB 2.0 |
| OS Support |
Windows XP Embedded, VxWorks |
Windows XP/7 Embedded, Linux, VxWorks |
| Power Input |
+5V / +3.3V via CompactPCI backplane |
+5V / +3.3V via CompactPCI backplane (identical) |
| Physical Installation |
Standard 6U slot, no modification |
Direct slot replacement, no chassis modification |
| Replacement Recommendation |
Direct drop-in for PCM-9310 series; BIOS and driver update may be required |
| Warranty |
— |
12-Month Warranty (TOPNLMS) |
Seamless Upgrade Solutions: Migration-Ready Components for the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E
A successful CompactPCI system upgrade rarely involves a single board in isolation. In practice, engineers migrating from a Honeywell TPS or legacy Experion node will simultaneously evaluate the health of adjacent components sharing the same chassis and backplane. The PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E typically operates alongside a CompactPCI power supply module — such as the Honeywell CC-PAIH01 or equivalent 6U power entry module — which should be inspected or replaced concurrently to avoid a secondary failure shortly after the SBC swap.
On the I/O side, the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E interfaces with analog and digital I/O modules mounted in the same rack. Common companions include Honeywell CC-TAIX01 analog input modules and CC-TDOB01 digital output modules, both of which communicate over the CompactPCI backplane bus. If the migration also involves upgrading the communication layer from legacy Modbus RTU to PROFIBUS DP or Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET / EtherNet/IP), a dedicated communication module such as the Honeywell CC-PCF901 or a third-party PROFIBUS master card may be added to the chassis at the same time.
For sites where the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E serves as the CPU node in a Honeywell HC900 hybrid controller or a legacy FSC safety system, the upgrade path may also require a new programming cable — typically a USB-to-RS-232 adapter with the correct Honeywell Control Builder driver package — to re-download the application program after the board swap. Engineers should verify that the existing ladder logic or function block program is archived and version-controlled before the replacement begins.
Where the control cabinet also houses an HMI panel — such as a Honeywell Station or a third-party operator interface terminal running RSView or WinCC — the HMI communication driver configuration should be validated against the new board’s IP address and Ethernet port assignment. Signal isolators and surge protection modules installed on the field wiring terminals generally do not require replacement during an SBC swap, provided they are within their rated service life.
Retrofit Guidance FAQ
Q: Will the existing field wiring need to be changed?
No. The PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E uses the same J2 CompactPCI rear I/O connector as earlier PCM-9310 series boards. All terminal block and marshalling panel connections remain unchanged.
Q: Do I need to reload the application program after the swap?
Yes. After replacing the SBC, the application program stored in the original board’s non-volatile memory will not transfer automatically. You must reload the archived program via the programming cable and Honeywell Control Builder or the applicable engineering workstation software.
Q: Is the PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E compatible with VxWorks-based systems?
Yes. The board supports VxWorks as well as Windows XP/7 Embedded and Linux, making it compatible with the majority of legacy Honeywell TPS and Experion PKS node configurations.
Q: What communication protocols does the replacement board support?
The PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E supports Modbus RTU/TCP, RS-232/422/485 serial, and dual Gigabit Ethernet. PROFIBUS DP and PROFINET support requires an additional communication module installed in the CompactPCI chassis.
Q: How much physical space does the board require?
The board occupies a single 6U CompactPCI slot — identical to the original PCM-9310 footprint. No chassis modification, additional slot allocation, or DIN rail adaptation is required.
Q: Can the board be tested before installation?
Yes. TOPNLMS performs a power-on functional test on every unit prior to dispatch. Customers may also request a burn-in test report upon order confirmation.
Warranty Assurance
Every Honeywell PCM-9310CQ-S6A1E unit shipped by TOPNLMS carries a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional failures under normal operating conditions. Prior to dispatch, each board undergoes a power-on functional test and visual inspection. If a unit fails within the warranty period, TOPNLMS will arrange a replacement or repair at no additional cost, with a target response time of 48 hours from fault confirmation.
Units are shipped in anti-static packaging with foam cushioning to prevent transit damage. Express courier options (DHL, FedEx, UPS) are available for urgent requirements, with typical transit times of 3–7 business days to most international destinations. A packing list, test report, and commercial invoice are included with every shipment to facilitate customs clearance.
For procurement teams requiring documentation, TOPNLMS can provide a product datasheet, warranty certificate, and country-of-origin declaration upon request. Volume pricing and consignment stock arrangements are available for MRO and EPC contractors managing multi-site Honeywell system fleets.
Contact our technical sales team to confirm compatibility with your specific system revision before placing an order.