Description
Core Product Summary (Brand / Model / Key Attributes)
The Honeywell FC-DCOM-232/485 is a communication interface Field Termination Assembly (FTA) designed for Honeywell Safety Manager and FSC (Fail Safe Control) systems. It provides the physical serial ports required to connect the control processors to external devices using RS-232 or RS-485/RS-422 signaling.
The module supplies one RS-232 output port and two RS-485 output ports. It is powered directly from the connected Control Processor at 5 VDC (±5 %), drawing a maximum of 500 mA. RS-232 operates to EIA/TIA-232 levels at baud rates up to 250 kBaud; the RS-485/RS-422 ports operate to EIA/TIA-485-A levels at baud rates up to 2 MBaud and support transparent, FM0, FM1, or Manchester encoding. The assembly mounts on standard TS32 or TS35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail and requires approximately 11.7 cm of rail length.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Communication Interface Field Termination Assembly (FTA) |
| System compatibility | Honeywell Safety Manager / FSC systems |
| RS-232 ports | 1 output port |
| RS-485 ports | 2 output ports (RS-485 / RS-422 capable) |
| RS-232 electrical standard | EIA/TIA-232 levels |
| RS-232 baud rate | 0 – 250 kBaud |
| RS-485/RS-422 electrical standard | EIA/TIA-485-A levels |
| RS-485/RS-422 baud rate | 0 – 2 MBaud |
| Supported encoding | Transparent, FM0, FM1, Manchester |
| Power supply | 5 VDC ±5 %, supplied by Control Processor(s) |
| Maximum current | 500 mA |
| Mounting | DIN rail TS32 / TS35 × 7.5 mm |
| Rail length required | 11.7 cm (4.6 in) |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 11 cm × 7 cm × 6.1 cm |
| Approvals | CE, TUV, UL, FM |
Detailed Product Overview
The Honeywell FC-DCOM-232/485 functions as the serial communication Field Termination Assembly for Safety Manager systems. Its primary role is to present usable RS-232 and RS-485/RS-422 ports to field devices while remaining electrically and mechanically integrated with the Safety Manager Control Processor architecture.
Power is obtained directly from the Control Processor(s); no separate external power wiring is required for the FTA itself. The single RS-232 port supports conventional point-to-point serial links at rates up to 250 kBaud. The two RS-485 ports support multidrop or point-to-point differential communication at rates up to 2 MBaud and can operate in RS-422 mode when four-wire connections are used. Supported line encodings include transparent (NRZ), FM0, FM1, and Manchester, allowing the module to match the physical-layer requirements of various serial instruments, printers, panel devices, or third-party controllers.
The assembly is designed for DIN-rail mounting inside control cabinets. It occupies 11.7 cm of TS32 or TS35 × 7.5 mm rail and includes provision for an earth connection that bonds the shield of internal cables and the housings of the field connectors to cabinet earth. Typical physical size is approximately 11 × 7 × 6.1 cm.
Because the module is an FTA rather than a standalone protocol converter, configuration of baud rate, encoding, and port usage is performed through the Safety Manager engineering tools and the associated Control Processor settings. Correct cabling, proper termination on RS-485 networks, and adherence to the earth connection requirement are essential for reliable operation.
FC-DCOM-232/485
FC-DCOM-232/485
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Exact Safety Manager / FSC FTA role — ensures native integration with Honeywell Control Processors rather than generic serial conversion.
- One RS-232 and two RS-485/RS-422 ports on a single assembly — provides mixed serial connectivity without additional modules.
- Power drawn solely from the Control Processor (5 VDC, max 500 mA) — simplifies cabinet wiring but requires verification of available processor power budget.
- Support for transparent, FM0, FM1, and Manchester encoding on the RS-485 ports — matches a range of industrial serial physical-layer formats.
- DIN-rail mounting with defined 11.7 cm rail occupancy — allows accurate space planning in existing or new cabinets.
- Earth terminal provided — required for shield and connector housing bonding to maintain noise immunity and safety grounding.
- Documented approvals (CE, TUV, UL, FM) — relevant for installations that must demonstrate compliance with these marks.
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- Approximate dimensions: 11 cm × 7 cm × 6.1 cm
- Mounting method: Snap-on DIN rail (TS32 or TS35 × 7.5 mm)
- Rail length occupied: 11.7 cm (4.6 in)
- Field connectors: D-Sub style ports for RS-232 and RS-485
- System-side connection: Multi-pin connector(s) for link to Control Processor chassis
- Earth connection: Dedicated terminal provided; must be wired to cabinet earth
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Host system | Honeywell Safety Manager / FSC | Native FTA for these platforms |
| Power source | Control Processor(s) | 5 VDC ±5 %, max 500 mA; no separate power supply needed |
| Serial ports | 1 × RS-232 + 2 × RS-485/RS-422 | Port usage and parameters set via Safety Manager tools |
| Mounting | TS32 or TS35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail | 11.7 cm rail length required |
| Earthing | Earth terminal must be connected | Bonds cable shields and connector housings to cabinet earth |
| Cabling | System interconnect cables (SIC) to Control Processor | Field serial cables terminate on the module’s D-Sub connectors |
FAQ
What is the Honeywell FC-DCOM-232/485?
It is a communication interface Field Termination Assembly (FTA) that provides RS-232 and RS-485/RS-422 serial ports for Honeywell Safety Manager and FSC systems.
How many serial ports does it offer?
One RS-232 output port and two RS-485 output ports (the RS-485 ports also support RS-422 operation).
What power supply does the module require?
It is powered at 5 VDC ±5 % directly from the connected Control Processor(s), with a maximum current of 500 mA. No separate external power supply is required.
What baud rates are supported?
RS-232 operates up to 250 kBaud; RS-485/RS-422 operates up to 2 MBaud.
Which encoding formats are supported on the RS-485 ports?
Transparent, FM0, FM1, and Manchester encoding are supported.
How is the module mounted?
It mounts on standard TS32 or TS35 × 7.5 mm DIN rail and occupies 11.7 cm of rail length.
Is an earth connection required?
Yes. The provided earth terminal must be connected so that cable shields and connector housings are bonded to cabinet earth.
Which systems is the FC-DCOM-232/485 designed for?
It is intended for use with Honeywell Safety Manager and FSC (Fail Safe Control) systems as a native serial communication FTA.
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