Foxboro P0926GH FBM230 Field Device System Integrator, 4-Port Serial

Product Overview

The P0926GH is the FBM230 Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) Module manufactured by Foxboro (Invensys) for the I/A Series distributed control system. It provides four individually configurable serial ports supporting RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 protocols, enabling seamless integration of single-ported field devices into the Foxboro DCS. The module supports up to 64 RS-485 devices or 4 direct-connect RS-232/RS-422 devices and handles up to 2000 DCI block connections for large-scale device integration.

Key Specifications

• System: Foxboro I/A Series
• Model: FBM230 P0926GH
• Product Type: Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) Module
• Serial Ports: 4 individually configurable
• Supported Protocols: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485
• RS-485 Device Capacity: Up to 64 devices
• RS-232/RS-422 Device Capacity: Up to 4 direct-connect devices
• DCI Block Connections: Up to 2000
• Power Supply: 24 VDC
• Mounting: DIN rail or rack-mounted
• Terminal Type: Compression polyamide TA
• Compatibility: FBM224, FBM230, FBM231 terminals
• Weight: 481 g (1.06 lbs)

Features & Benefits

1. Multi-Protocol Serial Integration: Four ports independently configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 eliminate the need for external protocol converters.
2. High Device Density: Supports up to 64 RS-485 multidrop devices, reducing per-device communication hardware costs.
3. Massive DCI Capacity: 2000 DCI block connections enable integration of large instrument fleets without controller loading concerns.
4. Direct Foxboro Integration: Native FDSI architecture communicates directly with I/A Series controllers, eliminating third-party gateway latency.
5. Industrial-Grade Terminals: Compression polyamide TA terminals ensure reliable connections in high-vibration environments.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between FBM230 (P0926GH) and FBM224?
A: The FBM230 (P0926GH) is a 4-port FDSI module for integrating serial field devices. The FBM224 is a 4-port serial communication module for peer-to-peer and host communication. Both share compatible terminals but serve different network roles.

Q: Can the FBM230 communicate with Modbus RTU devices?
A> Yes, the RS-485 ports support Modbus RTU and other master-slave serial protocols. Configure the port parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits) via the I/A Series engineering workstation.

Q: What cable is recommended for RS-485 multidrop networks?
A> Use shielded twisted-pair cable (e.g., Belden 3105A or equivalent) with characteristic impedance of 120 ohms for RS-485 networks up to the FBM230's device limit.

Installation Guide

• Mount the module on a 35 mm DIN rail or rack inside the control cabinet.
• Connect 24 VDC power to the module's power terminals.
• Configure each serial port for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 via the I/A Series engineering software.
• For RS-485 networks, wire devices in a daisy-chain topology with termination resistors at both ends.
• Connect field devices using compression polyamide TA terminals and verify secure clamping.
• Verify communication status via the I/A Series diagnostic display after downloading the device configuration.

Selection Tips

• Device Count: Calculate total serial devices and their protocol requirements. The FBM230 handles up to 64 RS-485 devices; for larger fleets, add additional FBM230 modules.
• Protocol Compatibility: Verify your field devices use RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485. For Ethernet/IP devices, select FCM100E or FCM100Et communication modules instead.
• Cable Distance: RS-485 supports up to 1200 m at lower baud rates. For longer distances, add RS-485 repeaters or convert to fiber optic.
• Spare Ports: Reserve at least one serial port for maintenance access or future expansion to avoid full module replacement.