FOXBORO P0916BX Termination Assembly FBM216

Product Description

FBM216 is a Foxboro I/A‑Series redundant HART communication input interface module. P0916BX is its matching compression screw termination assembly (TA). The complete set is used in DCS systems to connect 4‑20mA analog signals and HART smart instruments, widely deployed in petrochemical, chemical, power and other industrial sites requiring high reliability.

FBM216 is an 8-channel group-isolated analog input module supporting mixed connection of standard 4‑20mA transmitters and smart HART instruments with superimposed HART FSK digital signals. Redundancy is implemented by paired FBM modules: one module acts as Master and the other as Tracker. All field wiring is connected to one set of P0916BX termination assembly. Together with the redundant adapter P0917XQ, dual modules share field loops. Hot-swap is supported; replacing either module will not interrupt field input signals, with no need to disconnect field wiring, power supply or communication cables.

FBM216 serves as the HART host. Each field device can upload 2 digital messages per second. It supports HART universal commands, common practice commands and device-specific commands (Burst mode is not supported). HART instrument configuration and commissioning can be completed via the IFDC Intelligent Field Device Configuration Tool.

P0916BX termination assembly is a passive DIN-rail mounted accessory that routes signals between field instrument cables and FBM216 modules. A dedicated connection cable links the module base to the termination assembly. It can be installed locally or remotely in an adjacent cabinet with a maximum cable length of 30m.

Core Features

• 8-channel mixed signal input. Each channel accepts standard 4‑20mA analog signals or 4‑20mA signals superimposed with HART FSK digital signals. Each channel is equipped with an independent FSK modem for bidirectional HART digital communication.
• Complete redundant architecture for high availability. Modules are paired for redundancy. Dual modules read field signals simultaneously. On-board module power supply implements redundant power feeding via diode OR logic. Hot-swap maintenance is supported. Single module fault or replacement will not affect field loop signals. Modules connect to a 2Mbps redundant fieldbus with dual A/B paths. Automatic switchover occurs upon single bus link failure to maintain continuous communication.
• High-precision signal acquisition. Adopts Sigma‑Delta Σ‑Δ analog-to-digital conversion technology with 15-bit resolution. The new FBM216 (Revision G) paired with Revision C redundant adapter achieves full-scale accuracy up to ±0.075%FS. Channel update cycle is 100ms with temperature coefficient of 50PPM/℃. Group isolation design: the whole group of 8 channels is isolated from ground and module logic circuits, with withstand voltage of 600V AC/1min. No isolation between individual channels.
• Two loop power supply modes. Internal module power supply: built-in 24Vdc±10% isolated common power supply for transmitters without extra accessories. External power supply: when multiple loops share an external power source, CBM‑4 (P0903SV) cable balancing balun module must be configured to eliminate near-end crosstalk of HART communication. Balun module is not required for internal power supply scenarios.
• Status visual indicators. LED indicators on module front panel display module operation status, Master/Tracker mode and channel HART communication activity for convenient on-site troubleshooting.
• Rugged industrial design. Module features extruded aluminum housing complying with ISA S71.04 G3 severe pollution environment class. DIN rail or 19-inch rack base mounting supported. P0916BX termination assembly adopts PVC housing with compression screw terminals, compatible with standard 32/35mm DIN rail.

Key Technical Specifications

• FBM216 Module

  Item	Parameter
  Channels	8 channels, group isolation (no isolation between channels)
  Supported Protocol	HART V6, 1200 baud half-duplex master-slave communication
  Analog Input	4‑20mA; minimum input impedance 280Ω, maximum loop resistance 280Ω (excluding field device)
  Accuracy	±0.075% FS (Rev.G module + Rev.C redundant adapter), 15bit resolution, update rate 100ms
  Power Supply	24Vdc±5%, max power consumption 7W, max heat dissipation 4W
  Operating Temperature	-20℃ ~ +70℃; storage temperature ‑40℃~+70℃
  Communication Rate	Redundant 2Mbps fieldbus; HART: 2 messages/second
  Physical Dimension	102 (H)×45 (W)×104 (D) mm, weight approx 284g
  Certifications	UL/UL‑C, ATEX DEMKO EEx nA IIC T4, suitable for Division2 / Zone2 hazardous areas, compliant with industrial EMC standards

• P0916BX Termination Assembly (TA)

  Housing Material	PVC compression screw terminals
  Operating Temperature	‑20℃~+50℃
  Wiring Specification	0.2‑4mm² conductors; 3-layer terminals, 8 terminal points per channel
  Interface	25-pin D-Sub, connected to FBM base via Type1 dedicated cable
  Certifications	Type1 certification, meets Class I Div2, Zone2 explosion-proof requirements
  Weight	approx 181g; DIN rail mountable, passive component, no calibration required

• Supporting Components List

  Part Number	Name	Description
  FBM216(P0922VV)	HART Redundant Input Module	Master / Tracker modules used in pairs
  P0917XQ	Redundant Adapter	Mandatory for paired FBM216 sharing one termination assembly
  P0916BX	Termination Assembly TA	PVC compression screw type, field instrument wiring terminal
  CBM‑4(P0903SV)	Cable Balun Module	Eliminate crosstalk when multiple loops share external power supply
  P0916DA~P0916DJ	Connection Cable	Polyurethane jacket, length 0.5‑30m; Hypalon (XLPE) jacket series P0916VA‑VJ available

Notes for Use

For redundant configuration, two FBM216 modules must be installed in adjacent base slots (1&2, 3&4 etc.), fitted with redundant adapter and connected to P0916BX termination assembly via cable.

When multiple field transmitters share an external power supply, CBM‑4 balun module must be installed, otherwise HART digital communication will suffer crosstalk. Balun is not required for internal module power supply.

No calibration is required for module or termination assembly. Older hardware (RevA‑F module + RevA/B adapter) has degraded accuracy. Rev.G module with Rev.C redundant adapter is required for high-precision projects.

This module does not support HART Burst communication mode. HART handheld communicator can be connected in parallel to the loop for commissioning.

This product is an associated apparatus. When deployed in hazardous areas, installation conditions and intrinsic safety parameters specified in I/A Series DIN Rail Subsystem User Manual B0400FA must be strictly followed.

Application Scenarios

DCS systems in petrochemical, coal chemical, power plant, water treatment and other process industries. Used to connect 4‑20mA HART smart transmitters for pressure, level and flow measurement. It acquires analog measurement values together with HART device diagnostics, tag numbers, range and other digital information. Redundant architecture ensures uninterrupted operation of critical process loops.

FOXBORO FBM216 + P0916BX FAQ

Q1: How does FBM216 module redundancy work? Do two modules require two sets of termination assemblies TA?

A: FBM216 implements FBM module-level redundancy. Two modules work as Master and Tracker respectively, both sampling field signals simultaneously. Only one set of termination assembly (such as P0916BX) is needed, together with redundant adapter P0917XQ. All field wiring connects to this single TA. Two FBM216 modules must be installed in adjacent base slots. Replacing one module will not interrupt field input signals and no field wiring removal is needed.

Q2: When is CBM‑4 (P0903SV) cable balun module required? Is balun required for internal loop power supply?

A: CBM‑4 balun module must be installed when multiple transmitter loops share an external power supply, to suppress near-end crosstalk of HART FSK signals. If transmitters are powered by FBM216 internal 24V loop power, balun module is not needed. Each balun module contains 4 balun channels, one channel occupied per external powered loop.

Q3: What HART functions does FBM216 support? Does it support HART Burst mode?

A: It supports HART v6 protocol, HART universal commands, common practice commands and device-specific commands. It receives 2 digital messages per second from each field device. HART instruments can be configured via IFDC Intelligent Field Device Configuration Tool. HART Burst communication mode is not supported. HART handheld communicator can be wired in parallel to the loop for commissioning.

Q4: Does P0916BX termination assembly require calibration? Why is there a big accuracy difference between different FBM216 revisions?

A: Neither FBM216 module nor P0916BX termination assembly needs factory calibration.
Rev.G FBM216 + Rev.C redundant adapter: accuracy ±0.075% FS;
Rev.A‑F older FBM216 with Rev.A/B redundant adapter: 0.3% accuracy under external power supply, 0.6% accuracy under internal module power supply. Rev.G module and Rev.C redundant adapter shall be selected for high-precision projects.

Q5: What is the channel isolation type of FBM216? Are individual channels isolated from each other? What is the withstand voltage?

A: Group isolation for 8 channels: the whole 8-channel bank is isolated from ground and module logic circuits. No isolation between individual channels. Group isolation withstands 600V AC for 1 minute without damage. This withstand voltage rating is only for impulse resistance; long-term application of such voltage is prohibited.

Q6: What is the maximum distance between P0916BX termination assembly and FBM216 module? What cable options are available?

A: Max length of dedicated cable between TA and module is 30 meters. Two cable jacket types are available: polyurethane P/PVC series (P0916DA~DJ) and Hypalon/XLPE weather-resistant cable (P0916VA~VJ), length from 0.5m to 30m. Termination side interface is 25-pin D-Sub. TA can be mounted locally or in adjacent remote cabinet.

Q7: FBM216 is used in hazardous Zone2/Div2 area. What requirements must P0916BX meet?

A: P0916BX is Type1 certified TA with UL/UL‑C, DEMKO EEx nA IIC T4 certification, suitable for Class I Div2, Zone2 explosive atmosphere. As associated apparatus, installation must comply with manual B0400FA and loop parameters shall not exceed intrinsic safety limits.

Q8: What is the maximum loop resistance of FBM216? What is the maximum field wiring distance?

A: Minimum input impedance on FBM side is 280Ω. Allowable maximum loop resistance is 280Ω (excluding internal resistance of field transmitter). Physical layer complies with HCF_SPEC‑54 standard, theoretical maximum distance 3030m. If safety barrier (Zener barrier) is added into loop, maximum wiring distance will decrease. Actual distance is jointly determined by loop voltage, cable gauge and voltage drop.