Description
Foxboro FDC280 RH101FQ Field Device Controller
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | FDC280 |
| Part Number | RH101FQ |
| Manufacturer | Foxboro / Schneider Electric |
| Product Type | Field Device Controller |
| System | EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS / Foxboro DCS |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC |
| Power Supply Arrangement | Redundant-capable |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 8.5 W, single non-fault-tolerant module |
| Configuration | Single or fault-tolerant pair |
| Baseplate | RH101KF |
| Module Height | 105 mm |
| Height with Mounting Lugs | 116 mm |
| Width | 51.8 mm |
| Depth | 147 mm |
| Maximum Module Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to +60°C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95%, non-condensing |
| Mounting | Dedicated FDC280 2-position baseplate |
| Network Adapter | RH924UQ copper or RH924WA fiber, configuration dependent |
| Serial Termination | FDC280-compatible termination assemblies and cables |
The published FDC280 specification gives the module dimensions, weight, power consumption, temperature range, and dedicated baseplate arrangement. It also identifies RH924UQ and RH924WA as the copper and fiber network-adapter options respectively.
Product Introduction
The Foxboro FDC280 RH101FQ is a field-mounted controller designed for the Foxboro DCS architecture. Its role is different from a conventional FBM I/O module: the provides controller-level processing while integrating supported field devices through the appropriate Ethernet and serial communication architecture. This makes it relevant to distributed installations where control and device communications need to be located closer to the process equipment.
The RH101FQ designation is important for procurement because it identifies the actual controller module. Schneider’s documentation lists and Baseplate: RH101KF separately. A replacement request containing only “” therefore does not provide the same identification precision as the complete designation.

FDC280
Engineering Pain Point
The biggest replacement risk is confusing the with other Foxboro 200 Series controllers. is a Field Device Controller, while FCP280 is a different controller family. The ‘s physical module, baseplate, network adapters, serial termination hardware, and software configuration must be considered as one system. A module that fits the general cabinet architecture is not automatically functionally interchangeable.
Typical Applications
- Foxboro DCS field-mounted process control
- Direct integration of supported intelligent field devices
- Ethernet-connected field devices and remote equipment
- Serial device integration using compatible termination hardware
- Single-controller and fault-tolerant installations
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse RH101FQ with RH101KF. RH101FQ is the controller module; RH101KF is the dedicated baseplate.
- Check simplex versus fault-tolerant configuration. The documented fault-tolerant arrangement uses two modules installed in dedicated positions on the baseplate.
- Verify network-adapter revision. The documentation identifies RH924WA for fiber and RH924UQ for copper, with specified revision requirements. Do not substitute an adapter based only on connector type.
- Verify the 24 VDC supply architecture. The uses 24 VDC power, and the published maximum consumption for a single non-fault-tolerant module is 8.5 W.
- Do not use generic environmental specifications from unrelated Foxboro controllers. The documentation gives its own operating limits and mechanical dimensions.
- Confirm software and system revision before commissioning. Hardware compatibility alone does not establish compatibility with the installed Foxboro DCS configuration.
Related Products
- Foxboro RH101KF — Dedicated baseplate. It provides the two controller positions required for the installation architecture.
- Foxboro RH924UQ — Copper network adapter for installations; revision must be checked against the installed system.
- Foxboro RH924WA — Fiber network adapter for installations; revision must be checked before replacement.
- Foxboro RH100HZ — 5.0 m Type 5 termination cable associated with serial termination architecture.
- Foxboro RH100HV — 1.0 m Type 5 termination cable.
- Foxboro RH100HW — 1.5 m Type 5 termination cable.
- Foxboro RH100HX — 2.0 m Type 5 termination cable.
- Foxboro RH100HY — 3.0 m Type 5 termination cable.
- Foxboro FCP280 — Separate Foxboro controller family; do not treat it as a direct substitute for the .
Procurement Note
For a replacement, specify the complete identification as Foxboro , part number . Before installation, verify the existing RH101KF baseplate, controller quantity, network adapter type and revision, serial termination hardware, and Foxboro DCS software/configuration revision.
The critical distinction is:
= Field Device Controller
= controller module part number
= baseplate
For a fault-tolerant installation, verify that the existing system actually uses the two-module architecture before ordering only one . The physical presence of a two-position baseplate alone is not sufficient evidence of the installed redundancy configuration.
