New Modbus gateway ensures unhindered communication in networks

June 6, 2014 - PRLog -- The communication between industrial devices in networks is often made difficult because to-date no uniform application protocol exists for industrial Ethernet. The Modbus protocol is used for exchanging process data securely and across networks. Modbus is an open protocol and has become established as the de-facto standard in industrial communication via Ethernet. The new Modbus Gateway Aport 212 from Artila (http://www.acceed.com/artila) uses this protocol, thus enabling the integration of automation components in the network architecture. It is available with immediate effect from the independent German distributor Acceed.

The Modbus protocol is based on master/slave architecture. This enables a master (computer) to work together with several slaves (control components).

Aport 212 is an (Ethernet-based) Modbus TCP protocol converter to Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCIII (serial protocol) and supports up to 16 masters or 32 slaves. The operating modes slave RTU, slave ASCII, master RTU and master ASCII are available as Modbus gateways and the TCP server and TCP client modes as SE2 gateways. In addition to its Modbus features, the device can also be used as a classical serial Ethernet gateway (RS232/422/485).

The scope of delivery of the Aport 212 includes Windows configuration software which is easy to use. This enables the localisation of devices in the network and the implementation of protocol tests.

The core of the compact device is a 32-bit ARM Cortex M3. The equipment includes a 10/100 Ethernet interface and two serial interfaces which can optionally be configured as RS232, RS422 or RS485 interfaces. With its dimensions of 108 × 78 × 25 mm, the device is space-saving and suitable for installation in restricted surroundings such as switch cabinets or cable ducts.