Foxboro FCM10E
Foxboro FCM10E - Image 2

Foxboro FCM10E

Product Introduction: The FCM10E is a fieldbus communication module for the Foxboro I/A Series DCS. It enables DIN-rail-mounted Fieldbus Modules (FBMs) to communicate with I/A Series control stations over a high-speed, optionally redundant 10 Mbps Ethernet backbone. The FCM10E converts 10 Mbps Ethernet signals used by the control station to 2 Mbps signals used by the FBMs (and vice versa), and provides electrical isolation between the Ethernet backbone and the 2 Mbps module fieldbus. Up to 30 FBMs can be supported per pair (redundant) of FCM10E modules. The module is designed for G3-class environments and is DIN-rail or rack-mountable on a baseboard.

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Category: SKU: Foxboro FCM10E

Description

Foxboro FCM10E Technical Specifications:

  • Communication Protocols: 10 Mbps Ethernet (backbone) to 2 Mbps Module Fieldbus (FBM)
  • Supported Devices: Up to 30 FBMs per (or per pair when redundant)
  • Data Rate Conversion: Bidirectional conversion between 10 Mbps Ethernet and 2 Mbps HDLC fieldbus
  • Isolation: Electrical isolation between Ethernet and fieldbus networks
  • Power: 24 V DC (redundant); input range 24 V DC ±5%/–10%
  • Power Consumption: 7 W maximum at 24 V DC
  • Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +70 °C
  • Storage Temperature: –40 °C to +70 °C
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
  • Mounting: DIN-rail or rack-mount baseboard (supports up to 8 FBMs or FCM/FBM combinations per baseboard)

Functional Features:

  • Enables remote installation of FBMs close to the process, reducing field wiring cost and EMI exposure
  • Supports redundant Ethernet backbone and redundant FCM10E modules for high availability
  • Provides current isolation, protecting against ground loops and voltage differences
  • LEDs indicate module and network status for quick troubleshooting
  • Hot-swappable when used with appropriate baseboard and power configuration

Application Scenarios:

  • Distributed I/O architectures where FBMs are mounted near field devices
  • Plants with long cable runs requiring fiber or remote cabinets
  • High-noise environments needing isolation between control network and fieldbus

Performance Parameters:

  • Conversion between Ethernet and fieldbus with low latency suitable for control
  • Supports up to 30 FBMs per module pair, enabling large-scale distributed I/O

Material and Structural Characteristics:

  • Compact extruded aluminum enclosure for physical protection and heat dissipation
  • Designed for G3-class (harsh) environments when installed in appropriate enclosures
  • Connectors on the baseboard provide fieldbus, power, and I/O cable connections

Working Principle: The FCM10E receives Ethernet packets from the control network, encapsulates/converts them into 2 Mbps fieldbus frames for the FBMs, and transmits them over the 2 Mbps module fieldbus. Conversely, it converts fieldbus data from FBMs into Ethernet packets sent upstream. Isolation circuitry separates the Ethernet and fieldbus sides electrically, improving noise immunity and safety. Installation Requirements:

  • Mount on a compatible baseboard (DIN-rail or rack-mount)
  • Connect redundant Ethernet links (if used) and the baseboard’s 2 Mbps fieldbus to FBMs
  • Provide 24 V DC power to the baseboard with proper grounding
  • Configure IP addressing and redundancy settings via Foxboro engineering tools

Usage Notes:

  • Ensure the baseboard supports the FCM10E and intended redundancy configuration
  • Verify Ethernet speed and duplex settings match the backbone network
  • Check that total FBM count does not exceed the 30-FBM limit per FCM10E pair
  • Monitor LED indicators for network activity and module health

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