FOXBORO P0972VA is an ATS (Automatic Transfer System) processor module specially designed for industrial automation core control scenarios under the Foxboro brand of Schneider Electric. It belongs to the core computing unit series of Foxboro I/A Series distributed control systems. As the "computing center" of the system, its core positioning is to undertake key tasks such as logical judgment, data processing, equipment scheduling, and fault redundancy switching in automation processes, providing highly reliable computing support for the continuous and stable operation of industrial sites. It is widely used in process control fields that require strict control accuracy and system fault tolerance.
Core technical parameters
ATS dedicated processor card
Foxboro I/A Series DCS system core components, focusing on automatic conversion and logic control
Processor configuration
Industrial grade high-performance processor with a clock frequency of ≥ 800MHz
Support multitasking parallel processing to meet the real-time computing requirements of complex control logic
Memory configuration
Program memory ≥ 256MB, data memory ≥ 128MB
Ensure a large amount of control program storage and real-time data caching to avoid computational bottlenecks
Power requirements
Dual redundant 24V DC input
Automatic power failure switching ensures uninterrupted operation of modules and improves system reliability
communication interface
2 Ethernet interfaces, 4 RS485 interfaces
Support high-speed data exchange with IO modules, monitoring terminals, and upper level systems
communication protocol
Supports Modbus TCP/RTU, Foxboro proprietary protocol
Realize seamless compatible communication with various components and third-party devices within the system
environmental adaptability
Working temperature: 0 ℃~55 ℃, storage temperature: -20 ℃~70 ℃
Adapt to the environment inside industrial control cabinets to avoid direct sunlight and rapid temperature changes
Protection level
IP20 (module body)
Suitable for installation inside control cabinets, requiring cabinet protection to achieve dust and moisture prevention
physical dimensions
160 × 100 × 35mm (length × width × height)
Standard DIN rail compatible design, saving installation space for control cabinets
Redundancy capability
Support dual module hot backup redundancy
Seamless switching between primary and backup modules, with a switching time of ≤ 10ms and no risk of controlled interruption
Core functions and product features
1. Core functions
-Real time logical operation: As the core of the system operation, it can execute complex control programs such as ladder logic (LD) and functional block diagram (FBD) to achieve linkage control of multiple parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate. The operation response time is ≤ 1ms, ensuring the real-time performance of control instructions.
-ATS automatic conversion control: For dual power supply or dual device redundancy scenarios, a dedicated conversion control algorithm is built in, which can automatically complete load switching according to preset conditions (such as power supply voltage, equipment fault signals). The switching process is smooth and impact free, avoiding production interruptions.
-Data processing and forwarding: Real time collection of on-site data uploaded by various IO modules, after filtering, verification, and calculation processing, synchronously forwarded to the upper monitoring system, and received instructions from the upper level to be issued to the executing agency, building a complete data transmission loop.
-Fault diagnosis and redundant switching: Equipped with comprehensive self diagnostic functions, it can monitor module power supply, communication, and processor status in real time. Once a fault is detected, it will immediately trigger an alarm and automatically switch to the redundant module. At the same time, the fault information will be recorded for later troubleshooting.
-Program storage and online download: supports local fixed storage of control programs, with power-off data retention function; Support online program download and modification, system upgrade can be completed without downtime, improving maintenance convenience.
2. Highlight product features
-High reliability redundancy design: From power input to processor core, a redundant architecture is adopted, combined with FOXBORO dedicated redundancy management algorithm, to ensure that a single point of failure does not affect the overall operation of the system, and the mean time between failures (MTBF) is ≥ 100000 hours.
-Strong anti-interference performance: Adopting optoelectronic isolation technology and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) optimized design, it can resist electromagnetic radiation and power grid fluctuation interference in industrial sites, and comply with the IEC 61000-4 series anti-interference standards.
-Convenient installation and debugging: supports hot swapping function, module installation and replacement do not require system shutdown; Equipped with clear status indicator lights (power, operation, fault, redundancy) for quick on-site judgment of module working status.
-Flexible system scalability: Up to 32 IO modules can be connected through the bus expansion interface, supporting flexible configuration of input and output channels according to project requirements, and adapting to control scenarios of different scales.
-Comprehensive compatibility: Not only does it fully adapt to the entire Foxboro I/A Series product line, but it also supports integration with third-party PLC and SCADA systems through protocol compatibility, reducing system upgrade costs.
Application Fields and Typical Scenarios
With high computational accuracy, strong redundancy capability, and stable control performance, the P0972VA module has become a key component in the core control of industrial automation, mainly used in the following fields:
1. Petrochemical industry: used for chain control and emergency shutdown system (ESD) of chemical reaction equipment, such as automatically adjusting the feed rate according to the temperature and pressure parameters of the reaction kettle, or quickly switching to backup equipment in case of failure, to ensure production safety.
2. Power industry: Applied to the auxiliary control system of generator sets and the automation system of substations, it realizes the automatic start stop and redundant switching of auxiliary equipment such as fans and pumps, ensuring the continuity of the power generation process.
3. Municipal water supply and sewage treatment: used for core control of water plant pump stations and sewage treatment processes, automatically switching water supply pump groups based on liquid level and flow signals to ensure stable water supply pressure and smooth sewage treatment processes.
4. Metallurgical industry: Adapt to temperature and speed control of heating furnaces, continuous casting machines and other equipment in steel production, achieve real-time adjustment of process parameters through precise calculations, and improve product quality.
5. Pharmaceutical industry: Used for sterile control and parameter traceability in drug production lines, ensuring that the production process complies with GMP standards through stable logical operations, and avoiding batch scrap caused by control interruptions.
Product advantages
In the core scenario of industrial control, the competitive advantage of P0972VA module is reflected in three dimensions: firstly, redundant architecture and high MTBF design significantly reduce the risk of system downtime, which can effectively reduce economic losses caused by equipment failures for continuous production enterprises; Secondly, real-time computing capability and flexible programming methods can adapt to various requirements ranging from simple logic control to complex multivariable linkage, improving system control accuracy; Thirdly, the deep compatibility with Foxboro I/A Series system and the adaptability to third-party devices provide a low-cost solution for upgrading old systems, without the need to replace the entire set of equipment to improve control performance.





Email:wang@kongjiangauto.com