Foxboro FDC280 Field Device Controller with SIL 2 Support

Product Description

Product Overview

The Schneider Electric Foxboro FDC280 Field Device Controller delivers high-performance control directly at the field level.
It combines deterministic execution, optional fault tolerance, and advanced diagnostics within EcoStruxure™ Foxboro DCS environments.
Moreover, the controller reduces system complexity by enabling direct field device integration alongside traditional FBM connectivity.
This architecture supports modern distributed automation strategies where reliability, speed, and simplified layouts remain essential.
Therefore, the FDC280 suits process industries demanding precise control and long-term operational stability.

Technical Specifications

Product Type: Field Device Controller
Model Number: FDC280
Manufacturer: Foxboro (Schneider Electric / Invensys)
Series: EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Distributed Control System

Control and Performance:

• Control Functions: Regulatory, logic, timing, and sequential control

• Execution Speed: Deterministic loop execution down to 1 ms

• Architecture: Distributed, optionally fault-tolerant controller

Safety and Diagnostics:

• Functional Safety: SIL 2 compliant architecture

• Diagnostics: Built-in self-diagnostics, alarm detection, notifications

I/O and Communication:

• I/O Support: Direct field device integration plus FBM connectivity

• Communication Protocols: Ethernet, redundant system bus, peer-to-peer

Electrical and Environmental:

• Power Supply: 24 V DC nominal

• Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)

• Storage Temperature: –40 °C to +70 °C (–40 °F to +158 °F)

• Operating Humidity: 5–95% RH, non-condensing

• Storage Humidity: 5–95% RH, non-condensing

• Operating Altitude: Up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft)

• Storage Altitude: –300 to 12,000 m per MIL-STD 810G

Mechanical and Installation:

• Height: 105 mm or 116 mm including mounting lugs

• Width: 51.8 mm

• Depth: 147 mm

• Weight:1.2kg per single non-fault-tolerant module

• Shipping Weight: 3.2kg

Certifications and Commercial Terms:

• Certifications: CE, UL, CSA

• Condition: New

FAQ

Q1: What differentiates the FDC280 from traditional Foxboro controllers?
Moreover, it executes control directly in the field, reducing FBM dependency and simplifying system architecture.

Q2: Does the FDC280 support redundant operation?
Yes, it supports optional fault-tolerant configurations for high availability process control systems.

Q3: Is the FDC280 suitable for safety-critical applications?
Therefore, its SIL 2 compliant architecture supports safety-related control strategies.

Q4: Can the controller integrate with existing Foxboro FBMs?
In addition, it supports direct field device integration and traditional FBM-based I/O expansion.

Q5: What industries commonly deploy the FDC280 controller?
For instance, chemical processing, oil and gas, power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing operations use it widely.