Description
Core Product Summary (Brand / Model / Key Attributes)
The Foxboro FBM230 (order code P0926GU) is a Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) Module with four serial ports for the Foxboro I/A Series and EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS. It provides a serial interface between single-ported field devices and the control system.
Each of the four ports can be independently configured in software for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485. The module supports downloadable I/O software drivers, handles up to 2000 DCI block connections, and can communicate with up to 64 RS-485 devices or four direct-connect RS-232/RS-422 devices. It integrates field device data into the Foxboro control database and is rated for Class G3 harsh environments.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) Module – Four Serial Ports, Single |
| Order Code | P0926GU |
| Serial Ports | 4 independently configurable ports |
| Supported Interfaces | RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 (software selectable per port) |
| Device Connectivity | Up to 64 RS-485 devices or up to 4 direct-connect RS-232/RS-422 devices |
| DCI Block Capacity | Up to 2000 Distributed Control Interface (DCI) blocks |
| Protocol Support | Downloadable I/O software drivers from available library (includes Modbus RTU/ASCII and other protocols) |
| Communication to System | Redundant 2 Mbps module Fieldbus to FCM or FCP |
| Power Supply (Redundant) | 24 V DC +5 % / –10 % |
| Power Consumption | 7 W maximum |
| Heat Dissipation | 7 W maximum |
| Environmental Rating | Suitable for Class G3 (harsh) environments |
| Operating Temperature | –20 °C to +70 °C (typical documented range) |
| Mounting | Standard 200 Series baseplate |
Detailed Product Overview
The Foxboro FBM230 P0926GU serves as a flexible serial gateway that brings third-party and multi-vendor field devices into the Foxboro control system. Each of its four ports operates as an independent serial channel that can be set to RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, allowing a single module to interface with a mix of device types and cabling standards.
I/O software drivers are downloaded from a library of available protocols, enabling support for common industrial serial protocols such as Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII as well as other device-specific drivers. The module can manage up to 2000 DCI blocks, providing substantial capacity for mapping device data points into the control database. On RS-485 networks it supports multi-drop configurations of up to 16 devices per port (64 total); on RS-232 or RS-422 it supports one direct-connected device per port.
Data read from or written to the field devices is integrated into the Foxboro DCS for use in control strategies, operator displays, and higher-level applications. The module communicates with the associated Fieldbus Communications Module or Field Control Processor over the redundant 2 Mbps module Fieldbus. It is designed for Class G3 harsh industrial environments and draws a maximum of 7 W from the standard 24 V DC redundant supply.
FBM230 P0926GU
FBM230 P0926GU
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Select FBM230 P0926GU when serial (RS-232/422/485) integration of single-ported field devices is required.
- Confirm that the required protocol driver is available in the FDSI driver library.
- Plan port assignments carefully: RS-485 multi-drop for higher device counts versus RS-232/422 for point-to-point links.
- Account for the 2000 DCI block limit when sizing the number of data points to be integrated.
- Verify that the total power budget of the baseplate accommodates the 7 W consumption.
- Use appropriate termination assemblies and cabling for the chosen physical interface (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485).
- For dual-ported devices requiring redundancy, consider the companion FBM231 instead of the single FBM230.
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
The FBM230 is a standard 200 Series Fieldbus Module (approximately 102–114 mm high × 45 mm wide × 104 mm deep including mounting features). It mounts on a DIN-rail or modular baseplate. Serial field wiring is connected through a dedicated termination assembly. Cable lengths between the module and termination assembly typically range from 1 m to 5 m. Installation follows normal 200 Series practices and must remain within Class G3 environmental limits.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| System Family | Foxboro I/A Series / EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS | 200 Series Fieldbus Module subsystem |
| Fieldbus | Redundant 2 Mbps module Fieldbus | Connects to FCM100E/Et, FCP270, or FCP280 |
| Power Supply | Redundant 24 V DC +5 % / –10 % | 7 W maximum consumption |
| Software Drivers | Downloadable FDSI I/O drivers | Must match the field device protocol |
| Device Limits | 64 RS-485 or 4 RS-232/RS-422 devices | Per module |
| DCI Capacity | Up to 2000 blocks | Plan data-point mapping accordingly |
| Environmental | Class G3 (harsh) | Suitable for industrial process areas |
| Redundancy | Single module (use FBM231 for redundant dual-ported applications) | — |
FAQ
What is the Foxboro FBM230 P0926GU?
It is a four-port Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) module that provides serial (RS-232/422/485) connectivity between single-ported field devices and the Foxboro DCS.
How many ports does it have and how are they configured?
Four ports, each independently configurable in software for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.
How many devices can it support?
Up to 64 RS-485 devices (multi-drop) or up to four direct-connect RS-232 or RS-422 devices.
What is the DCI block capacity?
Up to 2000 Distributed Control Interface blocks.
What protocols are supported?
Downloadable I/O software drivers from the available library, including Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, and other device-specific protocols.
What is the power consumption?
7 W maximum from a redundant 24 V DC supply.
Is this the redundant version?
No. The FBM230 is the single (non-redundant) version for single-ported devices. The FBM231 is the redundant counterpart for dual-ported devices.
Verification & Troubleshooting Notes
- Confirm module identity by the FBM230 designation and P0926GU order code on the label and by successful recognition on the Fieldbus.
- Verify that the correct FDSI software driver is downloaded and configured for the connected devices.
- Check that each port’s physical interface setting (RS-232/422/485) matches the field cabling and device requirements.
- Confirm that the 24 V DC redundant power is present and within tolerance.
- Monitor DCI block usage to ensure the 2000-block limit is not exceeded.
- Review serial communication diagnostics (baud rate, parity, timeouts, etc.) if data is missing or intermittent.
- Module replacement should be performed only after verifying power, Fieldbus integrity, and correct driver/configuration backup.
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