The HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M is a high-performance HART multi-drop interface module, specifically designed as part of Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) to facilitate advanced communication between HART-enabled field devices and distributed control systems (DCS). Its primary role is to act as a translator, converting HART digital signals—embedded within standard 4-20 mA analog loops—into data that the DCS can process, while also sending configuration commands from the controller back to the sensors.
Model FC-TSHART-1620M
Brand Honeywell
Type HART Multi-Drop Interface Module
Power Supply 24 V DC (18–30 V DC range)
Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Mounting DIN rail (35 mm)
Dimensions 145 mm x 180 mm x 85 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs)
HART Channels 16 (supports multi-drop: up to 20 devices total)
Communication Protocol HART 7 (backward compatible with HART 5/6)
Interface to DCSEthernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP Loop Voltage
24 V DC (supports 4-20 mA + HART signals)
Data Update RateConfigurable (100 ms to 10 seconds per device)
Certifications CE, UL, ATEX Zone 2, IEC 61010
CoolingPassive (conduction-based)
Environmental Rating IP20 (when mounted in enclosure)
The HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M is a high-performance HART multi-drop interface module, specifically designed as part of Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) to facilitate advanced communication between HART-enabled field devices and distributed control systems (DCS). Its primary role is to act as a translator, converting HART digital signals—embedded within standard 4-20 mA analog loops—into data that the DCS can process, while also sending configuration commands from the controller back to the sensors.
FC-TSHART-1620M
What sets the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M apart is its capacity to handle 16 HART input channels and support up to 20 devices in multi-drop configurations, making it a scalable solution for systems with varying numbers of smart instruments. It integrates seamlessly with Honeywell’s Control Station and Asset Management software, as well as third-party DCS platforms through standard protocols, providing engineers and integrators with flexibility in system design. Whether deployed in new installations or as an upgrade to existing systems, the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M enables the full functionality of HART devices, from basic process control to predictive maintenance.
FC-TSHART-1620M
Main features and advantages:
A key strength of the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M is its advanced HART communication capabilities. The module supports both point-to-point and multi-drop HART configurations, allowing up to 15 devices to share a single loop in multi-drop mode—significantly reducing wiring costs in large facilities. It handles HART 7, the latest version of the protocol, ensuring compatibility with modern smart sensors while maintaining backward compatibility with older HART 5 devices. This versatility allows the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M to communicate with a wide range of instruments, including pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, level meters, and control valves, regardless of manufacturer. Hardware-wise, the module features a compact design with a robust metal housing that withstands industrial environments, including vibration up to 5g and operating temperatures from -40°C to 70°C. Its low power consumption (less than 15 W) makes it suitable for installation in crowded control cabinets where heat management is a concern.
Reliability and data integrity are central to the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M’s design. It incorporates advanced error-checking algorithms that ensure HART data is transmitted without corruption, even in noisy industrial environments with electromagnetic interference. The module’s auto-detection feature automatically identifies connected HART devices, simplifying commissioning and reducing setup time—engineers can view a complete list of connected instruments and their status within minutes of power-up. For diagnostics, the HONEYWELLFC-TSHART-1620M continuously monitors loop integrity, device health, and communication quality, alerting operators to issues such as sensor drift, wiring faults, or low battery levels in wireless HART adapters. Its redundant communication ports prevent single points of failure, ensuring uninterrupted data flow between field devices and the DCS. Like other Honeywell modules, the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M supports hot-swapping, allowing for maintenance or replacement without disrupting the 4-20 mA signal loops—critical for maintaining process continuity in 24/7 operations.
FC-TSHART-1620M
Technical specifications:
Model FC-TSHART-1620M
Brand Honeywell
Type HART Multi-Drop Interface Module
Power Supply 24 V DC (18–30 V DC range)
Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Mounting DIN rail (35 mm)
Dimensions 145 mm x 180 mm x 85 mm (W x H x D)
Weight 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs)
HART Channels 16 (supports multi-drop: up to 20 devices total)
Communication Protocol HART 7 (backward compatible with HART 5/6)
Interface to DCSEthernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP Loop Voltage
24 V DC (supports 4-20 mA + HART signals)
Data Update RateConfigurable (100 ms to 10 seconds per device)
Certifications CE, UL, ATEX Zone 2, IEC 61010
CoolingPassive (conduction-based)
Environmental Rating IP20 (when mounted in enclosure)
Contact Us Phone:+86 16626708626 WeChat/WhatsApp:+86 16626708626 Email: 3772179818@qq.com
FC-TSHART-1620M
Application areas:
In industrial facilities where seamless communication between smart sensors and control systems is the backbone of efficient operations, a reliable HART interface module is essential. Consider a large chemical plant with 16 different pressure transmitters spread across reactor units, each requiring not just basic measurement data but also diagnostic information to prevent unplanned downtime. Or a water treatment facility where 20 flow meters need to be calibrated remotely to maintain accuracy without disrupting the purification process. These are the scenarios where the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M shines, serving as a critical bridge in industrial automation systems that rely on HART protocol devices. Used in industrial automation setups ranging from oil refineries to pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M is engineered to unlock the full potential of smart sensors by enabling bidirectional communication—transmitting process data to the controller while allowing remote configuration and diagnostics of the devices themselves. It’s particularly valuable in applications where centralized management of multiple HART instruments is needed, such as in modular production lines or facilities undergoing digital transformation. The HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M addresses the challenge of integrating legacy 4-20 mA devices with modern HART-enabled sensors, ensuring compatibility while maximizing the value of smart instrumentation investments.
Related products:
HONEYWELL FC-SDI-1624 – Analog input module that works alongside the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M to handle non-HART 4-20 mA signals in mixed systems.
HONEYWELL FC-HART-CAL – Calibration software tool that integrates with the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M for remote device configuration.
HONEYWELL FC-COMM-03 – Redundant Ethernet switch optimized for use with the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M in critical communication paths.
HONEYWELL FC-ISO-16 – Isolation module that provides galvanic isolation for each HART channel of the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M.
HONEYWELL ST3000 – Smart pressure transmitter designed to maximize the capabilities of the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M’s diagnostic features.
HONEYWELL FC-BP-04 – Backplane adapter allowing the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M to integrate with Honeywell Series 900 DCS racks.
HONEYWELL FC-WIFI-HART – Wireless adapter that connects to the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M to support wireless HART devices.
HONEYWELL FC-DIAG-05 – Advanced diagnostic module that enhances the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M’s ability to predict device failures
Installation and maintenance:
Before installing the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M, ensure the mounting rail is properly grounded to minimize electrical noise, which can disrupt HART signal integrity—this is especially important in environments with nearby variable frequency drives or high-voltage equipment. Verify that the control cabinet has sufficient space to accommodate the module and connected wiring, with a minimum clearance of 50 mm on all sides to facilitate airflow. When wiring the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M to field devices, use shielded twisted-pair cables for HART loops, with the shield terminated at both the module and device ends to prevent interference. For multi-drop configurations, calculate the total loop resistance to ensure it falls within the 250–1100 ohm range required for reliable HART communication. Label each channel clearly with the connected device type and tag number to simplify troubleshooting and configuration.
For maintenance, schedule semi-annual checks of the HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M’s communication performance using Honeywell’s HART Test Tool, which verifies data integrity and response times. Conduct monthly visual inspections to check for loose connections or corrosion on terminal blocks, which can degrade signal quality. Use the Experion PKS software to run HART network health reports quarterly, monitoring for devices with increasing communication errors or delayed responses—these may indicate wiring issues or failing instruments. The HONEYWELL FC-TSHART-1620M supports online firmware updates, allowing for performance enhancements without interrupting process loops. With proper care, the module is engineered to provide reliable service for 12+ years in typical industrial environments.