Yokogawa F3X Series Modules – F3XD16-4N

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Yokogawa F3X Series Technical Notes

The Yokogawa F3X Series represents the core I/O module family for the FA-M3 Range-free Multi-controller and STARDOM FCN/FCJ/FCN-RTU distributed control platforms. These modules are deployed across continuous-process industries including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation auxiliary systems, offshore oil and gas platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale water treatment facilities. The FA-M3 architecture, introduced in the late 1990s, established a modular backplane-based design that allowed engineers to configure controller racks with mixed I/O types on a single bus. The F3X module family — covering digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output, pulse, and communication functions — became the standard spare parts matrix for any site running Yokogawa's mid-tier DCS and hybrid PLC infrastructure. Installed base estimates place FA-M3 and STARDOM systems in thousands of facilities across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe, making the F3X module range one of the most actively sourced legacy I/O families in the industrial automation aftermarket.

The Evolution of F3X Series Architecture

The F3X module series was designed around Yokogawa's proprietary V-net/IP and Vnet bus protocols, with the physical backplane providing both power distribution and high-speed data exchange between the CPU module and I/O slots. Early-generation FA-M3 systems (circa 1998–2004) used the F3SP series CPUs paired with F3X I/O modules in a fixed-slot rack configuration. The introduction of the F3SP71-4N and F3SP76-7N CPUs expanded the addressable I/O count and introduced IEC 61131-3 programming compliance, while retaining backward compatibility with the original F3X I/O module pinout and bus timing.

From approximately 2008 onward, Yokogawa began positioning the STARDOM FCN-RTU as the successor platform for remote and distributed applications, while FA-M3 continued to serve centralized control room architectures. The F3X I/O modules remained compatible across both platforms through the use of standardized rack assemblies (F3BU04-0N, F3BU08-0N, F3BU16-0N). By 2015, several early F3X module variants entered end-of-life status, with Yokogawa issuing migration notices recommending replacement with F3X-4N suffix variants featuring enhanced noise immunity and extended operating temperature ranges. Sites that did not migrate remain dependent on the secondary market for spare parts, making accurate SKU identification critical for maintenance planning.

F3X Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Digital Input Modules (DI)

• F3XD16-4N: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input module, sink/source compatible, 4 ms filter, FA-M3 rack mount
• F3XD32-4N: 32-channel 24 VDC digital input module, high-density DI, dual-connector terminal block
• F3XD64-4N: 64-channel 24 VDC digital input module, maximum density DI for large I/O count applications
• F3XD16-3N: 16-channel 100/120 VAC digital input module, for legacy AC field wiring environments
• F3XD16-2N: 16-channel 200/240 VAC digital input module, high-voltage AC DI for motor status feedback

Digital Output Modules (DO)

• F3XY16-4N: 16-channel 24 VDC transistor output module, 0.5 A per channel, short-circuit protected
• F3XY32-4N: 32-channel 24 VDC transistor output module, high-density DO, dual-connector wiring
• F3XY08R-4N: 8-channel relay output module, 2 A per channel, Form-A contacts, for solenoid and pilot valve control
• F3XY16R-4N: 16-channel relay output module, 2 A per channel, mixed load switching applications

Analog Input Modules (AI)

• F3XA04-1N: 4-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA / 1–5 V, 12-bit resolution, for standard process transmitters
• F3XA08-1N: 8-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V selectable, 12-bit, isolated channels
• F3XA04H-1N: 4-channel high-speed analog input, 1 ms scan, for fast-response pressure and flow measurement
• F3XA16-1N: 16-channel analog input module, 4–20 mA, multiplexed, for high-channel-count process monitoring

Analog Output Modules (AO)

• F3XW04-1N: 4-channel analog output module, 4–20 mA, 12-bit, for control valve positioner signals
• F3XW08-1N: 8-channel analog output module, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, isolated, for multi-loop AO applications

Communication & Specialty Modules

• F3LE01-5N: Ethernet communication module, 100BASE-TX, Modbus TCP / FA-Link support
• F3LC11-1F: FL-net (OPCN-2) communication module for factory network integration
• F3XP02-0N: 2-channel high-speed pulse input module, for flow totalizers and encoder feedback