Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
The FCM10E is the communications bridge that allows DIN-rail mounted 200 Series Fieldbus Modules to talk to the I/A Series or Foxboro control stations over a high-speed, optionally redundant 10 Mbps Ethernet trunk Fieldbus. It converts the 10 Mbps Ethernet signals to the 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus used by the FBMs and provides galvanic isolation between the two networks.
Modules are installed in pairs for redundancy. A single FCM10E or a redundant pair can support up to 30 FBMs. The compact extruded-aluminum housing mounts on a standard baseplate and is suitable for Class G3 harsh environments. Front-panel LEDs indicate network activity and module operational status. The card can be removed or replaced without disconnecting power or communications cabling.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Function | 10 Mbps Ethernet (10Base2) to 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus conversion |
| Isolation | Galvanic isolation between Ethernet trunk and Module Fieldbus |
| Redundancy | Used in pairs |
| FBM Capacity | Up to 30 FBMs per FCM10E or redundant pair |
| Power Supply | 24 V DC +5% / –10% (redundant) |
| Power Consumption | 7 W maximum |
| Heat Dissipation | 7 W maximum |
| Operating Temperature | –20 to +70 °C (–4 to +158 °F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Module Weight | Approx. 284 g (10 oz) |
| Dimensions | 102 mm H × 45 mm W × 104 mm D (114 mm H with mounting lugs) |
| Status Indicators | Red/green LEDs for operational status and network activity |
Field Application & The “Trench” Experience
A Midwest refining site needed to expand an existing DIN-rail FBM cabinet while keeping the control network on the plant Ethernet backbone. A redundant pair of FCM10E modules was installed on the baseplate. The 10 Mbps Ethernet trunk was connected to the plant network and the 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus side linked to the local FBM baseplates. After configuration, all FBMs appeared correctly to the control processors with full isolation between the plant Ethernet and the local Module Fieldbus. The redundant pair provided continuous communication during subsequent maintenance on one module.
Typical niche applications:
- Connecting remote or local DIN-rail FBM cabinets to the plant 10 Mbps Ethernet trunk Fieldbus
- Providing galvanic isolation between the control network and groups of 200 Series FBMs
- Supporting up to 30 FBMs from a single redundant FCM10E pair in expanded I/O installations
FCM10E
FCM10E
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
Each unit is powered on a dual 24 V supply and verified for Module Fieldbus and Ethernet link establishment. Redundant pair operation is confirmed by simulating a module or path failure and verifying continuous communication. Network activity LEDs and operational status indicators are checked under load. Isolation between the Ethernet and Module Fieldbus sides is verified. The module then undergoes an elevated-temperature soak while continuous bidirectional communication is monitored.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Always install in pairs for redundancy. A single FCM10E will communicate, but it eliminates the fault tolerance the module was designed to provide. Critical I/O groups should always use a redundant pair.
PRO TIP: Confirm the Ethernet trunk is properly terminated and that the 10Base2 (or equivalent) cabling and connectors match the plant standard. Incorrect trunk termination is a frequent cause of intermittent communication loss that appears as FBM dropouts.
⚠️ Capacity limit is real. One or pair supports a maximum of 30 FBMs. Exceeding this limit degrades performance and can cause communication timeouts under heavy scan loads.
Dynamic FAQ
Q: What does the actually do? A: It converts 10 Mbps Ethernet trunk Fieldbus signals to the 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus used by 200 Series FBMs and provides galvanic isolation between the two networks.
Q: Must the be installed in pairs? A: For redundant operation yes. A single module will function, but pairs are required to maintain communication if one module or path fails.
Q: How many FBMs can one or pair support? A: Up to 30 Fieldbus Modules.
Q: Does the module require field calibration? A: No. Calibration is not required.
Q: Are New Surplus units original Foxboro product? A: Yes. Units are original OEM material that have passed full communication, isolation, and redundant-pair functional testing.
Q: What warranty is provided? A: 12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of shipment for both New Surplus and fully tested refurbished units.
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