FOXBORO P0916BX

Description

Product Description

The FOXBORO P0916BX is a high-performance Single-Board Computer (SBC) or Processor Module designed for critical use within the Foxboro I/A Series (Intelligent Automation) distributed control system. This module, the FOXBORO P0916BX, acts as the central processing unit for a Field Processor Unit (FPU) or other core system cabinet, executing complex control strategies, managing communication across the I/A Series nodebus and fieldbus, and coordinating system resources. Its primary function is to provide the deterministic computing power necessary for real-time process control, batch management, and advanced regulatory control in demanding industrial environments. The FOXBORO P0916BX is engineered for high availability and seamless integration into the larger I/A Series architecture, making it a cornerstone for reliable DCS operation

The technical specifications for the FOXBORO P0916BX processor module reflect its role as a system brain:

• Module Type: Single-Board Computer (SBC) / Processor Module for I/A Series.

• Processor Architecture: Features a high-performance microprocessor (specific to its generation, e.g., a dedicated RISC or CISC processor) optimized for real-time control tasks.

• Memory: Equipped with onboard RAM for application execution and non-volatile memory (Flash, battery-backed RAM) for storing the control database, operating system, and application software.

• Communication Interfaces:

  • Nodebus Interface: High-speed proprietary network for communication with other system nodes (workstations, other controllers).

  • Fieldbus Interface: For connecting to Foxboro fieldbus modules (FBM) and I/O.

  • Serial/Service Ports: For engineering access, diagnostics, and peripheral connection.

• Redundancy Support: Can be configured in a redundant (hot-backup) pair with another P0916BX module to ensure continuous operation without interruption.

• Power Requirements: Operates from the +5V DC supply provided by the FPU or system cabinet’s power supply.

• Operating Environment: Rated for industrial control room conditions (typically 0-60°C).

Advantages and Features

The FOXBORO P0916BX delivers significant advantages within the I/A Series DCS:

• Deterministic, Real-Time Performance: The FOXBORO P0916BX is designed for hard real-time operation, guaranteeing predictable execution of control loops and logic critical for process stability and safety.

• High Availability Architecture: Its support for true 1:1 hot-backup redundancy ensures maximum system uptime. In a redundant pair, if the primary P0916BX fails, the backup takes over transparently without process disruption.

• Seamless System Integration: As a core component, it is fully integrated into the I/A Series software environment (Foxboro I/A software), allowing for unified configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics from the workstation level down.

• Scalable Processing Power: Provides the computational capacity needed to handle large and complex control strategies, including advanced process control (APC) algorithms, within a single control domain.

• Proven Long-Term Reliability: Built to the stringent quality standards of a mission-critical DCS, the P0916BX has a proven track record of reliable operation over decades in continuous process industries.

Application Cases in Industry

This processor module is foundational in large-scale, continuous process industries:

• Oil Refining: Serves as the primary controller for complex units like Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units, crude distillation columns, and hydrotreaters within a refinery-wide I/A Series DCS.

• Petrochemical Production: Controls ethylene cracker furnaces, polyethylene reactors, and continuous polymerization processes where precise temperature and pressure control is paramount.

• Power Generation (Thermal): Acts as the DCS controller for boiler control, turbine sequencing, and balance-of-plant systems in coal-fired or natural gas power stations.

• Pharmaceutical (Bulk): Manages large-scale fermentation reactors, chemical synthesis, and utilities plants (pure water, HVAC) in API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) manufacturing.

• Pulp & Paper: Controls the distributed processes across a paper mill, from the digester and bleach plant to the paper machine and coating sections.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Compared to standard PLCs or other DCS controller modules, the FOXBORO P0916BX offers distinct DCS-centric benefits:

• True DCS Integration vs. PLC Controller: Unlike a PLC CPU that manages a single rack, the FOXBORO P0916BX is designed as an integrated node within a global DCS database. It natively handles plant-wide data sharing, historian integration, and advanced alarm management that PLCs require additional software and hardware to approximate.

• Optimized for Process Industries: Its design prioritizes the handling of complex analog loops, interlocks, and sequential control typical of chemical and refining processes, offering more native functionality for these tasks than a general-purpose PLC processor.

• Superior Redundancy Mechanism: The redundancy scheme for the P0916BX is a core, hardware-and-software integrated feature of the I/A Series, offering smoother and more reliable failover than most PLC-based redundancy systems.

• Longevity and Support: As part of the long-lifecycle I/A Series platform, it benefits from Foxboro’s (now part of Emerson) commitment to long-term support, spare parts availability, and migration services, which is critical for assets with a 25+ year lifespan.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Careful planning and handling are essential for this critical component:

1. Verify System Compatibility: The FOXBORO P0916BX must be compatible with the specific hardware generation (e.g., CP40, CP60) and software release of your I/A Series system. Consult the Foxboro Hardware Release Notice (HRN) or compatibility matrix.

2. Redundancy is Highly Recommended: For any critical process unit, always deploy the P0916BX in a redundant pair. The incremental cost is insignificant compared to the cost of an unplanned shutdown caused by a processor failure.

3. Software and Database Management: This module requires a specific control software load and a control database. These must be properly backed up and restored during any replacement procedure. This is not a simple plug-and-play swap.

4. Handle with Extreme ESD Care: This is a highly static-sensitive assembly. Always use a certified ESD wrist strap and mat. Handle the board only by its edges, avoiding contact with components and connectors.

5. Professional Service Recommended: Replacement or upgrade of a P0916BX processor, especially in a redundant system, is a complex task that often requires specialized tools and training. It is strongly advised to involve Foxboro/Emerson field service or a highly qualified system integrator.

BERGER LAHR WD3-007
RP-L2 PLC
3if797.9-1 PLC
DAI04 PLC
MDX60A0015-5A3-4-00
IS220PRTDH1A-IS220PAICH1A PLC
NBRA-656C PLC