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The Modbus Slave I/O interface allows connecting with Modbus slave(s) to exchange coil and register data. Using a standard network interface card, this protocol can be easily and rapidly integrated into any simulation model.
With the proper user configuration, a driver is initialized on the target simulator at the start of the simulation and instantiates multiple slaves, to which masters can connect and send read/write commands.
The Modbus slave interface can operate over TCP/IP using an Ethernet physical link or over RTU using a serial link.

This driver provides an asynchronous TCP/IP communication interface and an IP aliasing mechanism allowing assigning different IP addresses to each slave/outstation instances even if a single physical network interface (i.e., Ethernet port) is used.

Modbus is a data communications protocol originally published by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Modbus has become a de facto standard communication protocol and is now a commonly available means of connecting industrial electronic devices. It is widely used for Industrial Automation and Energy system applications.

Software Platform Compatibility

Product Selection Guide

Modbus TCP, RTU or ASCII require software license OP3261, which comes with 50 data points.
If additional data points are required, then they may be added via product OP3050. 

Modbus TCP

Modbus TCP can be added to real-time simulators without the need for additional hardware.
However, since real-time simulators come with at least one available Ethernet port, if additional physical Ethernet ports are required on the real-time simulator, these can be added via a kit.
Note that for applications requiring many Ethernet ports, the OP4510 and OP4512 simulators are not recommended.

Modbus RTU

For Modbus RTU, applications requiring RS-232 are supported natively by real-time simulators with one serial port.
If RS-485 or additional RS-232 ports are required, then an OP3310 PCIe serial card must be added to the system.
The OP3310 PCIe serial card 16 ports is not compatible with the OP4510, OP4512, and OP4610XG simulators.

Modbus ASCII

Modbus ASCII applications require the use of an external gateway (EKI-1221-CE) to convert Modbus TCP to Modbus ASCII.

Type

Description

Product Number

Simulator Compatibility

OP4510v2
OP4512
OP4610XG

OP5033XG

OP5600v2
OP5650

OP5700
OP5705XG
OP5707XG

Driver

Driver license for Modbus Slave protocol using TCP-IP, RTU or ASCII interfaces. 50 I/O data points are included. For additional data points, add OP3050 (see below).

OP3261

YES

YES

YES

YES


Additional data points

License for additional I/O data points for Ethernet-based communication protocols. 1,000, 5,000, or 30,000 (unlimited) data points may be added. License OP3261 is required.

OP3050-1000
OP3050-5000
OP3050-30000

YES

YES

YES

YES


Add-on module

Dual-port PCIe X1 Gigabit Ethernet Kit for OP4xxx Series of Real-Time Simulators*. Can be added if more physical Ethernet ports are required.

OP3821

OP4510v2
OP4512

OP3821-4610

OP4610XG


Add-on module

Intel I350T4V2 Quad Port Ethernet Server Adapter 10/100/1000 Mbps for OP5xxx Series of Real-Time Simulators*.
Can be added if more physical Ethernet ports are required.

I350T4V2BLK

YES

YES

YES


Add-on module

Serial Board 8-port RS-232/422/485 PCIe - Low Profile for XG Series. Includes: 1x Cable SCSI VHDCI 68 male to 8-port DB9 Male Connector*.

OP3310-08-K1

OP4610XG

YES

YES

YES


Add-on module

Serial Board 16-port RS-232/422/485 PCIe. Includes: 2x Cable SCSI VHDCI 68 male to 8-port DB9 Male Connector*.

OP3310-16-K1

YES

YES


Add-on module

Serial Board 16-port RS-232/422/485 PCIe. Includes: 2x Cable SCSI VHDCI 68 male to 8-port DB9 Male Connector*.

OP3310-16-K2

YES


Add-on module

Modbus Gateway 1-port. Uses to convert Modbus between ASCII and TCP modes.

  • Provides 2x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for LAN redundancy

  • Integration of Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks

  • Supports up to 921.6 kbps, and any baud rate setting support up to 16 connections on each serial port under Modbus - Master mode and 32 sessions under Modbus Slave mode.

  • Software selectable RS-232/422/485 communication.

EKI-1221-CE

YES

YES

YES

YES

* Available PCIe slot required. Note that OP4510 and OP4512 simulators only have one PCIe slot.