YOKOGAWA FA-M3 F3 Series Modules: F3PU20-ON F3PU20-0N

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

YOKOGAWA FA-M3 F3 Series Technical Notes

The YOKOGAWA FA-M3 (also referenced under the F3 module prefix) is a modular programmable controller platform with a documented installation base across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power auxiliary systems, refinery distributed control architectures, and continuous process manufacturing. Its backplane-based architecture supports high-density I/O expansion, deterministic scan cycle execution, and long-term field serviceability — characteristics that have sustained its deployment in safety-critical environments where replacement cycles span 15 to 25 years. The FA-M3 platform competes directly with Siemens S7-400, Rockwell ControlLogix, and Mitsubishi Q-Series in heavy industrial segments, and remains one of YOKOGAWA's primary PLC offerings for process automation integration alongside CENTUM VP DCS systems.

The Evolution of FA-M3 / F3 Series Architecture

The FA-M3 platform was introduced in the mid-1990s as YOKOGAWA's response to demand for a modular, rack-based PLC capable of operating within CENTUM-integrated plant environments. Early CPU modules such as the F3SP21-0N and F3SP28-3S established the F3 module form factor and the proprietary F3BUS backplane communication protocol. These early units operated at scan cycles of 1–10 ms and supported ladder diagram programming via the WideField software environment.

Through the 2000s, the platform evolved with the introduction of higher-throughput CPUs (F3SP53-4H, F3SP58-6S), expanded analog I/O density, and Ethernet-capable communication modules. The WideField2 and WideField3 IDEs replaced the original programming environment, introducing structured text and function block diagram support compliant with IEC 61131-3.

By the 2010s, YOKOGAWA introduced the F3SP71 and F3SP76 CPU families with dual-port Ethernet, enhanced memory capacity, and compatibility with FA-M3R redundant configurations. Legacy modules from the F3SP21/F3SP28 generation entered end-of-life status but remain in active service at sites where full system migration is not economically viable. Compatibility between early and late-generation modules is constrained by backplane slot addressing and CPU firmware version — cross-generation mixing requires validation against YOKOGAWA's compatibility matrix.

FA-M3 / F3 Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Power Supply Modules

• F3PU20-ON (F3PU20-0N): 24 VDC input power supply module for FA-M3 base unit, 20W output capacity
• F3PU30-0N: 100–240 VAC input power supply module, 30W output, standard rack mount
• F3PU40-0N: High-capacity AC power supply module, 40W, for expanded I/O configurations

CPU / Controller Modules

• F3SP21-0N: Entry-level sequence CPU, 10K step program memory, ladder diagram
• F3SP28-3S: Mid-range CPU with motion control support, 30K steps
• F3SP53-4H: High-speed CPU, 120K steps, 0.1 ms scan, WideField2 compatible
• F3SP58-6S: Advanced CPU with built-in Ethernet port, 250K steps, IEC 61131-3
• F3SP71-4N: High-performance CPU, dual Ethernet, 500K steps, FA-M3R redundancy support
• F3SP76-7N: Top-tier CPU, 1M step capacity, high-speed interrupt processing

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• F3XD32-3F: 32-point 24 VDC digital input module, sink/source compatible
• F3XD64-3F: 64-point high-density digital input, 24 VDC, compact form factor
• F3XD16-3N: 16-point 100–120 VAC digital input module

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• F3YD32-3F: 32-point transistor output module, 24 VDC, 0.5A per point
• F3YD16-3N: 16-point relay output module, 250 VAC / 30 VDC, 2A per point

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• F3AD04-0N: 4-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 12-bit resolution
• F3AD08-0N: 8-channel analog input module, 14-bit resolution, isolated channels

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• F3DA04-0N: 4-channel analog output, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 12-bit resolution

Communication / Network Modules

• F3LE01-5T: 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet communication module, Modbus TCP support
• F3LP02-0N: PROFIBUS-DP slave communication adapter

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete FA-M3 / F3 Series Parts

Multiple modules within the FA-M3 / F3 platform — particularly those from the F3SP21, F3SP28, F3PU20, and early F3XD/F3YD generations — have reached or are approaching end-of-manufacture status. YOKOGAWA's official support lifecycle for these units typically covers 7 years post-discontinuation for repair services, after which field replacement becomes the primary maintenance strategy.

Quality Control for the FA-M3 / F3 Series Range

FA-M3 modules present specific test challenges due to their proprietary F3BUS backplane protocol and the interdependency between CPU firmware and I/O module addressing. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all FA-M3 / F3 series units prior to dispatch: