Issue
Continuum i2 and b3 devices share the same hardware platform, however, power consumption on the devices IO Expansion Port differs depending on the communication protocol firmware (Infinet or BACnet) running in the device.
Product Line
Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation
Environment
- All i2 devices
- All b3 devices
Cause
Even though the hardware of an i2 device is identical to that of its counterpart b3 device, the difference in firmware causes variation in power consumption on the device's Expansion IO port, specifically, it has been observed that the b3 devices adhere more strictly to the 180 mA limit than the i2 devices, resulting in loss of operation on IO channels located on the Expansion Port if the power limit is exceeded.
Now that conversion of devices from one protocol to another is occurring in the field, it has become evident that there are cases where the 180 mA limit is exceeded in an i2 device without any negative results, but once the i2 device is converted to a b3 device, all IO on the expansion port stop working.
Resolution
Before converting an i2 device to a b3 device in the field, it is crucial to review the Expansion IO Datasheet (attached) to ensure that the configuration does not exceed the specified power consumption limit. If the configuration exceeds the 180 mA limit, take the following steps:
- Remove any additional xP module causing the limit to be exceeded.
- Reconfigure the xP modules to ensure that the configuration does not consume more than 180 mA.
