Foxboro FBM242 Modules FBM242 RH916TA

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Foxboro FBM242 Series Technical Notes

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.

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.