FOXBORO P0916AG – 8‑slot FBM baseplate for I/A Series process automation

The FOXBORO P0916AG is an 8‑position FBM baseplate (module mounting carrier) designed for the I/A Series and EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS. It provides redundant 24 VDC power and the backplane fieldbus for FBM2xx I/O modules, letting you build compact, serviceable I/O groups inside a standard control cabinet. From my experience, this revision is favored when you need reliable power distribution and clean grounding in cabinets that run warm or are space constrained.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Eight FBM slots – Organizes a local I/O group in one carrier, simplifying wiring and maintenance.
• Redundant 24 VDC feeds – Dual input channels distribute power across the backplane; loss of one feed typically doesn’t interrupt I/O.
• Backplane fieldbus for FBMs – Provides the I/A Series module fieldbus and power to each FBM position.
• Hot‑swappable module support – FBM replacement is usually tool‑free and without shutting down the whole baseplate.
• Grounding and shielding points – Helps manage cable shields and reduce noise in mixed analog/digital cabinets.
• DIN‑rail or panel mounting – Installs cleanly in 600/800 mm deep cabinets; you might notice less cable clutter versus standalone mounts.
• Service‑friendly labeling – Slot indexing and keyed guides cut down on insertion errors; technicians mention slot changes taking just minutes.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• FBM201/FBM203/FBM204 series – Analog input/output FBMs that plug into the P0916AG; choose per signal type (mA, V, HART).
• FBM207/FBM217 – Discrete I/O FBMs; benefit from the same redundant backplane power.
• P0916AA / P0916AN baseplates – Alternative 8‑slot carriers; different mechanical revisions or grounding options.
• Termination Assemblies (TA), e.g., P0926GS / P0922AE – Field‑side terminations matched to specific FBMs for clean wiring.
• Redundant 24 VDC power supplies – Typically 10–15 A per cabinet, sized for total FBM load and spare capacity.

One thing I appreciate is how this baseplate behaves during partial power loss. In many cases, if one feed drops, the FBMs remain online while you troubleshoot, which saves a surprising amount of downtime on batch skids.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & mounting – Install on rigid DIN‑rail or panel in a bonded metal enclosure. Leave space on both sides for module insertion/removal.
• Ventilation – Provide front access and natural convection; avoid placing high‑heat power supplies directly beneath the carrier.
• Wiring – Use dual 24 VDC feeds with separate breakers or fuses. Land shields per site grounding practice to avoid ground loops.
• Redundancy checks – Verify both power feeds share load and alarm properly on loss; it typically catches wiring issues early.
• Routine care – Quarterly dust removal with ESD‑safe methods; confirm mechanical tightness and inspect connectors for wear.
• FBM service – FBMs are hot‑swappable; the baseplate itself has no firmware, so updates apply to FBMs or the controller only.
• Environmental – Keep within 0–60 °C and non‑condensing humidity; avoid corrosive atmospheres unless the cabinet is rated for it.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufacturer quality system typically ISO 9001; product markings include CE and UL/cUL where applicable.
• RoHS compliance varies by revision; most newer lots are compliant—model P0916AG appears to be one of the later revisions.
• Standard warranty provided by us: 365 days.

If you’re consolidating older single‑slot mounts, this is a tidy upgrade path. A maintenance supervisor told me they shaved an hour off routine FBM swaps once they moved to the P0916AG carriers—small change, real impact.