Description
Core Product Summary
The Foxboro FCP280 (Part Number RH924YA) is a high-performance Field Control Processor engineered for deployment within Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Foxboro Distributed Control System (DCS) architecture. The module executes regulatory, logic, timing, and sequential control loops alongside integrated data acquisition and real-time alarm handling across process automation networks.
Mounted on a dedicated baseplate, the module connects to the control network via 100 Mbps Ethernet fiber optic or copper network adapters. The FCP280 RH924YA supports up to 128 Fieldbus Modules (FBMs)—enabling integration with 200 Series and legacy 100 Series I/O subsystems. It features an integrated Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and navigation buttons for soft letterbug configuration and real-time operational status display, as well as support for fault-tolerant redundant module pairing.
Key Technical Specifications
| Specification | Parameter Value |
| Product Type | Field Control Processor 280 (FCP280) |
| Part Number | RH924YA |
| Control System Family | EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS |
| Primary Input Voltage | 24 Vdc (redundant input via baseplate) |
| Power Consumption | Max. 11 W (single module); Max. 20 W (fault-tolerant pair) |
| Host Network Interface | Dual 100 Mbps Ethernet via fiber (RH924WA) or copper (RH924UQ) adapters |
| Fieldbus Interfaces | 4 HDLC fieldbus channels (2 Mbps for 200 Series, 268 Kbps for 100 Series) |
| Maximum I/O Capacity | Up to 128 Fieldbus Modules (FBMs) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Environmental Rating | Class G3 harsh environment coating |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 153 × 52 × 116 mm (5.2 × 2.05 × 4.57 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.78 kg |
| Certifications | CE, ISA EDSA Cybersecurity, Class G3 |
Detailed Product Overview
The Foxboro FCP280 RH924YA serves as the core real-time processing unit within Foxboro process control environments. It processes field I/O signals, runs process control algorithms, and communicates system states across the control network without requiring external communication or expansion modules.
The unit supports both non-redundant and fault-tolerant operational configurations. In a fault-tolerant setup, two FCP280 modules are installed side-by-side on a dedicated 2-position baseplate. Both processors run in parallel; if an operational anomaly is identified on the primary controller via continuous internal diagnostics, control failover transfers to the secondary module without process interruption.
A key functional capability of the FCP280 RH924YA is Online Image Upgrade (OLUG). In fault-tolerant configurations, this allows system firmware and operational software images to be updated online without shutting down the controlled process. The processor also supports self-hosting execution, enabling the module to boot directly with a saved control database even when host workstation connectivity is unavailable.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
| System Architecture | EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS | Requires Control Core Services v9.0 or higher. |
| Baseplate Mounting | Modular DIN rail FCP280 Baseplate | Module slots are physically keyed specifically for FCP280 modules. |
| Network Adapters | Fiber Adapter (RH924WA) or Copper Adapter (RH924UQ) | Mounts directly onto the baseplate to interface with Ethernet switches. |
| Fieldbus Module (FBM) Support | 200 Series FBMs and 100 Series FBMs | Supports up to 128 total FBMs (max. 64 100 Series FBMs mixed). |
| Fieldbus Coexistence | 2 Mbps or 268 Kbps HDLC fieldbus | 100 Series and 200 Series FBMs cannot be mixed concurrently on the same PIO port. |
FCP280 RH924YA
FCP280 RH924YA
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- Dimensions: 153 mm High × 52 mm Wide × 116 mm Deep.
- Weight: Approximately 0.78 kg.
- Mounting Method: Plugs directly into a dedicated slot on standard vertical or horizontal FCP280 DIN-rail mounted baseplates.
- Network Cabling: Interfaced via baseplate-mounted network adapters accepting standard copper RJ45 or fiber optic Ethernet connections.
- Environmental Limits: Rated for operation in Class G3 harsh industrial environments with temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C and 5% to 95% non-condensing relative humidity.
- Handling & Installation: Utilize standard ESD precautions when inserting or removing modules. Module keying on the baseplate prevents improper mechanical positioning.
FAQ
- What is the Foxboro FCP280 RH924YA?
It is a Field Control Processor module used as a core real-time controller in the EcoStruxure Foxboro Distributed Control System (DCS).
- What software version is required for the FCP280 RH924YA?
The module requires Foxboro DCS Control Core Services software version 9.0 or later.
- How many Fieldbus Modules (FBMs) can one FCP280 control?
It supports up to 128 FBMs, which can include 200 Series FBMs or a combination of 100 Series and 200 Series FBMs.
- What network adapter options are used with the FCP280 baseplate?
The module connects to the control network using RH924WA fiber optic adapters or RH924UQ copper Ethernet adapters mounted directly on the baseplate.
- Can the FCP280 RH924YA firmware be upgraded online?
Yes, in fault-tolerant configurations, it supports Online Image Upgrade (OLUG) to update controller firmware without interrupting the operating process.
- Does the FCP280 require a host workstation to boot?
No, it supports self-hosting mode, allowing it to boot using a locally saved control database without an active host workstation connection.
Documented Performance Data
| Metric | Value / Range | Operating / Test Condition |
| Single Module Power Consumption | Max. 11 W | 24 Vdc input rail |
| Fault-Tolerant Pair Power Consumption | Max. 20 W | 24 Vdc input rail (pair) |
| Control Network Interface Speed | 100 Mbps | Full-duplex Ethernet via network adapters |
| 200 Series Fieldbus Data Rate | 2 Mbps | HDLC protocol on PIO channels |
| 100 Series Fieldbus Data Rate | 268 Kbps | HDLC protocol on PIO channels |
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