Description

The FOXBORO P0916BX is a high-performance, 16-channel analog input module designed for the Foxboro I/A Series® Distributed Control System (DCS)—a flagship platform from Schneider Electric (formerly Invensys, originally Foxboro). Engineered for mission-critical process industries, this module delivers precise acquisition of 4–20 mA signals from field transmitters (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow sensors), with full support for HART digital communication, enabling remote device configuration and diagnostics without disrupting the analog loop.

Built for reliability in demanding environments—from offshore platforms to chemical reactors—the P0916BX features channel-to-channel isolation, integrated loop power per channel, and advanced fault detection, ensuring data integrity and minimizing unplanned downtime.

Application Scenarios

At a North Sea oil production platform, inconsistent level readings from separator vessels triggered false high-level alarms, forcing unnecessary shutdowns. Investigation revealed aging analog input cards with degraded common-mode rejection. The team replaced legacy modules with FOXBORO P0916BX units across all critical skids. The new modules’ ±0.05% accuracy and open-wire detection eliminated phantom alarms, while HART pass-through allowed technicians to calibrate Rosemount transmitters remotely via AMS Suite—cutting maintenance time by 70%. Over 18 months, production uptime increased by 4.2%, equating to ~$11M in recovered revenue. This case highlights how the P0916BX solves real-world challenges: signal drift, diagnostic blindness, and safety-critical reliability gaps.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: True HART Transparency Without Gateways – Unlike many I/O systems that strip HART data, the P0916BX preserves the full digital signal on top of the 4–20 mA loop. This allows seamless integration with Emerson AMS, Yokogawa PRM, or Foxboro’s own asset manager—enabling predictive maintenance without extra hardware.

Innovation Point 2: Per-Channel Loop Power with Auto-Detection – Each input can independently supply 24 VDC loop power or accept passive (externally powered) signals. The module auto-detects wiring mode, eliminating configuration errors during commissioning or retrofit.

Innovation Point 3: Advanced Fault Granularity – Beyond simple “bad PV,” the P0916BX reports specific faults: “Channel 7: Open Wire”, “Channel 12: Sensor Burnout (High)”—reducing troubleshooting from hours to minutes in large plants.

Innovation Point 4: Seamless Redundancy Integration – When installed in redundant I/O carriers, the P0916BX supports synchronized data acquisition and automatic failover—critical for SIL2/3 applications like boiler protection or compressor surge control.

Application Cases and Industry Value

A U.S. ethylene cracker upgraded its reactor temperature monitoring system using FOXBORO P0916BX modules to replace obsolete Moore Products cards. With 192 thermocouple signals converted to 4–20 mA, the plant achieved ±0.5°C stability across 850°C operating range—preventing coking events that previously caused $2M/month in lost capacity. In another example, a Middle Eastern desalination plant deployed P0916BX units to monitor seawater intake pressure. The open-wire detection feature prevented pump dry-run during biofouling cleaning cycles, extending impeller life by 3x.

Related Product Combination Solutions

FOXBORO P0916MZ: I/O carrier/backplane—required housing for P0916BX modules in R2/R3 systems.

FOXBORO P0926NX: 16-channel analog output module—complements P0916BX for full closed-loop control.

Rosemount 3051: Smart pressure transmitter—fully leverages P0916BX’s HART transparency for remote trim.

Schneider Foxboro I/A Series Fieldbus Gateway: Enables P0916BX data access via OPC UA or Modbus TCP.

Emerson AMS Device Manager: Asset management software—uses HART data from P0916BX for calibration scheduling.

FOXBORO FBM237: For newer Symphony+ systems—but P0916BX remains preferred for I/A Series brownfield sites.

Phoenix Contact PT 4-24UC/1: External surge protector—recommended for coastal or lightning-prone installations.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing the FOXBORO P0916BX requires insertion into a compatible I/A Series I/O carrier (e.g., P0916MZ) within a field-mounted or cabinet-based I/O assembly. Wiring uses screw terminals or IEC spring-clamp blocks (depending on terminal block kit). No DIP switches are needed—configuration is done entirely in the Composer™ or Control Builder engineering environment, where channel scaling, alarm limits, and HART enablement are set.

Maintenance is simplified by front-panel LEDs indicating module status (green = OK, red = fault) and online diagnostics accessible via the DCS operator station. The P0916BX supports hot-swap in redundant configurations, allowing replacement without process interruption. Schneider Electric continues to support the I/A Series through its Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) program, with P0916BX availability guaranteed beyond 2030.

We provide factory-tested P0916BX modules with full traceability, compatibility verification for your I/A Series revision (R2/R3), and expert assistance with HART integration, loop testing, and redundancy setup. Whether you’re expanding capacity, replacing failed cards, or modernizing a legacy plant, we ensure seamless continuity of your critical process control infrastructure