Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
I’ve installed more of these pairs than I care to count on units where losing a single HART card would force a unit rate cut or a full hold. The FBM216 modules themselves handle the eight 4-20 mA / HART channels. The P0917XQ Redundant Adapter is what actually makes the pair work—linking the two modules so one runs as Master and the other as Tracker, with field wiring terminated to a single Termination Assembly.
When the Master fails, the Tracker assumes control without dropping the analog values or the HART message stream. The combination sits on a standard 200 Series baseplate and talks to the FCP over the redundant 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus. It remains the practical choice for plants that still run the original group-isolated HART architecture and need true module-level redundancy.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Two FBM216 modules + P0917XQ Redundant Adapter |
| Channels | 8 group-isolated |
| Supported Signals | 4-20 mA analog or HART FSK superimposed on 4-20 mA |
| HART Protocol | Version 6, point-to-point, 1200 baud |
| Message Rate | 2 messages per second |
| Analog Accuracy (includes nonlinearity) | ±0.075% of full scale |
| Temperature Coefficient | 50 ppm/°C |
| Resolution | 15 bits |
| Update Rate | 100 ms |
| Sense Resistor | 61.9 Ω nominal |
| Compliance Voltage | 18 V dc minimum at 20.5 mA |
| Power Requirements | 24 V dc ±5% (redundant), 7 W max per module |
| Operating Temperature | –20 to +70 °C (–4 to +158 °F) |
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
A Canadian upgrader had three FBM216 pairs covering twenty-four critical flow and level transmitters on a hydrocracker fractionator. One Master module lost its Fieldbus link during a thunderstorm. The P0917XQ adapter transferred control to the Tracker within one scan cycle. Operators saw only a diagnostic alarm; process values and HART secondary variables continued without interruption. The failed module was replaced the following shift with no process impact.
Typical niche applications:
- Redundant HART input for multi-variable transmitters on a high-pressure hydrogen recycle compressor
- Critical interface level transmitters on a three-phase separator where single-module failure is not acceptable
- Flow measurement banks on a natural-gas liquids fractionation train that require continuous analog values plus periodic HART diagnostics
FBM216 P0917XQ
FBM216 P0917XQ
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
- Visual and mechanical inspection of both FBM216 modules and the P0917XQ adapter
- Installation of the complete pair on a test baseplate; verification of Master/Tracker establishment and hand-off
- Channel-by-channel 4-20 mA accuracy sweep on both modules against a calibrated source
- HART communication test (commands 0 and 3) while forcing a controlled Master-to-Tracker switch
- Isolation resistance check between the channel group and module logic
- Extended temperature soak while monitoring continuous failover capability and analog stability
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ The P0917XQ adapter is mandatory. Installing two FBM216 modules without it leaves you with two independent non-redundant cards that still occupy the same baseplate footprint. The adapter is what creates the Master/Tracker relationship and shares the single Termination Assembly.
PRO TIP: Both modules in the pair must be the same hardware revision and carry matching application software. Mixing revisions can prevent proper failover or cause intermittent loss of HART messaging even though the analog values continue.
⚠️ Group isolation still applies across the pair. All eight channels share a common reference. Mixing internal and external loop power without the correct Termination Assembly wiring can introduce ground loops that only appear after the redundant pair is online and under load.
Dynamic FAQ
Q: What exactly is included when ordering FBM216 P0917XQ? A: The complete redundant solution consists of two modules plus the Redundant Adapter. Field wiring connects to one common Termination Assembly.
Q: Can the modules operate without the adapter? A: They will power up and communicate, but they will not provide redundancy. The adapter is required for Master/Tracker operation and shared field wiring.
Q: How fast is the failover from Master to Tracker? A: Transfer occurs within one control scan cycle. Analog process values and HART messaging continue without interruption.
Q: Is the adapter compatible with the later FBM216b? A: No. The FBM216b uses a different redundancy adapter (typically P0924DT for the standard version). Always match the adapter to the exact module revision.
Q: Are New Surplus + sets original Foxboro product? A: Yes. Both the modules and the adapter are original OEM material that have passed full analog accuracy, HART communication, and Master/Tracker failover testing.
Q: What warranty coverage applies? A: 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of shipment for the complete New Surplus or fully tested refurbished set.
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