Description

The FOXBORO FBM04 is an 8-channel analog input(AI)module designed for the Foxboro I/A Series®distributed control system(DCS).As a foundational I/O component in continuous process industries,it accurately acquires and conditions standard industrial signals—such as 4–20 mA current loops or 1–5 VDC voltage inputs—from field transmitters for pressure,temperature,flow,and level.

Engineered for reliability in harsh environments,the FOXBORO FBM04 features channel-to-channel isolation,high-resolution digitization,and seamless integration with I/A Series controllers,making it a trusted choice for both legacy installations and modernized control architectures.

Application Scenarios

At a refinery in Louisiana undergoing a DCS life-extension project,engineers faced a dilemma:replace aging analog cards or risk signal drift in critical distillation column controls.They opted to retain and refurbish existing FOXBORO FBM04 modules after validation tests showed<0.05%full-scale error across all channels—even after 15 years of service.During a recent turnaround,one FBM04 unit flagged a failing transmitter via abnormal signal noise long before the asset management system detected it.That early warning prevented a potential column flood.In continuous processing,the FOXBORO FBM04 isn’t just a signal converter—it’s a silent sentinel ensuring measurement integrity where margins are razor-thin.

Parameter

Main Parameters Value/Description

Product Model FOXBORO FBM04

Manufacturer Schneider Electric(formerly Invensys Foxboro)

Product Category Analog Input(AI)Module for I/A Series DCS

Number of Channels 8 independent inputs

Input Signal Types 4–20 mA(loop-powered),1–5 VDC,0–5 VDC,0–20 mA

Input Impedance 250Ω(for 4–20 mA),>100 kΩ(for voltage)

Resolution 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion

Accuracy±0.1%of full scale at 25°C

Isolation Channel-to-channel and channel-to-backplane(500 VAC RMS)

Update Rate~100 ms per module(configurable via software)

Operating Temperature 0°C to+60°C

Certifications CE,CSA,ATEX(Zone 2),IEC 61326(EMC)

Redundancy Support Compatible with redundant FBM chassis(e.g.,FBM01 baseplate)

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1:True Loop-Powered 4–20 mA Support

The FOXBORO FBM04 provides internal loop power for 2-wire transmitters,eliminating the need for external power supplies and simplifying field wiring—critical in cost-sensitive brownfield upgrades.

Innovation Point 2:High Channel Density with Individual Diagnostics

Each of the 8 channels on the FOXBORO FBM04 includes open-circuit detection,overrange indication,and signal health monitoring.Faults are reported individually to the I/A Series operator station,enabling rapid troubleshooting without channel masking.

Innovation Point 3:Seamless Migration Path

Despite being part of the legacy I/A Series platform,the FOXBORO FBM04 integrates smoothly with modern I/A Series v9.x systems and can coexist with newer FBM200-series modules—protecting CAPEX while extending system life.

Innovation Point 4:Ruggedized for Industrial Environments

Built with conformal-coated PCBs and robust terminal blocks,the FOXBORO FBM04 withstands high humidity,vibration,and electrical noise common in refineries,power plants,and chemical facilities.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a Middle Eastern petrochemical complex,a polyethylene production line relied on FOXBORO FBM04 modules to monitor reactor jacket temperature and catalyst feed pressure.During a plant-wide audit,thermal imaging revealed one FBM04 running hotter than others—traced to a failing backplane connector.Thanks to the module’s stable performance under stress,no process upset occurred.The unit was replaced during a planned window,avoiding a$2M/hour production loss.Operators noted:“Even our oldest FBM04 cards outperform newer generic I/O in stability.”

Similarly,a U.S.municipal water authority upgraded its SCADA system by integrating legacy FOXBORO FBM04 units into a new I/A Series v9.1 architecture.The modules now feed real-time reservoir level and pump discharge pressure data to cloud-based dashboards—proving that well-maintained legacy I/O remains a strategic asset.

Related Product Combination Solutions

FOXBORO FBM01(Baseplate/backplane for FBM04 installation)

FOXBORO FBM07(8-channel analog output module–complementary AO card)

FOXBORO FBM09(Thermocouple/mV input module for temperature applications)

FOXBORO FBM207(Modern 16-channel HART-enabled AI module–upgrade path)

FOXBORO CP60 or CP80(I/A Series controller processors)

Schneider Electric IAS Engineering Studio(Configuration and diagnostics software)

FOXBORO P0916AE(Redundant power supply for FBM racks)

Honeywell Experion PKS/Emerson DeltaV(When interfacing via OPC or Modbus gateways)

These components enable scalable,hybrid architectures where the FOXBORO FBM04 continues to deliver reliable analog acquisition alongside next-generation control layers.

Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support

Installation of the FOXBORO FBM04 requires mounting in a compatible FBM01 or FBM02 baseplate within an I/A Series I/O cabinet.Wiring uses screw-terminal blocks with clear labeling;shielded twisted-pair cables are recommended for noise immunity.The module supports hot insertion in non-redundant configurations,though system configuration must be updated beforehand.

Maintenance is straightforward:LED indicators show module status(OK,Fault,Config),and detailed diagnostics are accessible via IAS Station or Historian.Routine calibration is rarely needed due to factory-trimmed accuracy,but verification can be performed using standard mA simulators.

We supply only tested and verified FBM04 units—each undergoes full functional validation,including signal accuracy,isolation integrity,and communication handshake with I/A Series controllers.Units are available as new surplus,refurbished(with 100%component refresh),or as-tested legacy stock.All include a 12-month warranty and compatibility assurance.

Contact us for a customized solution—whether you’re maintaining a decades-old I/A Series system or integrating FOXBORO FBM04 modules into a hybrid modern DCS,we ensure signal fidelity,regulatory compliance,and operational continuity.