Product Description

Overview

The FCP280 (RH924YA) is a high-capacity, field-mounted control module engineered for the Foxboro I/A Series and EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS platforms. Acting as the primary controller at the field level, it integrates process control, data acquisition, and alarm management while providing seamless communication with field devices and the plant control network. Compared to its predecessor, the FCP270, this module offers substantially higher performance, expanded memory, and advanced redundancy features.

Key Features

• High-reliability operation with single or redundant configurations featuring automatic failover

• High-speed RISC processor for complex control algorithms and extensive databases

• Flexible mounting compatible with DIN-rail and legacy 1x8 baseplates

• Hardened firmware with cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access

• Advanced regulatory, logic, timing, and sequential control support

Technical Specifications

Hardware & Architecture

• Module Type: Field Control Processor (FCP280)

• Processor: High-speed, low-power RISC CPU

• Memory:

• Flash: 128 MB for firmware and configuration files

• SDRAM: 128 MB for runtime execution

• NVRAM: 2 MB for data retention during power interruptions

• Maximum Control Blocks: Up to 10,000 (dependent on control complexity)

Communications

• Network Interfaces: Dual 100 Mbps Ethernet (copper or fiber) via control network adapters

• Fieldbus Support: HDLC 2 Mbps or FireWire-based 100 Mbps connections to Fieldbus Modules (FBMs)

• Time Synchronization: Accurate to 1 ms via SNTP

Performance

• Control Cycle: Configurable down to 10 ms for high-speed loops

• Algorithms Supported: PID, Boolean logic, advanced regulatory control, sequential control

Environmental & Physical

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)

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

• Vibration Tolerance: Designed for industrial plant floor conditions

• Ingress Protection: IP20

Communication Pathways

The FCP280 operates as a central hub:

• Upstream: Connects to the Mesh Network for workstations, historians, and other FCP modules

• Downstream: Interfaces with Fieldbus Modules (FBMs) which connect directly to sensors and actuators

Part Number Variants

• RH924YA: Standard FCP280 module

• RH924YB: Redundant pair or bundle variant

• RH924WA: Associated SCD5200 module or baseplate-specific version

Migration Notes

Upgrading from the FCP270 to FCP280 (RH924YA) is largely plug-and-play, but full feature support requires Foxboro I/A Series v8.8 or higher or EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS with Control Core Services v9.0 or later.

FAQ

Q: Can the FCP280 operate in redundant mode?
A: Yes, two modules can run in parallel with automatic, bumpless failover.

Q: Is it compatible with legacy baseplates?
A: Yes, DIN-rail and 1x8 baseplates are supported with proper adapters.

Q: What control algorithms are supported?
A: PID, Boolean logic, advanced regulatory control, and sequential control loops.