NCS-FI105 Fieldbus to Current Converter – FF/PA to 4-20mA | 4 Channels

Who is this for?

If you are a control system engineer, plant operator, system integrator, or maintenance manager working with FOUNDATION Fieldbus (FF) or PROFIBUS PA networks, and you need to interface fieldbus systems with conventional analog control valves, actuators, or other 4-20mA devices, the NCS-FI105 is built for you.

What problem does it solve?

Modern fieldbus systems (FF and PA) offer powerful digital communication, but many final control elements – such as control valves, positioners, and actuators – still accept only conventional 4-20mA analog signals. This creates a compatibility gap that forces engineers to choose between advanced fieldbus control and legacy analog devices.

The NCS-FI105 eliminates this gap. It is a fieldbus to current converter that receives digital fieldbus signals from FF or PA networks and converts them into 4-channel 4-20mA analog output signals. This allows your fieldbus control system to seamlessly operate analog actuators, control valves, and other current-driven devices without costly replacements or complex interface hardware.

Why Microcyber?

Microcyber Corporation is a national high-tech enterprise founded by the Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. We developed China’s first internationally certified fieldbus protocol master stack, the first domestically certified fieldbus instrument, and the first TÜV Germany-certified safety instrument. We co-established the first domestic industrial Ethernet protocol standard EPA and the first industrial wireless communication protocol standard WIA-PA, both recognized as IEC international standards. Our products and technologies have earned two National Science and Technology Progress Awards, one National Science and Technology Invention Award, and we have successfully completed more than 200 large-scale automation projects worldwide. We are ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/TS16949 certified – when you choose NCS-FI105, you are choosing field-proven, mission-critical technology.

Key Features – What Matters to Engineers and Procurement

Product Overview – FF and PA Versions

The NCS-FI105 Series is available in two protocol variants:

Both versions share the same hardware platform, 4-channel 4-20mA output, and magnetic bar on-site adjustment – only the communication protocol differs.

Function Blocks

NCS-FI105F (FF Version)

NCS-FI105P (PA Version)

Especificaciones técnicas

Basic Parameters

Technical Performance

Physical Properties

Configuration & Software Support

For FF Version (NCS-FI105F):

Configuration Capabilities:

• Two-point calibration (CAL_POINT_HI / CAL_POINT_LO)

• Multi-point calibration (up to 8 points via CAL_CURVE_X / CAL_CURVE_Y)

• LCD display content configuration (BLOCK_TAG_X, RELATIVE_INDEX_X, SUB_INDEX, MNEMONIC_X, DECI_PNT_NUMB_X, ACTIVE_X)

For PA Version (NCS-FI105P):

Configuration Capabilities:

• Two-point linearization calibration (via Calibration menu)

• Bus address setting (0-126)

• Measurement value display source selection

• Decimal point position setting

• Linearization type selection (factory / user)

Cyclical Data Communication: Supports PROFIBUS DP cyclical data exchange via DP/PA coupler or linker. GSD file provided for easy integration with Siemens Step7.

Non-Cyclical Data Communication: Supports PROFIBUS DP non-cyclical data exchange via Class 2 master (e.g., CP5611) using SIMATIC PDM.

On-Site Adjustment – Magnetic Bar Operation

The NCS-FI105 features magnetic bar operation through two jacks marked “SPAN” and “ZERO” on top of the electronic housing. Four virtual keys are simulated:

• [M] Mode Key – Switch between operable modes

• [↑] Input Adjustment Key – Increment values

• [↓] Input Adjustment Key – Decrement values

• [Enter] Confirmation Key – Execute confirmation

Supported Adjustment Functions – NCS-FI105F (FF Version):

Supported Adjustment Functions – NCS-FI105P (PA Version):

General Operation:

1. In measurement value display mode, press [M] to switch modes.

2. When desired mode is displayed, remove both magnetic sticks.

3. Press [↑] or [↓] to adjust value.

4. Press [Enter] to confirm.

5. Press [M] to return to measurement display.

Restore Factory Defaults:

1. Turn off power.

2. Insert both magnetic bars into Zero and Span holes simultaneously.

3. Turn on power – LCD displays “RST?”.

4. Remove both bars, then re-insert both bars until progress bar reaches 100%.

5. Remove both bars – LCD displays “R_OK” when successful.

Nota: If no key operation occurs within 1 minute (no magnetic sticks inserted), the device automatically returns to normal display mode.

Jumper Configuration

NCS-FI105F (FF Version) and NCS-FI105P (PA Version)

Important Notes:

• When using RST jumper to restore factory defaults, power off the transmitter, remove the RST jumper, then power on again. If the RST jumper remains in place, configuration data will revert to factory defaults every time the device restarts.

• WP jumper (write protection) prevents any accidental or unauthorized changes to device configuration – ideal for critical installations.

Typical Applications

• Control Valve Interface – Convert fieldbus signals to 4-20mA for controlling pneumatic or electric control valves

• Actuator Control – Interface fieldbus DCS/PLC with analog actuators in process plants

• Legacy Analog Device Integration – Connect modern fieldbus systems to existing analog instruments without replacing hardware

• Multi-Device Control – One fieldbus node controls up to four analog devices simultaneously

• Retrofit Projects – Upgrade plant control systems to fieldbus while preserving existing analog final control elements

Installation & Wiring

Mounting Options:

• Pipe mounting flat bracket (vertical pipe, Φ50mm)

• Plate mounting angle bracket (panel/dashboard)

• Pipe mounting angle bracket (horizontal pipe, Φ50mm)

Cableado

• Power and signal share a single pair of cables (bus cable).

• Use IEC 61158-2 recommended fieldbus cables for FF/PA.

• Terminal board located on rear cover side.

• Signal wires should be single-point grounded.

• Bus cable shield should be floating on converter side, grounded on bus power side.

• Bus cable should not share conduits or trunks with other equipment power lines.

Terminal Board Pinout:

• Terminal board connects fieldbus, current output signal, D/A board, and communication board.

Ordering Information

Options:

• LCD Display – Optional 6-digit numeric + 5-character LCD with backlight

• Display Configuration – Customizable via function block parameters

Accessories:

• Mounting brackets (pipe flat / plate angle / pipe angle)

• U-bolts for pipe mounting

Download & Resources

Download Full User Manual (V2.3)