Foxboro FBM242 Modules: FBM242 RH916TA

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Foxboro FBM242 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Foxboro FBM242 series is a field-proven line of interface modules deployed within the Foxboro I/A Series Distributed Control System (DCS), one of the most widely installed process automation platforms in global heavy industry. FBM242 modules are found in continuous operation environments including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore oil and gas platforms, pulp and paper mills, and large-scale chemical processing plants. Their role is to serve as the critical communication and signal interface layer between field instrumentation and the I/A Series control network. The FBM242 series is engineered for high-availability environments where unplanned downtime carries significant financial and safety consequences. As a result, these modules are designed with redundancy support, deterministic scan rates, and robust backplane communication protocols. Global installed base estimates place the I/A Series DCS — and by extension the FBM242 module family — among the top three DCS platforms by installed unit count in refining and chemical sectors. Sourcing genuine, tested FBM242 modules for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations is a persistent operational requirement for plant engineers and procurement teams worldwide.

The Evolution of FBM242 Architecture

The FBM242 module family was developed as part of Foxboro's I/A Series platform, which was introduced in the mid-1980s and represented a significant architectural shift from centralized to distributed control. The I/A Series used a proprietary Nodebus and Fieldbus communication architecture, and the FBM (Field Bus Module) designation covers the entire range of I/O and interface modules that connect to this infrastructure.

Early FBM modules operated on the original 50-series and 100-series backplane standards. As the platform matured through the 1990s and 2000s, Foxboro introduced enhanced variants with improved signal conditioning, higher channel density, and support for HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol. The FBM242 specifically addresses serial and interface communication functions, bridging legacy field devices with the I/A Series control network.

With Schneider Electric's acquisition of Invensys (Foxboro's parent) in 2014, the I/A Series platform was rebranded under the EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS umbrella. Support for legacy FBM modules has been maintained, but many FBM2xx-series modules are now classified as mature or end-of-active-production, meaning OEM availability is limited and the aftermarket supply chain has become the primary sourcing channel for plant maintenance teams. Compatibility considerations are critical: FBM modules are backplane-specific, and substitution requires verification of the letterbug configuration, FCP (Field Control Processor) firmware version, and module address assignments.

FBM242 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent the documented FBM242 series and closely related FBM2xx interface and I/O modules within the Foxboro I/A Series ecosystem. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware configuration or revision level.

FBM242 RH916TA: Serial interface module, RS-232/RS-485, dual-port configuration for device integration
FBM241: Single-channel serial communication module, RS-232, point-to-point device interface
FBM243: Enhanced serial interface module with extended protocol support for Modbus RTU
FBM201: Analog input module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA, HART-capable field device interface
FBM202: Analog output module, 8-channel, 4–20 mA, loop-powered field actuator control
FBM203: Analog input module, 16-channel, non-HART, high-density process variable acquisition
FBM204: Analog output module, 16-channel, non-HART, high-density control output
FBM205: Thermocouple/RTD input module, 8-channel, temperature measurement interface
FBM207: Pulse input module, 4-channel, frequency and totalizer input for flow measurement
FBM211: Digital input module, 32-channel, 24 VDC discrete signal acquisition
FBM212: Digital output module, 32-channel, 24 VDC discrete actuator control
FBM213: Digital input module, 16-channel, 120 VAC field signal interface
FBM214: Digital output module, 16-channel, 120 VAC relay-driven field device control
FBM220: HART multiplexer interface module, multi-drop HART device polling and data extraction
FBM230: Analog input module, 8-channel, HART pass-through, redundancy-capable configuration
FBM231: Analog output module, 8-channel, HART pass-through, redundancy-capable configuration
FBM232: Analog input module, 16-channel, HART-capable, high-density redundant I/O
FBM237: Fieldbus interface module, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 segment host interface
FBM240: PROFIBUS DP master interface module, multi-drop field device network integration

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete FBM242 Parts

The FBM242 RH916TA and related FBM2xx modules present a well-documented sourcing challenge. As Schneider Electric has transitioned active development focus to next-generation EcoStruxure platforms, OEM production runs for legacy FBM modules have been reduced or discontinued. Plant operators running I/A Series DCS installations — many of which have operational lifespans of 20–30 years — must rely on the secondary market for replacement and spare inventory.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for Foxboro I/A Series components, with specific focus on FBM2xx-series modules. Our sourcing network spans decommissioned plant equipment, authorized distributor overstock, and direct procurement from facilities undergoing DCS migration. All units are catalogued by part number, revision level, and letterbug configuration where applicable.

For end-users requiring long-term maintenance support (LTMS) agreements or blanket purchase orders covering multi-year spare parts requirements, DriveKNMS offers structured procurement contracts. This is particularly relevant for facilities that have determined that a full DCS migration is not economically viable within their current capital planning cycle and require assured access to FBM242 and related modules for continued operation.

Quality Control for the FBM242 Range

FBM242-series modules present specific testing challenges due to their serial communication interface architecture and backplane-dependent operation. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection and functional verification protocol to all FBM2xx units prior to shipment.

Visual inspection covers connector pin integrity, backplane edge connector condition, component-level inspection for capacitor degradation and corrosion, and label/revision marking verification. Functional testing is conducted using I/A Series-compatible test fixtures that simulate backplane communication, allowing module initialization, self-diagnostic execution, and port-level communication verification. For FBM242 RH916TA units specifically, both RS-232 and RS-485 port configurations are tested under load conditions. Modules that fail any stage of the protocol are quarantined and not returned to inventory. Test records are retained and available upon request for quality-critical procurement processes.

© 2026 DriveKNMS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice. Verify all parameters against official documentation before installation.