ModbusTCPNetwork

The iSMA-B-AAC20 controller has an implemented Modbus TCP protocol. It means that, configured as a Master device, it can read/write data to slave devices using the IP connection.

Modbus TCP License and Limitation

In the standard license there are available 500 data points, and this number cannot be expanded. The number of available points is shown in the ModbusTcpNetwork component in the Free Points slot.

ModbusTCPNetwork Component

The ModbusTCPNetwork is the main component, which is responsible for servicing an IP communication to slave devices. The component must be placed under the Drivers folder. The ModbusTCPNetwork sets parameters such as communication baud rate and data format, testing, etc., and keeps statistics.

The ModbusTCPNetwork component has the following slots:

• Status: Network’s status;

  • Available states: OK (network is working properly), Disabled (network is disabled, the Enable slot is in false), OK some device/point down (error in the device or points);

• Fault Cause: fault cause description;

• Enable: option to switch on or switch off Modbus network;

  • Available options: true (network enabled), false (network disabled);

• Steady Time: network’s delay time to start-up after a power-up or reset;

• Ping Enable: enables the device’s connection testing function;

• Ping Frequency: time between testing messages to check device connection;

• Down Frequency: time between testing messages for devices or points which have got status down;

• Write On Start: executes a write action in device writable components in the Modbus network after a reset or power-up;

• Write On Up: executes a write action in device writable components in the Modbus network after restoring the connection with the Modbus device;

• Write On Enable: executes a write action in device writable components in the Modbus network after enabling the device;

• Fast Rate: time between messages in the fast mode poll frequency;

• Normal Rate: time between messages in the normal mode poll frequency;

• Slow Rate: time between messages in the slow mode poll frequency;

• Average Poll Time: average time for sending/receiving of one message

• Busy Time: percentage of Modbus network usage;

• Total Polls: total number of messages;

• Fast Polls: number of messages sent in the fast mode;

• Normal Polls: number of messages sent in the normal mode;

• Slow Polls: number of messages sent in the slow mode;

• Timeouts: number of lost messages, the difference between sent and received messages;

• Errors: number of error messages (for example, with the wrong CRC);

• Free points: number of available physical points in the Modbus network.

The ModbusTCPNetwork component has the following actions available under the right-click or in the Object Properties window:

• Reset Stats: resets network’s statistics and starts counting from the beginning;

• Enable/Disable: switching the Modbus network on/off.