8 ST 3000 Release 300 and SFC Model STS103 User’s Manual 6/08
1.3 Smart Field Communicator
About SFC
communications
The portable, battery-powered SFC serves as the common communication
interface device for Honeywell’s family of Smartline Transmitters. It
communicates with a transmitter through serial digital signals over the 4
to 20 milliampere line used to power the transmitter. A request/response
format is the basis for the communication operation. The transmitter’s
microprocessor receives a communication signal from the SFC, identifies
the request, and sends a response message.
Figure 4 shows a simplified view of the communication interface provided
by an SFC.
Figure 4 Typical SFC Communication Interface.
SFC
Response
STR3001
4 to 20 mA line
Request
ST 3000
Power
Supply and
Receiver
Purpose of SFC
The SFC allows you to adjust transmitter values, or diagnose potential
problems from a remote location such as the control room. You can use
the SFC to:
• Configure: Define and enter the transmitter’s operating parameters
including
– range values,
– output conformity,
– damping time,
– tag number (ID), and more
• Monitor: Read the input pressure to the transmitter in
engineering units and the transmitter’s output in
percent.
• Display: Retrieve and display data from the transmitter or SFC
memory.
• Change Mode
of Operation: Tell transmitter to operate in either its analog (4-20
mA) mode or its digital enhanced (DE) mode.
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