Overview

The FBM232 Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) module provides a single

Ethernet interface between single-ported field I/O devices and the EcoStruxure™

Foxboro™ DCS system.

The FBM232 connects to a single 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps copper Ethernet network to

communicate with devices. The FBM232 is connected to Ethernet switches or hubs in

order to communicate with one external device or up to 64 external devices.

Features

Key features of the FBM232 are:

• 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Ethernet network transmission rate to/from field device

• Communicates with up to 64 field devices

• I/O software driver is downloadable from a library of available protocols

• Up to 2000 DCI block connections

• Integrates field device data into a Foxboro DCS control database using Ethernet

connectivity

• Field mounted

• Class G3 (harsh) environments.

I/O Drivers

This fieldbus module (FBM) is a generic Ethernet hardware module in which different

software drivers can be loaded. These drivers configure the FBM to recognize a

particular protocol used by the device. Several of the software drivers are standard

product offerings. Other custom drivers can be developed to meet specific needs.

These drivers are dynamically downloaded to the FBM232 with software code

specifically designed to interface with the third party device’s protocol. The

configuration procedures and www.abb-drive.com the software requirements for each driver are unique to

the device(s) being integrated into the system.

Ethernet Link Setup

Data communication between the FBM232 and field devices are through the RJ-45

connector located on the front of the FBM232 module. The RJ-45 connector of the

FBM232 can be connected through hubs, or through Ethernet switches to the field

devices (refer to Ethernet Switches for Use with FBM232. page 12). Connection of

multiple devices to the FBM232 requires a hub or switch.