FOXBORO FCP280 Field Control Processor

• Network Connectivity:
  • Standard optical fiber or 100 Mbps copper Ethernet cables.
  • Dual Ethernet interfaces for redundant network connections.
• Environmental Tolerance:
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +70°C.
  • Designed for G3-class harsh environments (e.g., high temperatures, dust, vibration).
  • CE-certified for field installation in enclosures.
• Power Supply: 24 V DC, with CP overload protection to alert operators during performance limits.

Key Features

• High Reliability:
  • Patent-pending fault-tolerant design with dual modules operating in parallel.
  • Automatic failover ensures continuous control in case of hardware faults, with bit-by-bit verification of communication data.
  • Online Image Upgrade (OLUG/EOLUG) allows firmware updates during process operation without interrupting control.
• Flexible Configuration:
  • Supports a wide range of FBMs for diverse field device integration, including Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, HART, and DeviceNet.
  • Scalable I/O capacity to meet complex system requirements.
• Advanced Control Capabilities:
  • Executes regulation, logic, timing, and sequential control tasks.
  • Provides PID algorithms and advanced control strategies (e.g., feedforward, nonlinear control).
  • Supports high-speed functions like ladder logic, Motor Drive Actuator Control (MDACT), and Distributed Proportional-Integral-Derivative (DPIDA) control.
• Data Acquisition and Alarm Management:
  • Real-time process variable monitoring with high-speed sampling capabilities.
  • Enhanced alarm functions with priority adjustment, time-delay deadbands, and alarm suppression.
• Self-Hosted Mode:
  • Operates independently using a checkpoint file stored in flash memory, even without a host workstation.
• Time Synchronization:
  • Optional GPS-based external time source for precise system-wide time alignment.
• User Interface:
  • LCD display for real-time status, error codes, and hardware/software information.
  • LED indicators for operational status, fieldbus communication activity, and power health.

Applications
The FOXBORO FCP280 is widely used in industries requiring precise and reliable process control, including:

• Oil and Gas: Automation of oil well drilling, oil/gas transportation, and refining processes.
• Chemical Processing: Control of reactors, material handling, and temperature/pressure monitoring.
• Power Generation: Generator speed regulation, grid load distribution, and boiler operations.
• Pharmaceuticals: Cleanroom environmental monitoring and fermentation process control.
• Food and Beverage: Filling line speed control and sterilization parameter management.
• Water Treatment: Monitoring and control of water quality parameters like pH and turbidity.

Additional Notes

• The FCP280’s rugged pressurized aluminum housing ensures durability in unventilated field cabinets.
• Its compatibility with legacy systems and third-party devices simplifies migration and integration efforts.
• Engineers praise its high-speed processing, modular design, and redundancy features, which enhance system safety and operational continuity in critical processes.