Description

Product Overview
The Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ is a high-performance distributed communication and I/O integration module designed exclusively for Foxboro’s I/A Series Distributed Control System(DCS),a leading platform in industrial process automation.As a key connectivity component of the I/A Series ecosystem,Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ acts as a bridge between the DCS and field devices,enabling seamless data exchange between the I/A Series controllers and third-party fieldbus devices—such as sensors,actuators,and variable frequency drives(VFDs)that use Profibus-DP protocol.
A core value of Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ lies in its versatile communication capabilities and integration flexibility.Unlike standard I/O modules that only collect or output signals,Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ functions as a Profibus-DP master or slave,supporting high-speed data transfer rates up to 12Mbit/s.This allows it to connect up to 125 Profibus-DP field devices per module,consolidating communication paths and reducing the need for multiple standalone gateways.For example,in a large chemical plant,Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ can integrate dozens of VFDs and pressure sensors into the I/A Series DCS via a single module,simplifying system architecture and lowering installation costs.
What distinguishes Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ is its ruggedness and reliability in harsh industrial environments.It operates consistently across an extreme temperature range of-40℃to+70℃,making it suitable for both indoor control rooms and outdoor field enclosures—critical for offshore oil platforms,arctic refineries,or desert power plants.Additionally,it supports redundant communication paths and hot-swap installation,ensuring uninterrupted data flow even if a primary communication link fails or the module needs maintenance.This level of reliability is essential for continuous-process industries where unplanned downtime can result in significant financial losses or safety risks.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Name
Parameter Value
Product Model
Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ
Manufacturer
Foxboro(Schneider Electric)
Product Type
Distributed Communication/I/O Integration Module(Profibus-DP Gateway)for DCS
Communication Protocol
Profibus-DP V1/V2(IEC 61158-3);compatible with Foxboro I/A Series Fieldbus
Communication Role
Supports Profibus-DP Master and Slave modes
Data Transfer Rate
9.6kbit/s~12Mbit/s(auto-negotiation,manual configuration)
Field Device Capacity
Up to 125 Profibus-DP field devices per module
Communication Distance
Up to 1200m at 9.6kbit/s;up to 100m at 12Mbit/s(with Profibus-DP cable)
Operating Voltage
24V DC±10%(powered by I/A Series I/O rack)
Power Consumption
≤8W(full load,maximum field device connectivity)
Operating Environment
Temperature:-40℃~+70℃;Humidity:5%~95%(non-condensing);Altitude:≤2000m
Protection Class
IP20(module);IP40(when installed in I/A Series I/O rack)
Installation Method
Plug-in installation into Foxboro I/A Series FBM200-series I/O racks
Dimensions(W×H×D)
100mm×160mm×25mm(module only)
Weight
0.25kg(module only)
Certifications
IEC 61010-1,IEC 61326-1(EMC),ATEX Zone 2(optional),UL 508,IECEx
Redundancy Support
Redundant Profibus-DP communication ports;compatible with I/A Series I/O rack redundancy
Diagnostic Functions
Built-in communication fault detection,device status monitoring,error logging
Compatibility
Foxboro I/A Series DCS(firmware version 5.0+);third-party Profibus-DP V1/V2 devices
Main Features and Advantages
Dual-role Profibus-DP connectivity:The Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ supports both Profibus-DP Master and Slave modes,offering unmatched flexibility for system integration.As a Master,it can manage up to 125 field devices—such as flow meters,valves,and VFDs—centralizing data collection for the I/A Series DCS.As a Slave,it can act as a data gateway,allowing external control systems(e.g.,plant-wide SCADA)to access I/A Series data via Profibus-DP.This dual role eliminates the need for separate master and slave gateways,reducing system complexity and cost.A power plant using Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ as a Master reported a 40%reduction in communication hardware compared to their previous multi-gateway setup.
High-speed and reliable data transfer:With data rates up to 12Mbit/s,Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ ensures real-time data exchange between the DCS and field devices—critical for time-sensitive processes like turbine control or chemical reaction monitoring.Its built-in error correction and signal conditioning minimize data loss or corruption,even in electrically noisy environments(e.g.,near high-voltage motors or welding equipment).Unlike low-speed communication modules,Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ maintains consistent performance,with communication latency below 10ms—fast enough to support closed-loop control applications.A refinery using Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ to connect VFDs reported a 25%improvement in control loop responsiveness,reducing process variability.
Rugged design for harsh environments:The Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ is engineered to withstand the toughest industrial conditions.Its-40℃to+70℃operating temperature range makes it suitable for extreme climates—from arctic oil fields to desert solar plants.It also features robust EMI shielding,complying with IEC 61326-1 standards to resist interference from nearby electrical equipment.For hazardous areas(e.g.,oil refineries with flammable vapors),the optional ATEX Zone 2-certified variant ensures safe operation.A mining operation using Foxboro FBM242 P0916RJ in an underground facility reported zero communication failures over 18 months,despite high humidity and vibration.