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Modbus TCP/IP to ASCII Generic Serial Communication Module

5201-MNET-ASCII
5202-MNET-ASCII4

Product Description

The ProLinx family Modbus TCP/IP to ASCII Generic Serial communications module creates a powerful connection between devices on a Modbus TCP/IP network and ASCII input devices. The module is a stand-alone DIN-rail mounted protocol gateway that provides one Ethernet port and up to four ASCII configurable serial ports.

The Modbus TCP/IP (MNET) driver can be used to interface many different protocols into the Schneider Electric Quantum family of processors as well other software solutions supporting the protocol. The MNET driver supports Client connections as well as Server connections.

The ASCII protocol driver permits the module to interface to many ASCII devices. Each ASCII port on the module is configurable to send and/or receive ASCII strings, each supporting its own individual serial network.

Product Applications

The MNET-ASCII modules are the ideal solution for the many applications where Modbus TCP/IP connectivity can be used to integrate ASCII generic serial input devices into a system. The Modbus TCP/IP gateway is a powerful module designed with both Client and Server support, enabling easy connection to other Modbus devices (Modicon processors and many others). In combination with the ASCII device support, the module provides a very powerful interface to the many ASCII input devices which are in use in the industrial marketplace today. Applications for the module are found in most industries, especially the Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Electrical Power and Food Processing.

Functional Specifications

Internal Database

The ProLinx module contains an internal database that consists of areas for application data, status information, and configuration information.

The internal database is shared between all ports on the module and is used as a conduit to pass information from a device on one network to one or more devices on another network.

Application Data Area

The data area is used to store and retrieve data by the protocol drivers and for data exchange between protocols. The database is used as a source for write commands to remote devices and holds data collected from the remote devices. Commands defined in the configuration file (stored in the configuration data area) control how the data is to be handled in the database.

Status Data Area

This area is used to store error codes, counters, and port status information for each port.

Configuration File

This file contains module configuration information such as port configuration, network information, and command configuration. This configuration file is downloaded to, or uploaded from, the module.

Modbus TCP/IP Protocol Specifications

The Ethernet driver interfaces with a common internal database in the module. This permits the sharing of data across many different protocols and networks.

Modbus TCP/IP Port Specifications

Server

The MNET module supports server functionality using the reserved Modbus TCP/IP service port 502, as well as service port 2000 to support the TCP/IP encapsulated Modbus protocol that is supported by several HMI manufacturers. Services supported in the module permit client applications (i.e., HMI software packages, Quantum processors, etc.) to read from and write to the module's database.

Data in the module's internal database is accessible for read and write operations by any node on the network supporting the MBAP (service port 502) or MNET (service ports 2000/2001) TCP/IP protocols.

There is no configuration of the MNET module required to implement Server functionality other than setting up the network and database parameters in the user configuration file.

Modbus TCP/IP Server

Type

Specification

General

The server driver supports connections to Modbus TCP/IP clients supporting Service Port 502 using the standard MBAP protocol, and clients supporting Modbus on Service Port 2000.
- Supports up to five (5) independent server connections for Service Port 502

- Supports up to five (5) independent server connections for Service Port 2000

Configurable Parameters

Module IP Address
Modbus address offsetting

Modbus Commands supported

1 : Read Output Status
2 : Read Input Status
3 : Read Multiple Data Registers
4 : Read Input Registers
5 : Write Single Bit
6 : Write Single Data Register
15 : Write Multiple Bits
16 : Write Multiple Data Register

Client

The module supports a client connection on the TCP/IP network to interface with processors (and other server based devices) using a user constructed command list of up to 100 entries.

Modbus TCP/IP Client

Type

Specification

General

The client driver supports the active reading and writing of data with Modbus TCP/IP compatible devices.

- One client connection available (connect up to 100 servers/devices with 100 commands)

Configurable parameters

Number of active commands (Up to 100 for client)
Min Command Delay
Response Timeout
Retry Count
Command Error Pointer

Modbus Commands supported

1 : Read Output Status
2 : Read Input Status
3 : Read Multiple Data Registers
4 : Read Input Registers
5 : Write Single Bit
6 : Write Single Data Register
15 : Write Multiple Bits
16 : Write Multiple Data Register

Command List

Up to 100 commands on the Client port, each fully configurable for function, Server IP address, Service Port, register to/from addressing and word/bit count

Status Data

Error codes available on an individual command basis.

Polling of command list

User configurable polling of commands, including disabled, continuous and on change of data (write only)

ASCII Serial Specifications

The ASCII driver provides a powerful connection between the internal application database in the ProLinx unit and devices supporting serial ASCII communications (bar code scanners, line printers, legacy terminal based computer systems, etc).

The serial port on the gateway is user-configurable to support ASCII communications (Baud rate, Data Bits, Stop Bits, etc). The ASCII port can act as a Master (Send ASCII strings) or as a Slave(Receive ASCII strings), or both.

When configured to send data strings, the transmission of characters strings is easily accomplished by the placement of string data in the module's application database, followed by toggling of a transmit control word. When the ASCII Serial driver detects a change in the transmit control word, the string is sent out the port.

When configured to receive data strings, the module buffers the data until the termination condition is satisfied (as configured by the user) and the receive string is then copied into the module's application data space, with the actual character count value leading the ASCII string data.

The following table provides specifications for the configuration and functionality available on the ASCII serial ports:

ASCII Specifications

Ports

Available in up to four port configurations to receive and/or transmit data.

Receive buffer size

255 bytes

Receive termination

Stream mode, termination characters, message timeout, inter-character delay, or packet size length.

Receive database location

-1 = disable receiver, 0 to 3896

Transmit buffer size

255 bytes

Transmit character with pacing

0 to 65535 millisecond delay between each transmitted character.

Transmit database location

-1 = disable transmitter, 0 to 3896

Communication Configuration

Baud rate

110 to 115,200

Parity

None, Odd, Even

Data bits

7 to 8

Stop bits

1 or 2

RTS On and Off Timing

0 to 65535 milliseconds

Minimum Response Delay

0 to 65535 milliseconds

Hardware or software handshaking

None, RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR, or XON/XOFF

Hardware Specifications

Power Supply 24 VDC nominal
  18-32 VDC allowed
  Positive, Negative, GND Terminals
  2.5 mm screwdriver blade

Current Load

500 mA max@ 32 VDC max
Operating Temperature -20 to 50°C
  -4 to 122°F
Storage Temperature -40 to 85°C
  -40 to 185°F
Relative Humidity 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
Dimensions

Standard
5.20H x 2.07W x 4.52D inches
13.2cmH x 5.25cmW x 11.48cmD
Extended
5.20H x 2.73W x 4.52D inches
13.2cmH x 6.934cmW x 11.48cmD

LED Indicators

Power and Module Status

  Application Status
  Serial Port Activity LED
  Serial Activity and Error LED Status
Configuration Serial Port DB-9M RS-232 only
  No hardware handshaking
Ethernet Port
(Ethernet protocol gateways only)
10Base-T half duplex RJ45 Connector
  Link and Activity LED indicators
  Electrical Isolation 1500 V rms at 50 Hz to 60 Hz for 60 s, applied as specified in section 5.3.2 of IEC 60950: 1991
  Ethernet Broadcast Storm Resiliency = less than or equal to 5000 [ARP] frames-per-second and less than or equal to 5 minutes duration
Application Serial Ports (Serial protocol gateways only) RS-232/422/485
  RS232 handshaking configurable
  RS-422/485 DB-9 to Screw Terminal Adaptor
  Note: The number of serial application ports depends on the module type, and the combination of protocols.
Serial Port Isolation 2500V RMS port signal isolation per UL 1577
  3000V DC min. isolation port to ground and port to logic
Shipped with each unit Mini-DIN to DB-9M serial cables
  4 ft RS-232 configuration cable
  2.5mm screwdriver
  CD (docs and Configuration utility)
  RS-422/485 DB-9 to Screw Terminal Adaptor for each serial application port (serial protocols only)
Click here for dimensions diagram

Certifications

The ProLinx gateway module has the following certifications:
CE
ATEX Cat 3 Zone 2
cULus Haz Loc Class I, Div 2


Ordering Information

5201-MNET-ASCII

Modbus TCP/IP to ASCII Generic Serial

5202-MNET-ASCII4

Modbus TCP/IP to ASCII Generic Serial 4 port

To place an order, please contact your local ProSoft Technology, Inc. distributor. For a list of ProSoft distributors near you, click here.

Distributors:
Place your order by email to orders@prosoft-technology.com:, fax to +1 661-716-5101.

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Fax: +1 661.716.5101
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