Modbus protocol

Modbus protocol for frequency inverters – the most important in brief

The communication of components is an essential prerequisite for automation. As a solution to this challenge, IT has developed protocols that enable data exchange between different devices. An internationally frequently used system for this is Modbus. Sourcetronic also relies on the flexibility of this variant and has written its own protocol for the ST500 frequency inverter. This is available to customers as a software-based part of the automation technology. A decisive advantage: The Modbus protocol can not only be used on site, but can also be extended individually.

Why did Sourcetronic choose the Modbus protocol?

The decision to use Modbus as the protocol for the frequency inverter has several reasons. First, the system has now become an international standard. This is helped by the fact that it has been used for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) since 1979, the year it was developed – which was precisely its original purpose. The developers at Modicon deliberately opted for an open protocol. This means that it can be used for almost all technical devices. Consequently, it can also be used in environments that are difficult from an IT point of view. This is the case, for example, when devices from different manufacturers have to be harmonized as part of an automation process. On the hardware side, this is realized by the ST500, on the software side by the Modbus protocol.
Another advantage of Modbus is its lean architecture. Communication between master (PC) and slave (measuring and/or control device) takes place either via Ethernet (Modbus-TCP) or serial interface RS-232 / RS-485 (Modbus-RTU) – and in a binary form. In this way, a high throughput of data is achieved, which in turn leads to a fast system.

The Modbus protocol from Sourcetronic

For practical application, Sourcetronic has created its own Modbus protocol for the ST500 frequency inverter. This makes the control unit very flexible to use. Thanks to its open design, the protocol can be adapted to the technology on site as required, and subsequent integration into existing systems is often no problem either. Integrated in the right place, the software then ensures fast and efficient communication between a control center and one or more field devices. This is used, for example, in pump control and in the automotive sector for automation. In principle, it can be used anywhere the ST500 is used.

 

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