Overview
The Foxboro FBM216 is a HART Communication Redundant Input Interface Module designed for the Foxboro I/A Series distributed control system. It provides eight group-isolated input channels for standard 4-20 mA and HART field devices. Furthermore, two FBM216 modules can operate as a redundant pair, using Master and Tracker roles with a common termination assembly to provide redundancy at the Fieldbus Module level.
Input Channels and HART Communication
The FBM216 accepts a mix of standard 4-20 mA analog devices and HART-compatible field devices across its eight input channels. Its group-isolated channel arrangement supports signal acquisition from multiple field instruments.
In addition to analog input processing, the module acts as a HART communications host. It allows the I/A Series system to request and receive up to two digital messages per second from each connected field device.
The HART message pass-through function supports:
- HART Universal Commands
- HART Common Practice Commands
- HART Device-Specific Commands
However, the module does not support HART burst communication mode. The supported commands are implemented through the Intelligent Field Device Configurator (IFDC).
Redundant Module Configuration
Two FBM216 modules can form a redundant pair at the FBM level. Both modules connect to field inputs through one common termination assembly. In this arrangement, one module operates as the Master, while the other operates as the Tracker.
This configuration provides module-level redundancy for the input interface. Therefore, the Master and Tracker roles should be considered when identifying the installed hardware configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | FBM216 |
| Brand | Foxboro (Schneider Electric) |
| Product Type | HART Communication Redundant Input Interface Module |
| System | Foxboro I/A Series |
| Input Channels | 8 |
| Channel Isolation | Group-isolated |
| Input Signal | 4-20 mA |
| Device Compatibility | Standard 4-20 mA and HART devices |
| Redundancy | FBM-level redundancy using two modules |
| Redundant Configuration | Master and Tracker |
| Termination Configuration | One common termination assembly |
| HART Communication Rate | 2 digital messages per second per field device |
| HART Command Support | Universal, Common Practice and Device-Specific Commands |
| HART Burst Mode | Not supported |
| Configuration Tool | Intelligent Field Device Configurator (IFDC) |
| Operating Temperature – Module | -20 to +70 deg C (-4 to +158 deg F) |
| Operating Temperature – PVC Termination Assembly | -20 to +50 deg C (-4 to +122 deg F) |
| Operating Temperature – PA Termination Assembly | -20 to +70 deg C (-4 to +158 deg F) |
| Operating Relative Humidity | 5 to 95%, noncondensing |
| Operating Altitude | -300 to +3,000 m (-1,000 to +10,000 ft) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 deg C (-40 to +158 deg F) |
| Storage Relative Humidity | 5 to 95%, noncondensing |
| Storage Altitude | -300 to +12,000 m (-1,000 to +40,000 ft) |
Environmental Conditions
The FBM216 has a specified operating temperature range of -20 to +70 deg C. However, the allowable temperature for the termination assembly depends on its material. PVC assemblies support -20 to +50 deg C, while PA assemblies support -20 to +70 deg C.
Furthermore, the module supports 5 to 95% noncondensing relative humidity and an operating altitude from -300 to +3,000 m. During storage, the temperature range remains -40 to +70 deg C, with an altitude range extending to +12,000 m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many input channels does the FBM216 provide?
A: The FBM216 provides eight group-isolated input channels. Each channel supports standard 4-20 mA devices or HART devices, allowing a combination of both device types.
Q: How does FBM216 module redundancy work?
A: Two FBM216 modules operate as a redundant pair through one common termination assembly. One module acts as the Master and the other as the Tracker, providing redundancy at the FBM level.
Q: Does the FBM216 support HART burst communication?
A: No. The FBM216 supports HART Universal, Common Practice and Device-Specific Commands through message pass-through, but it does not support burst communication mode.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.