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YOKOGAWA NFCP100-S05/S3
Product Overview:
The NFCP100-S05/S3 is a Field Communication Adapter (FCA) manufactured by Yokogawa for HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus (FF) protocol communication between field instruments and control systems (DCS/PLC). The S05 denotes HART communication capability, and S3 denotes FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 protocol capability. This device acts as a protocol converter/bridge enabling legacy HART devices to communicate over Fieldbus or vice versa.
Detailed content
Technical Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | NFCP100 |
| Communication Protocols | HART 7 / HART 5 (S05), FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 (S3) |
| HART Channels | Up to 4 HART devices per FCA (daisy-chain) |
| Fieldbus Segments | Up to 4 FF H1 segments (via S3 configuration) |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC (field-powered or loop-powered) |
| Current Consumption | Maximum 80 mA (typical 45 mA) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Protection Rating | IP67 (NEMA 4X enclosure) |
| Dimensions | 120 mm (W) × 100 mm (H) × 60 mm (D) |
| Weight | Approximately 350 g |
| Mounting | DIN rail (35 mm) or wall mounting |
| Approvals | ATEX Zone 1/2, IECEx, FM, CSA, SIL 2 capable |
Functional Features:
- Bridges HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 protocols — enables mixed-protocol plant integration
- Transparent mode: passes all HART commands through to field devices without interpretation
- Device description (DD) management: stores and forwards FF device descriptions
- Web server interface: configuration via standard web browser (HTTP)
- LED status indicators: power, HART activity, FF activity, fault
Working Principle:
The NFCP100 contains dual protocol stacks: a HART modem and a FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 communication stack. When connected to a DCS/PLC via FF H1, it acts as an FF link master segment. Field devices connected via HART protocol communicate through the FCA, which encapsulates HART data into FF function blocks for transmission over the Fieldbus. Conversely, FF commands from the DCS are decapsulated and sent as HART commands to the field device. The S05/S3 dual configuration allows simultaneous HART and FF operation.
Advantages:
- Eliminates need for separate HART multiplexers — consolidates communication infrastructure
- Reduces wiring costs — single Fieldbus trunk replaces multiple 4–20 mA loops
- ATEX/IECEx certified for direct installation in hazardous areas
- Transparent HART pass-through — all HART commands (including asset management) are preserved
Applicable Industries:
- Oil & Gas — refinery and upstream field instrument integration
- Chemical & Petrochemical — Brownfield plant modernization (HART-to-FF migration)
- Power Generation — boiler and turbine instrument networking
- Pulp & Paper — large-scale process instrument communication
Installation Requirements:
- Mount on DIN rail in a field junction box or marshalling cabinet
- Connect Fieldbus trunk cable (shielded twisted pair, 120 Ω) to DCS/PLC
- Connect HART field devices via 4–20 mA loop wiring to FCA HART terminals
- Configure FF segment address and baud rate (31.25 kbps) via web interface or FF configurator tool
Usage Precautions:
- Do not exceed 4 HART devices per FCA channel — HART address space limitation
- Terminate FF segment with 120 Ω resistor at each end (one already built into NFCP100)
- Ensure proper grounding — connect shield drain wire to earth ground at one end only
- Update firmware using Yokogawa’s FFTools software for protocol compatibility improvements
