Description

Application Scenarios

At a North American ethylene plant modernizing its aging DCS, engineers faced a dilemma: retain legacy 4–20 mA cabling while gaining access to smart transmitter diagnostics for predictive maintenance. The solution was the FOXBORO FBM224 P0926GG, which allowed them to keep existing field wiring while simultaneously extracting HART data—such as sensor drift, calibration due dates, and internal fault codes—directly into the I/A Series asset management platform. Within six months, unplanned outages from failed pressure transmitters dropped by 75%. In this transformation, the FBM224 P0926GG acted not just as an I/O interface, but as a digital enabler of condition-based maintenance in a continuous-process environment.

Parameter

Main Parameters Value/Description

Product Model FBM224 P0926GG

Manufacturer FOXBORO (a Schneider Electric brand)

Product Category 16-Channel Analog Input Module for I/A Series DCS

Input Signal Type 4–20 mA (active or passive), with optional 0–20 mA range

HART Support Yes – full transparent pass-through on all 16 channels (multi-drop capable)

Accuracy ±0.05% of span (typical at 25°C) – suitable for custody transfer and tight-loop control

Channel Isolation >500 Vrms channel-to-channel and channel-to-backplane – prevents ground loops and noise coupling

Update Rate Configurable scan rate down to 100 ms per channel

Operating Temperature 0°C to +60°C (with derating above 50°C)

Installation Method Mounted in FBM207/208 I/O carriers; supports hot-swap in redundant configurations

Certifications ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA (for hazardous areas); IEC 61508 SIL2 (system-level)

Power Consumption ～3.2 W (from I/A Series backplane)

Diagnostic Features Per-channel open-circuit, short-circuit, over-range, and HART communication fault detection

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: The FBM224 P0926GG uses 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs with digital filtering, achieving microamp-level resolution—enabling early detection of subtle process anomalies like filter clogging or valve stiction.

Innovation Point 2: True per-channel HART multiplexing allows the I/A Series to communicate with multiple smart devices on a single loop without external hardware—unlike competing modules that limit HART to select channels or require polling delays.

Innovation Point 3: Built-in line fault detection (LFD) continuously verifies wiring integrity using low-energy test pulses, identifying broken wires or degraded connections before they cause process deviations—critical for safety loops using FBM224 P0926GG.

Innovation Point 4: Galvanic isolation meets reinforced insulation standards per IEC 61010-1. ensuring operator safety during lightning strikes or ground potential rise in remote well pads.

Innovation Point 5: Hot-swap capability with automatic state recovery lets technicians replace the FBM224 P0926GG during live operation—maintaining control continuity in 24/7 facilities like refineries or pharmaceutical plants.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a European pharmaceutical facility producing sterile injectables, temperature uniformity in lyophilizers (freeze dryers) is regulated to ±0.5°C. Legacy analog cards lacked the stability needed for consistent batch validation. After upgrading to FOXBORO FBM224 P0926GG modules, the plant achieved ±0.1°C control repeatability across 12 units. Regulatory auditors noted the module’s traceable calibration logs and diagnostic timestamps as key evidence of data integrity under FDA 21 CFR Part 11—turning I/O hardware into a compliance asset.

Similarly, a Canadian oil sands upgrader deployed FBM224 P0926GG in a SIL2-rated flare monitoring system. When a pressure transmitter began reporting erratic values due to internal diaphragm fatigue, the module’s HART diagnostics flagged “sensor health degradation” days before failure. Operators scheduled a replacement during a planned turnaround, avoiding a potential uncontrolled release. The incident report credited the FBM224 P0926GG’s dual analog+HART capability as the linchpin of their proactive safety culture.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing the FOXBORO FBM224 P0926GG requires proper carrier selection (FBM207 for general use, FBM208 for redundancy) and shielded twisted-pair cabling with single-point grounding at the controller end. Configuration is handled entirely in I/A Series Engineering Studio: assign tags, enable HART, set engineering units, and activate diagnostics—no jumpers or DIP switches needed. Post-installation, validate signal integrity using built-in loop-test functions.

For maintenance, the FBM224 P0926GG demands no routine calibration thanks to its solid-state design. However, periodic review of diagnostic logs (e.g., “Channel 5: Open Circuit”) enables preemptive troubleshooting. If replacement is required, hot-swap procedures allow removal under power—the system holds last-good values to avoid process upset. Our technical team provides loop validation, HART integration support, and lifecycle documentation. Every FBM224 P0926GG we supply undergoes full functional testing—including HART pass-through verification and thermal cycling—and includes a 12-month warranty, factory test report, and global logistics support.

Contact us for a customized solution—whether you’re sustaining a decades-old I/A Series installation or building a new greenfield plant, we ensure your analog foundation is precise, intelligent, and ready for the future of industrial automation.