FAC-2100 Multi-Loop Process Controller

With the introduction of our new product line (FAC-2100+), 2023 (or while supplies last) marks the end of production for legacy FAC-2100 units (EOL Announcement). We will continue to provide technical support on all EOL products. In addition, we will continue to repair the EOL products for as long as replacement parts can be acquired.

Features and Benefits

• Multi-Loop High-Performance Process Control
• Versatile I/O (4-20mA, 0-10V, RTD, Discrete Logic, Relays, etc.)
• Can be configured for Motor Control (PWM, Encoders, etc.)
• Modbus, Custom ASCII/Binary Messaging, and Fairnet Networking
• Prominent displays and intuitive user-interface
• Aluminum/steel construction — fully sealed enclosure
• -20°C to +65°C (-4°F to +149°F) operating range
• MIL-STD-901D Grade A for High Impact Shock
• MIL-STD-167B for Vibration
• MIL-STD-461E for Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)
• Powerful and easy-to-use graphical programming
• Available with mil-spec miniature cylindrical connectors

The Fairmount Automation Controller Series, Model 2100 (FAC-2100, which superseded the also now obsolete FAC-2000) is a general-purpose, highly configurable, multi-loop process controller.  Its aluminum-steel construction makes the controller extremely rugged—it is specifically designed for operation in environments susceptible to extreme temperature, humidity, pollution, corrosion, shock, and/or vibration.  To install the MIL-STD-901D Grade A shock qualified device, simply cut out the specified pattern in your console or panel and bolt the controller in — no special shock/vibration mounts, supports, or brackets are required.

The FAC-2100 digital process controller is equipped with a wide array of I/O capabilities.  It combines the analog functionality of a standard process controller, with the digital functionality normally associated with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).  In its standard configuration, the FAC-2100 has three analog inputs, two analog outputs, two universal digital inputs, eight standard digital inputs, two digital outputs, and four form-C relays.  Additional I/O can be added to the device through remote I/O points from our Chameleon product line.

FAC-2100 controllers are configured with the Design Pad G4 graphical programming environment.  Design Pad technology makes setting up, debugging, and fine-tuning your control scheme quick and easy.  It also allows the device to be very versatile — virtually every feature from the front-panel displays to the back-panel I/O and everything in between can be customized to fit your needs.

The user interface on the front panel of the FAC-2100 provides 2 bar graphs, 3 numeric displays, and 3 lines of scrolling alpha/numeric text.  It allows users instant access to the application-specific parameter values that were tagged as operator-adjustable in the controller’s program.  With the ‘Set Menu’ (the upper three keys) the user can easily change parameter values, tune a system, turn outputs on or off, etc.  The ‘Automatic/Manual (A/M) Menu’ (the three lower keys) allows an operator to quickly change and manipulate the A/M state of one or more control loops.

The FAC-2100 also supports various industrial networking protocols via RS-485 and/or RS-232 communication ports.  Supported protocols include FairNET, Modbus ASCII (master and slave), Modbus RTU (master and slave), Custom ASCII, or Custom Binary protocols. FairNET provides both deterministic and non-deterministic messaging, automatic bus mediation, and a robust master-slave architecture.

Introducing FAC-2100+

This new generation of controller called FAC-2100+ was designed to replace obsolete components with modern electronic components and to incorporate new product features. We encourage all customers to begin planning a migration of existing and future installations to the next-generation FAC-2100+. This new controller will be backward compatible and feature:

• Significantly faster microprocessors and increased memory
• Cyber security enhancements including secure boot with firmware and configuration validation, intrusion detection, role-based authentication control (RBAC), hardware validation, encrypted files/communication, trust groups, and historical logging with evidence of critical events
• USB ports that may be used for configuration and/or computer-less programming

Please refer to the following part numbers when ordering FAC-2100 controllers:

FAC-2100 Accessories:

FAC-2100 Spare/Replacement Parts: