The FEM100 module increases the number of 200 Series (or equivalent) FBMs supported for the FCP270 modules to up to 128 FBMs for typical control usage. The FEM100 provides four Expanded Fieldbus ports, each of which is capable of communicating with up to thirty-two FBMs. This is illustrated in Figure 3.

The FCP270 requires I/A Series software v8.3-v8.8 or Control Core Services v9.0 or later to support the FEM100 module.

The FCP270 baseplate may connect to a Two-Slot Expansion Baseplate which accommodates a single or pair of FEM100s. A Four-Slot Expansion Baseplate is also provided which can accommodate up to two fault-tolerant FCP270s and a single or pair of FEM100s.

For a description of these baseplates, refer to PSS 21H-2W6 B4.

A pair of FEM100 modules provides redundancy for the Extended Fieldbuses. When both modules are active, the FCP270 sends and receives communications across both A and B buses. In the case of a FEM100 module failure, the FCP270 switches all traffic to the bus with the available FEM100 module until the failed module is replaced.

FBI200/FBI100 FIELDBUS ISOLATOR/FILTER

The FBI200 and FBI100 Fieldbus Isolator/Filters are designed to filter and isolate 2 Mbps communications from an FCP270 to the Fieldbus Isolator (FBI) which requires 268 Kbps signals for 100 Series FBMs and similar Migration modules. This enables the FCP270 to communicate with both 200 Series FBMs (over 2 Mbps signals) and 100 Series FBMs (over 268 Kbps signals) simultaneously when the FBI100 is installed as specified.

The FBI100 also extends the length of the 268 Kbps module Fieldbus from the FCP270 to 100 Series FBMs and similar competitive migration modules up to 1830 m (6000 ft) over a twinaxial Fieldbus cable. See Figure 2 on page 4.

For more information on the FBI200, refer to PSS 21H-2Y18 B4.

For more information on the FBI100, refer to PSS 21H-2Y16 B4.

ON-LINE IMAGE UPDATE

For fault-tolerant FCP270 modules, on-line image update replaces the executable image (operating system) of a running FCP270 with a newer image without having to shut down the equipment being controlled by the FCP270. New product enhancements can be brought on-line in 1.5 seconds for heavily loaded controllers; less for lightly loaded controllers.

Because the FCP270 contains its executable image in internal flash memory, and has sufficient RAM to hold a new executable image at the same time, online image updates are now much easier to perform.

TIME SYNCHRONIZATION, SOE, TDRA

The Foxboro Evo system supports time synchronization using either an externally maintained optional source of Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) from GPS satellites or an internal source using proprietary software. Controllers that receive time updates via the external time source synchronize their FBMs to 1 ms. For more information on time synchronization, refer to PSS 21S-1C2 B3. Time stamping is used for alarm messages, values sent to the historian, and the new Sequence Of Events (SOE) and Transient Data Recorder and Analyzer (TDRA) features. SOE data are discrete points that are time stamped at the FBM, optionally to 1 ms, and sent to the workstation on a change basis. TDRA data are analog points that are time stamped at the FBM and sent to the workstation every 10 ms. These new features are supported by client software in the workstation. For information on this new software, refer to PSS 21S-2B9 B4 and PSS 21S-2B10 B4.

SOFTWARE FEATURES

The FCP270 performs regulatory, logic, timing, and sequential control, as well as data acquisition, alarm detection, and alarm notification. Process variables are controlled using time-proven algorithms (mathematical computations performing specific functions). The algorithms are contained in functional control blocks, which on-site process engineers configure to implement the desired control strategies. The versatility of the algorithms, coupled with the variety of FBMs available, provides control capabilities suited to a broad range of process applications. Control strategies ranging from simple feedback and cascade loops to highly sophisticated feedforward, nonlinear, and complex characterization control schemes are readily implemented.

The FCP270 also supports the following features:

Infrared communications with the controller enables you to set and read the controller letterbug via the Letterbug Configurator

Alarm enhancements to function blocks: re-alarming on changes to alarm priority, re-alarming based upon a configurable time delay deadband, and alarm suppression based upon time

Optional UTC external time synchronization

Improved controller performance.

Optional self-hosting mode (I/A Series software v8.4-v8.8 or Control Core Services v9.0 or later) allows the FCP270 to start up and run, executing its configured control scheme using the checkpoint file stored in flash memory. This allows the FCP270 to boot itself with a valid control database even if its host workstation is not present.
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