METSO A413146 Electronic communication and control board
The Metso (now Neles/Valmet) A413146 is a high-level electronic Communication and Control Board specifically designed for the Neles ND9000 series intelligent valve positioners, primarily those utilizing Foundation Fieldbus (FF) protocols.
1. Product Description
The A413146 is the digital “nerve center” for Fieldbus-compatible ND9000 positioners. Unlike standard 4-20 mA boards, this module is designed for fully digital plant architectures.
It processes complex control blocks, manages multidrop communication on the fieldbus segment, and executes advanced valve diagnostics.
It integrates the microprocessor, memory, and Fieldbus communication controller into a single, conformal-coated PCB designed for high reliability in volatile industrial environments.
2. Technical Parameters (Technical Data)
| Parameter | Specification |
| Component Type | Main Circuit Board (Fieldbus Version) |
| Communication Protocol | Foundation Fieldbus (H1) |
| Power Supply | Bus-powered (9 – 32 V DC per IEC 61158-2) |
| Current Consumption | Typically 15 – 18 mA |
| Function Blocks | AO (Analog Output), PID, Transducer, and Resource Blocks |
| Diagnostics | Advanced (Friction, Load, Speed, Device Health) |
| Execution Time | < 20 ms for AO block |
| ITK Version | Compatible with latest Interoperability Test Kits |
3. Product Advantages & Key Features
Full Digital Integration: Supports bidirectional communication, allowing the DCS to read not just position, but also internal air pressure, friction trends, and temperature.
PID at the Device: Supports “Control in the Field” (CiF), where the PID control loop can be executed directly on the A413146 board rather than the central DCS, increasing system speed and redundancy.
A413146
Predictive Maintenance: Uses the “Triton” diagnostic suite to track valve performance signatures, identifying “stick-slip” behavior before it causes a process shutdown.
Low Power Design: Optimized for H1 segments, allowing for a higher number of devices per segment.
Simplified Calibration: Supports remote auto-calibration and configuration via Fieldbus management software (like Metso ValvGuard or Emerson AMS).
4. Application Cases
Smart Factories / Industry 4.0: Used in modern plants where all field devices are networked via Foundation Fieldbus for centralized asset management.
Oil & Gas Offshore Platforms: Ideal for remote monitoring where frequent physical inspection of valves is difficult or dangerous.
Large-Scale Chemical Processing: Managing complex control loops with high accuracy and digital precision to ensure product consistency.
Safety Systems: Implementing Partial Stroke Testing (PST) to ensure emergency shutdown valves are operational without stopping the process.
5. Related & Other Models in the Series
The A413146 is part of a modular family of boards for the ND9000 series:
A413140 / A413240: The HART version of the main board (4-20 mA).
A413145: A similar Foundation Fieldbus board revision (check version compatibility for your specific firmware).
A413148: The Profibus PA version of the main electronics module.
A413111: The potentiometer unit that provides the mechanical feedback to this board.
ND9300 / ND9400: The specific positioner model numbers that typically utilize Fieldbus boards like the A413146.