Product Overview
The Schneider 140CPU67160 is a Unity Hot Standby processor designed for the Modicon Quantum automation platform, representing Schneider Electric’s benchmark solution for high-availability, zero-downtime process control. Running at a clock frequency of 266 MHz with 1024 kB of internal RAM, the Schneider 140CPU67160 executes up to 10.28 Kinst/ms of Boolean logic, delivering the computational horsepower required for complex control strategies in mission-critical applications. As a native Hot Standby (HSBY) processor, the Schneider 140CPU67160 is engineered to operate in synchronized pairs, where a Primary CPU actively controls the process while a Standby CPU mirrors its exact state via a dedicated multimode fiber optic synchronization link—ensuring bumpless, transparent failover with no process upset, no reinitialization of I/O modules, and perfect continuity of timers, counters, and internal variables.
The Schneider 140CPU67160 integrates a comprehensive suite of onboard communication interfaces: one Modbus Plus port (SUB-D 9), one Modbus port (RJ45), one multimode Ethernet TCP/IP port (RJ45), one USB port for programming, and a dedicated fiber optic port for Hot Standby synchronization checks. This eliminates the need for additional communication modules in many deployments, reducing rack space, power consumption, and points of failure. With support for up to 6 optional communication modules (Ethernet, Modbus, Modbus Plus, Profibus DP, Sy/Max), the Schneider 140CPU67160 scales to manage up to 2 local racks, 63 distributed I/O stations across 3 Modbus Plus networks, and 31 remote I/O stations—handling an impressive 31,744 discrete inputs/outputs and 1,984 analog inputs/outputs in remote configurations.
Although Schneider Electric officially discontinued commercial sales of the Schneider 140CPU67160 on 31 December 2018, and standard service support extends until 31 December 2026, this processor remains the workhorse of countless operational plants worldwide. Its proven reliability, extensive I/O capacity, and deterministic failover capability make it irreplaceable for sustaining existing Quantum HSBY installations. For new projects, Schneider recommends migrating to the Modicon M580 BMEH584040 redundant processor platform, but for the vast installed base of operational Schneider 140CPU67160 systems, genuine spare parts and expert technical support remain essential to protect multi-million-dollar process investments. The Schneider 140CPU67160 continues to embody the robustness, flexibility, and engineering excellence that define the Modicon Quantum series.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 140CPU67160 |
| Manufacturer | Schneider Electric |
| Product Type | Unity Hot Standby Processor |
| Automation Platform | Modicon Quantum |
| Clock Frequency | 266 MHz |
| Internal RAM | 1024 kB (512 kB for data) |
| Program Memory | Expandable up to 7168 kB via PCMCIA card |
| File Storage | Expandable up to 8 MB via PCMCIA card |
| Instruction Execution | 10.28 Kinst/ms (100% Boolean); 0.0525–0.075 µs Boolean; 0.4–0.5 µs floating-point |
| System Overhead | 1 ms master task |
| Local Racks | 2 (local I/O forbidden in HSBY application) |
| Distributed I/O Stations | 63 stations, 1 rack, 3 Modbus Plus networks |
| Remote I/O Stations | 31 stations (S908, Ethernet Quantum, or Ethernet X80) |
| Discrete I/O Capacity | 31,744 inputs / 31,744 outputs (remote); 8,000 / 8,000 (distributed per network) |
| Analog I/O Capacity | 1,984 inputs / 1,984 outputs (remote); 500 / 500 (distributed per network) |
| Integrated Communication | 1 × Modbus Plus (SUB-D 9), 1 × Modbus (RJ45), 1 × Ethernet TCP/IP (RJ45), 1 × USB, 1 × multimode fiber optic (HSBY sync) |
| Optional Modules | Up to 6 (Ethernet, Modbus, Modbus Plus, Profibus DP, Sy/Max) |
| Bus Current Requirement | 2500 mA at 5 V DC |
| Application Structure | 1 cyclic/periodic master task (fast task, interrupt tasks forbidden in HSBY) |
| Hot Standby Synchronization | Dedicated multimode fiber optic link |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 190 mm × 130 mm × 60 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.95 kg |
| Certifications | CE, UL, CSA, GOST, HazLoc |
| Commercial Status | Discontinued (31 Dec 2018); End-of-service 31 Dec 2026 |
| Recommended Replacement | Modicon M580 BMEH584040 redundant processor |
Main Features and Advantages
True hardware-level Hot Standby redundancy: The Schneider 140CPU67160 is purpose-built for redundant operation and cannot be confused with firmware-upgraded standard CPUs. Two identical processors run in synchronized pairs, with the Primary executing control logic while the Standby maintains a real-time mirror of all program and data memory via a dedicated fiber optic heartbeat. Upon Primary failure, the Standby assumes control instantaneously with zero process interruption—no output glitch, no I/O reinitialization, no timer/counter reset.
Deterministic bumpless failover: In critical process industries, even a brief control gap can trigger emergency shutdowns or safety events. The Schneider 140CPU67160 solves this through state-based synchronization, ensuring continuous output signals during CPU swap and preserving all internal variables. This fundamentally distinguishes hardware HSBY from basic software redundancy schemes.
Integrated multimode fiber optic synchronization: The Schneider 140CPU67160 features a dedicated multimode fiber optic port running the proprietary Hot Standby protocol, isolating the redundancy heartbeat from standard network traffic. This physical separation protects synchronization integrity from Ethernet congestion or SCADA communication spikes, while supporting extended cable runs for disaster-proof geographically distributed redundancy.
Exceptional processing performance: At 266 MHz, the Schneider 140CPU67160 delivers 10.28 Kinst/ms Boolean execution speed, with Boolean instruction times of 0.0525–0.075 µs and floating-point operations at 0.4–0.5 µs. This computational capability handles complex PID loops, sequencing, high-speed interrupt processing, and precise timestamping simultaneously across massive I/O populations.
Massive scalable I/O architecture: The Schneider 140CPU67160 supports 2 local racks, 63 distributed I/O stations across 3 Modbus Plus networks, and 31 remote I/O stations, managing up to 31,744 discrete I/O points and 1,984 analog I/O points in remote configurations. This I/O capacity makes the Schneider 140CPU67160 ideally suited for large-scale process plants, power generation facilities, and distributed SCADA systems.
Comprehensive integrated communication: Onboard interfaces on the Schneider 140CPU67160 include Modbus Plus, Modbus (RS232/485), Ethernet TCP/IP, USB, and the HSBY fiber sync link—eliminating the need for additional communication modules in typical deployments. Six optional module slots further expand connectivity with Ethernet, Profibus DP, Sy/Max, and additional Modbus Plus networks.
