Woodward Micronet 5453-279 Rev E Chassis Rack
The Woodward Micronet 5453-279 Rev E Chassis Rack is a rugged and versatile 18-slot VME chassis designed specifically for the MicroNet TMR (Triple Modular Redundant) control platform. Serving as the central foundation for critical control applications, this chassis provides the structural and electrical backbone required for hosting CPU, I/O, and communication modules in a fault-tolerant architecture. Its robust construction and advanced thermal management make it an ideal choice for demanding environments such as gas turbines, steam turbines, and large diesel engines.
Robust Foundation for Critical Control
The 5453-279 Rev E chassis is engineered to support the high availability demands of TMR systems. Its 18-slot configuration accommodates three independent kernel sections, each housing a dedicated power supply, CPU, and up to four I/O modules. This design enables true 3-2-0 fault tolerance, allowing the system to maintain uninterrupted operation even with a single kernel failure. The chassis features a heavy-duty, premolded cage construction with forced air cooling, ensuring reliable performance across a wide operating temperature range.
Core Architecture: The chassis is organized into three distinct kernel blocks (A, B, and C). Each block supports one Kernel Power Supply module, one CPU module, and four I/O modules. The integrated motherboard provides nine electrically isolated data paths, ensuring robust communication and redundancy between kernels.
Advanced Cooling and Thermal Management
Effective thermal management is critical in high-density control systems. The Micronet 5453-279 Rev E chassis incorporates redundant, high-performance fans that operate continuously whenever power is applied. Each fan is monitored for proper operation, with tachometer outputs available to the RTN (Real-Time Network) module for health status reporting. The chassis also includes overtemperature switches that trip at +65°C, providing an early warning to the application software and preventing thermal-related failures. To maintain optimal airflow, each empty slot must be filled with a blanking plate.
Power Supply Integration
The chassis is designed to work seamlessly with the dedicated TMR Power Supply Chassis, which houses redundant power supply modules. A 50-pin ribbon cable connects the power chassis to the main chassis, providing regulated 24 Vdc to the kernel sections. The system supports various power supply options, including low-voltage DC, 120 Vac/dc, and 220 Vac input versions, making it adaptable to diverse site power infrastructures. The power supplies feature load-sharing capabilities and hot-swap support, enabling maintenance without system shutdown.

Physical Specifications and Installation
The Micronet 5453-279 Rev E chassis is designed for bulkhead mounting in a metal cabinet or enclosure. It is not recommended for rack mounting. Key physical attributes include:
Height: 12.00 inches (304.8 mm)
Width: 6.26 inches (159.0 mm)
Depth: 8.62 inches (219.0 mm) plus cable clearance
Slot Configuration: 18 slots (3 kernel sections x 6 slots)
Cooling: Forced air with redundant smart fans
Mounting: Bulkhead mounting with #8-32 M4 screws
Air Gap Requirement: 3 inches (8 cm) above and below
Weight: Approximately 14.6 lbs (6.62 kg)
For proper EMC compliance and grounding, all chassis mounting screws must be installed to ensure a solid ground connection to the mounting plate. The protective earth (PE) ground connection point is located underneath the left side of the chassis.
Designed for High Availability Environments
The Woodward Micronet 5453-279 Rev E Chassis Rack is purpose-built for applications where downtime is not an option. Its modular construction allows for live insertion and removal of modules, supporting online maintenance and repair. The chassis is also designed to meet stringent regulatory standards, including CE Marking (EMC and Low Voltage Directives) and CSA Certification for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
In summary, the 5453-279 Rev E Chassis Rack provides the physical infrastructure necessary for a reliable, scalable, and fault-tolerant control system. Its robust design, advanced cooling, and integration with the MicroNet TMR architecture make it a dependable foundation for critical industrial control applications.