Foxboro P0170NH Product Description
May 26, 2026

Foxboro P0170NH Product Description

The Foxboro P0170NH is a high-performance 8-channel HART Interface Module designed for the Foxboro I/A Series Distributed Control System (DCS), now part of Schneider Electric’s industrial automation portfolio. It serves as a dedicated power and communication hub for HART-enabled field devices, providing independent isolated power supplies for each of the eight channels while supporting HART FSK communication. Built to ISA S71.04 G3 harsh environment standards, it delivers exceptional resistance to vibration, humidity, and EMI/RFI interference. The P0170NH enables seamless integration of smart HART transmitters into I/A Series DCS, supporting both analog 4–20mA signal acquisition and digital HART data exchange for enhanced process visibility and diagnostics.

Description

Foxboro P0170NH Product Description

Product Overview

The Foxboro P0170NH is a high-performance 8-channel HART Interface Module designed for the Foxboro I/A Series Distributed Control System (DCS), now part of Schneider Electric’s industrial automation portfolio. It serves as a dedicated power and communication hub for HART-enabled field devices, providing independent isolated power supplies for each of the eight channels while supporting HART FSK communication. Built to ISA S71.04 G3 harsh environment standards, it delivers exceptional resistance to vibration, humidity, and EMI/RFI interference. The P0170NH enables seamless integration of smart HART transmitters into I/A Series DCS, supporting both analog 4–20mA signal acquisition and digital HART data exchange for enhanced process visibility and diagnostics.

Basic Information

  • Manufacturer: Foxboro (Invensys, now Schneider Electric)

  • Model: P0170NH

  • Product Type: HART Interface Module, I/A Series P0 Series I/O Module

  • Applicable System: Foxboro I/A Series DCS; fully compatible with I/A Series backplanes, controllers, and redundant power supplies

  • Mounting Style: Standard slot-mounted on I/A Series backplanes; supports hot-swap for online replacement

  • Protection Rating: IP20 (enclosure); designed for industrial control cabinet installation

  • Certifications: CE, UL, CSA compliant; meets ISA S71.04 G3 and MIL-STD EMI specifications

  • Channels: 8 independent, galvanically isolated channels

  • Supported Signals: 4–20mA analog + HART digital (FSK)

  • Power Supply: 24 VDC nominal input; per-channel isolated power for field devices

  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C

  • Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

  • Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

  • Vibration/Shock: Compliant with ISA S71.04 G3

  • Weight: Approximately 0.55 kg

  • Dimensions: 130 mm × 90 mm × 40 mm (H × W × D)

  • Country of Origin: United States

  • Warranty: Standard 5-year manufacturer warranty

Function and Positioning

The Foxboro P0170NH is positioned as a smart field device integration layer for I/A Series DCS, bridging conventional analog I/O with modern HART-enabled instrumentation. Its core functions include providing per-channel isolated power to 8 field transmitters, receiving 4–20mA analog process signals, and demodulating/modulating HART digital data for two-way communication with the DCS. It supports HART universal, common, and device-specific commands, enabling remote configuration, diagnostics, and calibration of HART devices via the DCS. Galvanic isolation between channels eliminates crosstalk and ground loops, critical for reliable HART communication in noisy industrial environments. Hot-swap capability minimizes maintenance downtime, while built-in diagnostics detect power faults, communication errors, and device failures, triggering local LED and remote DCS alerts. The P0170NH optimizes system flexibility by consolidating power and HART communication into a single module, reducing cabinet space and wiring complexity for smart process plants.

Core Performance Parameters

  • Channel Configuration: 8 independent, galvanically isolated channels with per-channel isolated power supplies.

  • HART Compatibility: Supports HART FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) protocol; universal, common, and device-specific command sets.

  • Analog Signal Range: 4–20mA DC, compatible with standard process transmitters.

  • Per-Channel Isolation: 1500 VAC channel-to-channel and channel-to-backplane isolation.

  • Power Output: Isolated 24 VDC per channel for field devices; external power option available.

  • Data Update Rate: Configurable; up to 50ms for analog, 250ms for HART digital data.

  • Fault Detection: Built-in diagnostics for open/short circuit, power failure, HART communication errors, and module faults.

  • Filtering: Configurable analog low-pass filtering and HART noise suppression.

  • Redundancy Support: Compatible with redundant I/A Series controllers and power supplies.

  • Environmental Stability: Operates reliably at 0°C to +60°C; EMI/RFI resistant per ISA G3.

  • Hot-Swap Support: Enables online module replacement without system shutdown.

General Adaptable Accessories

  • Mounting Accessories: I/A Series backplanes, slot guide rails, retention clips, and rack mounting hardware.

  • Power Supply Accessories: 24 VDC redundant power modules, distribution cables, terminal blocks, and surge protectors.

  • I/O Connection Accessories: HART-compatible terminal assemblies, shielded field cables, cable glands, and Cable Barron modules (to prevent HART crosstalk with common external power).

  • Communication Accessories: Ethernet patch cords, network switches, and HART modem adapters.

  • Redundancy Accessories: Redundant synchronization cables and data matching assemblies.

  • Replacement Parts: Fuse kits, LED indicators, enclosure gaskets, and terminal blocks.

  • Diagnostic & Configuration Tools: I/A Series configuration software, HART device simulators, and diagnostic utilities.

  • Environmental Protection Accessories: Cabinet cooling fans, dust filters, vibration mounts, and EMI shielding components.

  • Cable Management: Shielded cable ties, organizers, and trays for reduced interference.

Applicable Equipment and Fields

The Foxboro P0170NH is designed for Foxboro I/A Series DCS deployments across process industries using HART-enabled smart instrumentation. Key sectors include oil and gas (refineries, petrochemical plants), chemical manufacturing, power generation (thermal/combined-cycle), pulp and paper, water and wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, metals and mining, and food and beverage. It is ideal for integrating HART transmitters measuring pressure, flow, level, temperature, and pH, supporting both real-time analog control and digital HART features like remote calibration, diagnostics, and asset management. The module’s rugged design suits indoor control rooms and harsh on-site environments with high temperature, humidity, or EMI. It integrates seamlessly with other I/A Series components to form scalable, reliable DCS solutions that enhance process efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enable predictive maintenance of field devices.


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