Foxboro FBM27 Product Description

The Foxboro FBM27 is a 16‑channel externally powered discrete output module belonging to the Foxboro I/A Series™ and EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS (Schneider Electric) Compact 200 Series. As the original foundational model in the FBM27 lineage, it is designed for general‑purpose, high‑reliability on/off control in standard to moderately harsh process industry environments. Engineered for channel‑to‑channel galvanic isolation, multi‑voltage external power compatibility, and rugged industrial performance, the FBM27 delivers consistent switching for solenoids, motor starters, contactors, indicator lamps, and alarm beacons. It supports hot‑swap installation, redundant communication, and basic diagnostic functions, making it suitable for reliable discrete control in chemical, oil and gas, power, and water treatment applications where extreme environmental resilience is not required.

The FBM27 provides 16 fully galvanically isolated discrete output channels, with each channel electrically separated from adjacent channels and ground, offering a withstand rating of 600 V AC for one minute. This isolation eliminates ground loops, reduces electrical noise, and prevents cross‑channel interference, ensuring stable operation in typical industrial settings. All channels operate with external‑only sourcing, meaning the module does not supply field power and relies on customer‑provided voltage sources.

Supported external voltage ranges include 15–60 VDC, 120 VAC/125 VDC, and 240 VAC, accommodating a wide variety of field devices. Each output channel is rated for 2 A continuous current (2.25 A maximum) at 60 VDC, with an inrush capacity of 8 A for 20 ms at 30°C, making it suitable for inductive loads such as relays and solenoids. The on‑state voltage drop is ≤ 0.2 V at full load, and off‑state leakage current is ≤ 0.1 mA, ensuring efficient and clean switching. Outputs are solid‑state, normally open switches with configurable fail‑safe modes: users can preset outputs to hold the last state or de‑energize upon communication loss or fault conditions.

The module executes discrete I/O or ladder logic programs with configurable parameters, including input filtering time, fail‑safe rollback, and continuous or transient output modes. Designed for high availability, it supports hot‑swap installation and replacement, enabling online maintenance without shutting down the process. Communication with Foxboro FCP/ZCP controllers is via a redundant 2 Mbps HDLC fieldbus, providing error‑checked data transfer with automatic path failover. Onboard LED indicators display power status, communication health, and individual channel states (active/fault), allowing for quick on‑site troubleshooting. Basic diagnostics monitor channel status, communication integrity, and power supply conditions, reporting faults to the DCS in real time.

Constructed with a standard conformal‑coated PCB and industrial housing, the FBM27 is certified for ISA S71.04 Class G3 harsh environments, resisting dust, moisture, and moderate vibration. It accepts 24 VDC redundant power input with automatic failover to ensure continuous operation.

Manufacturer: Foxboro (Schneider Electric)Compatible Systems: Foxboro I/A Series DCS (v7.0+), EcoStruxure Foxboro (Foxboro Evo™) DCSModel/Part Number: FBM27 (CM902WX / DM900NY variants)Module Type: 16‑channel externally sourced discrete output module (16DO)Output Channels: 16 fully galvanically isolated channels; channel‑to‑channel and channel‑to‑ground isolationExternal Voltage Ranges: 15–60 VDC, 120 VAC / 125 VDC, 240 VACContinuous Current Rating: 2 A per channel (2.25 A maximum) at 60 VDC; 0.5 A per channel at 240 VACInrush Current: 8 A for 20 ms at 30°COn‑State Voltage Drop: ≤0.2 V at 2.25 AOff‑State Leakage Current: ≤0.1 mAIsolation Withstand: 600 V AC for 1 minute (channel‑to‑channel/ground)Communication: Redundant 2 Mbps HDLC fieldbus (to FCP/ZCP controllers)Power Supply: 24 VDC (+5%/–10% tolerance), redundant input supported; no internal field powerPower Consumption: Max 10 W; typical 8 WOperating Temperature: 0 °C to +60 °CStorage Temperature: –40 °C to +85 °CRelative Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensingVibration: 0.1 g rms, 5–500 HzShock: 10 g, 20 ms half‑sineAltitude: –300 m to +3,000 mEnclosure: Industrial housing, conformal‑coated PCB; IP20 ratingDimensions (W × H × D): Approximately 45 mm × 114 mm × 104 mmWeight: Approximately 0.36 kgCertifications: CE, UL, CSA, ATEX Zone 2, IECEx, ISA S71.04 Class G3; EMC Class A (IEC 61000‑6‑2)Reliability: MTBF > 100,000 hours; hot‑swap capable; redundant communication and power support; full channel isolation for noise immunity; standard environmental protection.

The FBM27 is ideal for general‑purpose discrete control requiring external excitation, full channel isolation, and reliable performance in standard industrial environments, suited for small‑to‑medium‑scale systems and non‑critical plant operations. In chemical and petrochemical plants, it drives solenoid valves, valve actuators, and auxiliary equipment relays powered by 120/240 VAC external sources, supporting routine batch and continuous process control.

In oil and gas facilities—including refineries, gas processing plants, and onshore well sites—it controls non‑critical shutdown valves, auxiliary actuators, and flare ignition systems operating at 240 VAC, delivering dependable performance in moderately noisy areas.

In power generation, the module manages auxiliary breaker coils, non‑critical latching relays, and boiler auxiliary valves using 125 VDC external power, supporting standard startup, shutdown, and auxiliary control functions.

In water and wastewater treatment, it controls dosing pumps, aeration blowers, and motorized valves with 15–60 VDC external excitation, enabling consistent process control and regulatory compliance.

In pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and general manufacturing, its compact size, full channel isolation, multi‑voltage compatibility, and cost‑effective ruggedness make it perfect for panel‑side I/O consolidation, machine interlocking, and alarm beacon control in clean to moderately harsh production environments.

The FBM27 mounts on standard DIN rails or horizontally on a Compact 200 Series backplane inside Foxboro I/A Series or EcoStruxure Foxboro cabinets, connecting to a dedicated baseplate for backplane power and redundant HDLC fieldbus communication. Field wiring terminates at a mating termination assembly (TA) equipped with screw terminals, per‑channel fuses, and knife disconnect/test sockets for easy maintenance. TAs support local/remote wiring and accommodate 15–60 VDC, 120 VAC/125 VDC, or 240 VAC external power, with options for relay outputs, solid‑state switching, and power distribution fusing.

Configuration is performed via Foxboro DCS software: set output fail‑safe states (hold or off), map channels to DCS tags, enable redundant communication/power, and configure fault reporting parameters. The module is plug‑and‑play compatible with existing Foxboro systems and supports hot‑swap replacement to minimize downtime.

For high availability, two FBM27 modules can be configured as a redundant pair with automatic fault detection and switchover, ensuring seamless control continuation if one module fails. It supports integration with up to 128 200 Series FBMs in a single system, making it suitable for plant expansions and upgrades.

Routine maintenance includes visual inspection for physical damage, loose connections, or dust buildup, and verification of front‑panel LEDs for normal power, communication, and channel status. Periodic testing of output switching performance, load capacity, and redundant failover is recommended, especially in higher‑vibration environments.

The standard conformal coating protects against moisture and dust, reducing cleaning frequency. Faulty modules can be repaired by authorized Schneider Electric service providers, with standard repair options available.

The FBM27 comes with a 12‑month standard warranty against manufacturing defects, with extended warranty options available for long‑term operational reliability.