Year: 2026

Function

– Performs regulation, logic, timing, and sequence control with connected Foxboro DCS Fieldbus Modules

(FBMs)

However, the control functions cannot be edited.

– Provides unique, patented fault-tolerant operation using two control modules,

which greatly improves reliability compared to other process controllers.

– Provides an online image upgrade (OLUG) of the fault tolerant FCP280.

– Enhanced Online Image Upgrade (EOLUG) of the Fault Tolerant FCP280

 can be performed while the process is running.

This form of upgrade helps to prevent any significant impact on the local control process.

– Provides CP overload protection to notify the operator when the FCP280 is reaching its performance

limits

– Liquid crystal display (LCD) shows letter errors as well as real-time roles and statuses

– Connects to the Foxboro DCS control network via standard fibre optic or copper 100 Mbps Ethernet

cable

– Rugged die-cast aluminium enclosure for installation in unventilated field cabinets

– Operates in G3 rated harsh environments

– CE certified for field installation in cabinets

– Each fieldbus port on the standard FCP280 baseboard supports a dedicated 2 Mbps or 268 Kbps HDLC

fieldbus port

– Provides control capability for a variety of process applications using versatile control algorithms and a

variety of FBMs

– Supports time synchronisation using optional external time from GPS satellites

Using soft letter blocks, the FCP280 can be configured via pushbuttons on the panel.

– Optional dual cable substrate allows use of separate cables for each ‘A’ and ‘B’ buses

Remote Installation

The FCP280 simplifies Foxboro DCS system architecture by requiring only

the enclosure (via field enclosure) while maintaining control,

host workstation with Control Core Services v9.0 or higher, 

and an Ethernet switch to communicate through the control network structure.

The field-installed FCP280 is part of a highly distributed control network

In this network, the controllers work closely with specific process units

mounted in close proximity to their I/O and the actual controlled equipment.

The process units are coordinated via a fibre optic 100 Mbps Ethernet network.

The FCP280 and its network adapters are encased in a robust die-cast aluminium

enclosure that requires no ventilation due to its efficient design.

The FCP280 and its network adapter are CE certified and can be installed

without the need for an expensive dedicated cabinet, helping to protect against electronic radiation.

The FCP280. network adapters and backplane can be installed in G3 rated harsh environments.

Enhanced reliability (fault tolerance)

The FCP280’s unique, patented fault-tolerant operation improves 

reliability compared to traditional process controllers.

The fault-tolerant version of the FCP280 consists of two modules operating

 in parallel with two Ethernet connections to the control network.

The two FCP280 modules are combined as a fault-tolerant pair,

ensuring continuous operation of the controller in the event of any hardware failure in one of the

modules.

Both modules receive and process information simultaneously and faults are detected by the modules

themselves.

One important method of fault detection is to compare the communication messages of the modules’

external interfaces.

A message leaves the FCP280 only if the two FCP280s agree on the message to be sent (bit for bit match).

Once a fault is detected, both modules run self-diagnostics to determine which module is affected.

The modules run self-diagnostics to determine which module is affected. 

The unaffected module then takes over control without affecting the normal operation of the system.

This fault-tolerant solution offers the following key advantages over redundant-only controllers

LED Indicators

The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the front of the FCP280 module provide a visual indication of the

– FCP280 operating status

– Transmit/receive communication activity on the four extended fieldbus channels

(Fieldbus A and B on each channel) LEDs on copper or fibre optic

network adapters provide visual indication of the following

– Internal and external power supply health status

– Communication activity with the control network A and B links and the FCP280

Redundant controllers only:

– No error messages are sent to the field or to applications using the controller data,

because unless the two modules match exactly bit-for-bit in sending a message, the

No information is allowed to flow out of the controller.

– The secondary controller is synchronised with the primary controller,

which helps to ensure that the most up-to-date data is available in the event of a primary controller

failure.

– Since the secondary controller performs exactly the same operations as the primary controller,

potential defects can be detected prior to any switchover.

The FCP280 supports the following devices on a 268 Kbps fieldbus:

– 100 Series FBM

– SPECTRUM™ Migration Integrator

– SPEC 200™ Control Integrator

– SPEC 200 MICRO™ Control Integrator

– SPEC 200 CCM Control Integrator

Foxboro Gas Chromatographs are not supported.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The FCP280 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) on the panel that displays

a variety of status and identification information, including

Status and identification information:

– The first line typically displays the letter number and role (Master/Shadow/Single) of the FCP280.

– The second line shows the FCP280’s part number, hardware revision information, date of manufacture,

operating system version, and its status on the control network.

Supported Devices

The FCP280 supports the following devices on the 2 Mbps fieldbus:

– All compact and standard 200 series FBMs, which support many types of intelligent field devices.

including those on Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, HART, and DeviceNet networks.

– Foxboro DCS Field Device System Integrator (FDSI) Modules

– Intrinsically Safe I/O Subsystem (ISCM) – see Intrinsically Safe I/O Subsystem (PSS 31H-2Y6)

– DCS Migration Fieldbus Module for Siemens APACS+ Systems

– DCS Migration Fieldbus Module for Westinghouse WDPF® Systems

– DCS Fieldbus Migration Module for Fisher PROVOX® 20 Series Migration HART

– DCS Fieldbus Migration Module for Honeywell® TDC 2000 Systems 

(with standard backplane for HART use).

The FCP280 supports the following devices on a 268 Kbps fieldbus:

– 100 Series FBM

– SPECTRUM™ Migration Integrator

– SPEC 200™ Control Integrator

– SPEC 200 MICRO™ Control Integrator

– SPEC 200 CCM Control Integrator

Foxboro Gas Chromatographs are not supported.