Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FOXBORO (Schneider Electric) |
| Model | FEM100 |
| Order Code | P0973CA |
| Product Type | Fieldbus expansion module |
| Host Controller | FCP270 Field Control Processor |
| Fieldbus Ports | 4 independent 2 Mbps HDLC module fieldbus segments |
| Max FBM Support | Up to 128 series-200 FBMs per FCP270 (with FEM100 expansion) |
| Redundancy | Dual FEM100 modules provide A/B bus redundancy; hot-swap supported |
| Supported Devices | Series-200 FBM, FCM100E/FCM100Et, FDSI, APACS+ and Westinghouse migration modules |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC, redundant input (typical for 200-series modules) |
| Environmental Rating | G3 harsh environment per ISA S71.04 |
| Mounting | DIN-rail mounted 2-slot or 4-slot expansion baseplate |
| Status Indicators | Front-panel LEDs for module status and fieldbus communication activity |
Product Introduction
When an FCP270 hits its 32-FBM limit, the usual instinct is to add another controller. That works — until you realize you have split I/O across two processors and now your interlocks span two CPUs. The FEM100 solves that problem without adding a second controller.
The P0973CA is a fieldbus expansion module for the FCP270. It installs in a DIN-rail mounted 2-slot or 4-slot expansion baseplate and provides four independent 2 Mbps HDLC fieldbus segments. With a pair of FEM100 modules, those four buses become redundant, and the FCP270 can communicate with up to 128 series-200 FBMs instead of the base 32. Bottom line — this is a capacity expansion card, not a standalone controller. It does nothing useful without an host.
FOXBORO FEM100 P0973CA
QA/QC Transparency SOP
- Intake & Origin Verification — Confirm model FEM100, order code P0973CA, PCB revision, and serial number. Inspect the extruded aluminum housing, DIN-rail clip, and all four fieldbus cable connectors for physical damage.
- Live Functional Testing — Install into a compatible 2-slot or 4-slot expansion baseplate connected to an . Verify module registration on the host processor and confirm all four fieldbus ports enumerate correctly.
- Electrical Parameter Tests — Apply 24 VDC and measure current draw against the module specification. Using a Fluke multimeter, verify redundant power input terminals and check for shorts on the fieldbus connector pins.
- Firmware/Config Verification — Read the module firmware revision and compare it against the ‘s expected version. Confirm the module is recognized as an (not an FCM or FBM) by the host.
- Final QC & Anti-Static Packaging — Record fieldbus port registration, LED status, power draw, and firmware revision. Test redundancy by simulating a single-module failure if a paired is available. Pack in anti-static material with test summary.
Field Engineer Gotchas
- The is not a standalone controller or communication gateway. Without an host, it will not function. Do not order it expecting it to replace a failed FCP or FCM module.
- Four ports does not mean four times the FBMs on one cable. Each of the four 2 Mbps HDLC ports is a separate fieldbus segment. The 128-FBM capacity is distributed across all four buses, not concentrated on one. Overloading a single segment will cause communication timeouts.
- A single provides four active buses but no path redundancy. True A/B redundancy requires a paired module in the same expansion baseplate.
- Firmware mismatch can prevent recognition. An with an incompatible firmware revision may power up and show LEDs but fail to register on the . Always verify the firmware level against your host controller’s compatibility matrix.
- Some reseller listings misidentify this module. Occasional third-party descriptions incorrectly label the as a partial discharge detection device or a general-purpose PLC controller. It is neither. It is specifically a fieldbus expansion module for the in the I/A Series 200-series architecture.
FOXBORO FEM100 P0973CA
Application Scenarios
- A process unit with 60+ field devices needs more I/O than a single natively supports. Adding an raises the limit to 128 FBMs without deploying a second controller.
- Redundant fieldbus for critical loops. Installing a paired module provides A/B bus redundancy, so a single fieldbus cable failure does not lose communication to any FBM segment.
- Migration system integration. The supports APACS+ and Westinghouse migration modules on its 2 Mbps fieldbus, allowing legacy device integration within an I/A Series rack.
- Turnaround controller upgrade. Replacing a failed during a planned shutdown restores full FBM capacity to an existing without re-engineering the I/O map.
FAQ
No. It is a fieldbus expansion module that only works with an Field Control Processor. It does not execute control logic on its own.
Up to 128 series-200 FBMs, distributed across four 2 Mbps HDLC fieldbus segments. Without the , the supports up to 32 FBMs natively.
Does it support redundant communication?
Yes, but only when two modules are installed as a pair. A single module provides four active buses without path redundancy.
What baseplate does it mount in?
A DIN-rail mounted 2-slot or 4-slot expansion baseplate. The 2-slot version holds one ; the 4-slot version can hold two processors and two modules.
Can I use it with an FCP280?
The is documented for use with the . The FCP280 uses the FEM100E variant in the standard 200-series baseplate architecture. Confirm compatibility with your specific controller model before ordering.
Yes. is the module type, and P0973CA is the order code for that specific variant. Other suffixes may indicate different revisions — verify firmware compatibility before substitution.
Can I hot-swap it?
The is designed to be removed and replaced without taking the system offline, provided the redundant pair configuration is maintained. Always follow your site’s change management procedures and confirm host controller status before pulling a live module.
