Description
Product Core Brief
- Model: FEM100 P0973CA
- Brand: Foxboro (Invensys / Schneider Electric)
- Series: I/A Series 200 Series Distributed Control System (DCS)
- Core Function: Acts as a fieldbus expansion module to extend the I/A Series node, supporting up to 32 Series 200 FBM modules in a remote or expanded chassis.
- Product Type: Fieldbus Expansion Module (FEM) / Communication Card
- Key Specs: 32 FBM Slots | Fieldbus Extender | Part Number
- Condition: New Original (New Surplus) | Factory Sealed
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Fieldbus Expansion Module (FEM) |
| System Platform | Foxboro I/A Series 200 Series DCS |
| FBM Capacity | Up to 32 Series 200 FBM Modules |
| Communication | Fieldbus / Ethernet Backplane |
| Manufacturer Part Number | |
| Mounting | Plug-in I/A Series FEM Baseplate |
| Application | Remote I/O, I/O Expansion, Skid Integration |
| Environmental Rating | Industrial Grade, G3 Harsh Environment |
| Condition | New Original (New Surplus) |
| Warranty | 1-Year Functional Warranty |

FOXBORO FEM100
Product Introduction
Expanding your I/A Series control system to accommodate high-density I/O or remote skids requires a reliable expansion backbone, and the is engineered for this exact purpose. This fieldbus expansion module serves as the communication and power backbone for remote I/O chassis, allowing you to install up to 32 Series 200 FBM modules away from the main node processor.
Designed for seamless integration, the handles all fieldbus communication, backplane arbitration, and power distribution for the attached FBMs. Whether you are building a remote valve manifold, a distributed skid, or expanding an existing panel, this module ensures that all 32 I/O slots operate with the same deterministic performance as the main control node. The is the definitive solution for scalable, high-availability I/O architecture in chemical, oil and gas, and power generation facilities.
Key Selling Points & Differentiators
- High-Density Expansion: Supports up to 32 Series 200 FBM modules in a single expansion chassis, maximizing I/O density per remote location.
- Seamless Node Integration: Appears to the I/A Series node as a transparent extension of the local backplane; no special configuration or polling delays for attached FBMs.
- Robust Backplane Management: Handles real-time fieldbus arbitration and power distribution, ensuring deterministic communication even with 32 active FBMs.
- Verified Functionality: Every undergoes a 24-hour live load test on a dedicated I/A Series test rack before shipping, complete with a signed test report.
- Not Recommended For: Do not use this module as a standalone controller; it requires a host I/A Series node processor (e.g., FCP270, FCP280). Use FBM201/FBM207 for direct I/O.
- Stock Availability: Current inventory is factory-sealed new surplus with traceable lot numbers; typically ships within 48 hours of order confirmation.
- Warranty Backed: Includes a 1-year functional warranty covering manufacturing defects and DOA conditions, with no restocking fees for verified failures.

FOXBORO FEM100
FAQ
Yes. All units in stock have passed our 24-hour live bench test and include a signed test report. We ship same-day for orders placed before 2 PM EST, so you’ll have tracking before end of day.
The is designed for I/A Series 200 Series nodes. Verify your node processor firmware first to ensure it supports the expansion protocol. Send us your node part number, and we’ll confirm compatibility within 30 minutes.
How many FBMs can I actually install?
The supports up to 32 Series 200 FBM modules per expansion chassis. Ensure your power supply is sized correctly for the total I/O load, as the distributes backplane power but does not generate it.
Do I need to reconfigure the module after installation?
No. The is auto-detected by the I/A Series node. Simply plug it into the expansion slot, and the system will enumerate all attached FBMs automatically. However, always verify the FBM slot assignments and power budget in your DCS configuration tool.
The is a single point of failure for the expansion chassis. For critical applications, we recommend redundant configurations (if supported by your node) or keeping a hot spare on-site. You can hot-swap the module without removing field wiring to the attached FBMs.
Can this module handle high-interference environments?
Yes. The features robust backplane isolation and is built for G3 harsh environments. However, ensure your expansion chassis is properly grounded and that the fieldbus trunk cable uses shielded twisted-pair with correct termination. We’ve seen expansion bus faults traced to poor grounding, not module failure.
Is this a refurbished or new surplus unit?
This is New Original (New Surplus) – factory sealed, never installed, with full traceability to the original manufacturing lot. It is not refurbished, repaired, or pulled from a decommissioned system. We provide the original manufacturer’s lot code upon request for your quality records.
Quality Transparency SOP
- Incoming Verification: Source traceability confirmed via lot code; anti-counterfeit visual inspection; serial number cross-referenced with OEM records; accessories verified.
- Live Bench Test: Dedicated I/A Series test rack; power-on self-check; 32-slot FBM enumeration test; backplane communication handshake; 24-hour continuous load test; signed test report generated.
- Electrical Tests: Insulation resistance verified at 500V megger (>10 MΩ); ground continuity confirmed; backplane voltage regulation validated.
- Firmware Verification: Firmware version recorded; expansion protocol configuration backed up and documented.
- Final QC & Packaging: QC sign-off; anti-static seal applied; shock protection installed; QC Passed label affixed with date and inspector ID.
Test photos and video available upon request. We never claim “100% failure-free” – we provide verified, tested units with documented performance.
Technical Risk Avoidance
- Power Supply Undersizing: Risk: Backplane voltage drop, FBM resets. Prevention: Calculate total I/O current draw and verify the external power supply exceeds the ’s distribution capacity by 20%. Field Note: We’ve seen FEM100s fail to boot 32 FBMs because the power supply was rated for only 20. Always calculate the load.
- FBM Slot Address Conflicts: Risk: Duplicate I/O, unpredictable behavior. Prevention: Verify FBM slot assignments in the DCS configuration match physical installation. Field Note: A technician moved an FBM to a new slot without updating the config, causing two valves to fight. Document slot changes.
- Backplane Seating: Risk: Intermittent FBM communication. Prevention: Ensure the is fully seated and locked onto the expansion baseplate. Field Note: A partially seated caused random FBM dropouts during vibration. Push firmly until the latch clicks.
- Termination Resistor Missing: Risk: Signal reflections, bus faults. Prevention: Verify the fieldbus trunk has proper termination at both ends of the expansion segment. Field Note: Missing termination caused intermittent expansion bus errors that mimicked a bad . Check the resistors.
- ESD Damage: Risk: Silent backplane controller failure. Prevention: Use grounded wrist strap and anti-static mat during handling. Field Note: We’ve tested FEM100s that passed power-on but failed to enumerate FBMs after 48 hours due to ESD. Handle with care.


