Advantech WebAccess Device Driver Guide Modicon Modbus ASCII Serial

Modbus ASCII Serial

/ Modicon Serial
Device Driver Guide

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Advantech WebAccess Device Driver Guide Modicon Modbus ASCII Serial

Table of Contents
Modbus ASCII Serial / Modicon Serial Device Driver Guide 1-1
1. Modbus ASCII Serial Device Communications 2
1.1 Introduction to Modbus ASCII Serial ................................................ 2
1.1.1 Modbus ASCII Serial: RS-232, RS-422 and RS485............. 2
1.1.2 Wiring and Cabling Requirements ....................................... 3
1.1.3 Ease of Use: Parameters .................................................... 4
1.1.4 Redundant Comports.......................................................... 5
1.1.5 Modbus Protocols ............................................................... 5
1.1.5.1 Modbus ASCII................................................................... 5
1.1.5.2 Modbus RTU..................................................................... 5
1.1.5.3 Modbus Ethernet / TCP/IP ................................................ 5
1.2 Configure Modicon / Modbus device ............................................... 6
1.3 Serial Comport Properties ............................................................... 7
1.3.1 Comport Number ................................................................ 7
1.3.2 Description ......................................................................... 7
1.3.3 Baud Rate .......................................................................... 8
1.3.4 Data Bits............................................................................. 8
1.3.5 Stop Bits ............................................................................. 8
1.3.6 Parity .................................................................................. 8
1.3.7 Scan Time .......................................................................... 9
1.3.8 Timeout .............................................................................. 9
1.3.9 Retry Count ........................................................................ 9
1.3.10 Auto Recover Time ........................................................... 10
1.3.11 Hand Shake RTS.............................................................. 10
1.3.12 Hand Shake DTR.............................................................. 11
1.3.13 Backup Port ...................................................................... 11
1.4 Device Properties – Modicon ASCII............................................... 12
1.4.1 Device Name .................................................................... 13
1.4.2 Description ....................................................................... 13
1.4.3 Unit Number ..................................................................... 14
1.4.4 Device Type ..................................................................... 14
1.5 Configure a Tag ............................................................................ 14

July 30, 2005

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1. Modbus ASCII Serial Device

Communications

1.1 Introduction to Modbus ASCII Serial

The main advantage of the Modbus ASCII protocol is that it allows time
intervals of up to one second to occur between characters without causing an
error. This is beneficial for communications which have long delays. For
example satellites technology routinely sees 2 second delays.

Advantech WebAccess SCADA Node provides a Modbus master interface using

Modbus ASCII protocol for communicating with Modbus slave devices. Slave
devices include AEG, Modicon, GE Fanuc and many others.

The Modicon driver accesses real-time data and control automation

equipment with Modbus ASCII protocol.

Modbus is a "De-facto" standard for communications. Modbus is an "open"

communications protocol designed for industrial control and monitoring
applications. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Single Loop and Multi-
Loop Controllers, Remote Terminal Units (RTU, Distributed control Systems
(DCS), computers, shop floor operator panels and other devices can
communicate throughout plants and substations via Modbus ASCII, RTU or
Modbus Ethernet network.

Especially for connection of SCADA and HMI systems to intelligent operator

panels, PLCs and controllers, Modbus became a de-facto standard. Many
automation devices support the Modbus protocol in Serial Modbus (ASCII and
RTU) and Modbus Ethernet.

Modbus ASCII usually is not used to move pure ASCII string files. For
example, it is not used to move JAN-16-1994. In Modbus ASCII, each eight-
bit byte, in a message, is sent as two ASCII characters.

1.1.1 Modbus ASCII Serial: RS-232, RS-422 and RS485

The Advantech WebAccess Modicon Modbus Device Driver can communicate
with either RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 communications. This aspect of
communications is device-limited.

The computer communication port must be designed for use with the
Windows 32-bit operating system. If a RS-232 port is used, then the port
must contain a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer. If an RS-422 or 485 port is

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used, then the hardware card must contain the appropriate communication
chip for Windows use, such as the Intel 16C850.

Modicon's Modbus network is a single master, multi-drop network, which

supports up to 247 slave devices. The preferred physical layer for the Modbus
network is four- wire RS-422/485 asynchronous serial communications.
Three-wire RS-232 communications may be required in some installations. In
this case, additional hardware is necessary. Modems can be used for
communication over long distances or to provide multi-drop operation using
RS-232 devices.

Advantech WebAccess can scan every 100 milliseconds over serial

connections limited only by the PLC, Controller or RTU and the connection.
Althought typical scan rates for Modbus ASCII are greater than 1 second, with
5 to 30 seconds being very common.

1.1.2 Wiring and Cabling Requirements

The Modbus protocol allows standard RS-232 and RS-422 communication
formats.

The proper cable type for each is device-specific and application-specific.

Refer to the hardware manuals accompanying your device for the proper
cabling required.

Modicon and Square-D hardware devices can use a standard pre-built cable
available from Modicon or Square-D distributors. The part number of this
cable is 990NAA26320. It is a RS-232 cable designed for programming use,
however it can also be used to communicate with Advantech WebAccess.

The standard RS-232 cable configuration is given below.

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1.1.3 Ease of Use: Parameters

Like all Genuine Advantech WebAccess drivers, object-oriented "parameters"
guide novice users with pre-built templates containing typical addresses.

AI is an Analog Input (30001 to 39999 range of addresses). These are

typically read only numbers from the PLC.

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AO is an Analog Output (40001 to 49999 range of addresses). These are

typically values written to the PLC by operators and programs. Setpoints,
Outputs, alarm limits are examples.

DI is a Digital Input (00001 to 09999 range of addresses). These are

typically read only statuses (On, Off, True, False, etc) from the PLC.

DO is a Digital Output (10001 to 19999 range of addresses). These are

typically values written to the PLC by operators and programs. On/ OFF,
RUN/STOP are examples.

Users can select a parameter type, and then modify the address to the
correct register in order to build a tag.

1.1.4 Redundant Comports

Advantech WebAccess supports redundant Comports. Two Serial comports
can be used, the second acts as a backup to the first.

Modbus Ethernet can also be backed up with a Serial connection (and vice
versa).

1.1.5 Modbus Protocols

1.1.5.1 Modbus ASCII

This is an option to the Modicon protocol of the Advantech WebAccess
Modicon serial device driver (set on the Device Property page, Use ASCII
Protocol).

In Modbus ASCII, each eight-bit byte, in a message, is sent as two ASCII

characters. The main advantage is that it allows time intervals of up to one
second to occur between characters without causing an error.

1.1.5.2 Modbus RTU

This is the default protocol of the Advantech WebAccess Modicon serial device
driver. In Modbus RTU, each eight-bit byte, in a message, contains two four-
bit hexadecimal characters. The main advantage of Modbus RTU is the greater
character density allows better data throughput than Modbus ASCII for same
baud rate.

Advantech WebAccess can scan every 100 milliseconds over serial

connections limited only by the PLC, Controller or RTU and the connection.

Most modern Modbus serial devices use Modbus RTU.

1.1.5.3 Modbus Ethernet / TCP/IP

The Modbus Ethernet Driver is described in another User Guide.

Modicon's Modbus Ethernet network is a single master, multi-drop network,

which supports up to 247 slave devices. The preferred physical layer for the

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Modbus Ethernet network TCP/IP over Ethernet, although any TCP/IP network
connection is supported including the Internet, WANs and LANs. A single IP
address can support up to 255 devices. Serial communications can be
"encapsulated" into TCP/IP packets using Modbus Serial-to-Ethernet gateways.

1.2 Configure Modicon / Modbus device

The steps, in summary, are:

1. Start Internet Explorer Web Browser.

2. Enter IP address of the Project Node.
3. Use Advantech WebAccess Configuration.
4. Open or Create a Project.
5. Configure a SCADA node (the PC that will connect to the automation
hardware).
6. Configure a Comport for the SCADA Node that is a Serial type
Comport.
7. Configure Baud Rate, Data Bit, Stop Bits and Parity to match those in
the PLC. All PLCs on this Comport must use the same settings.
8. Configure a Modicon Device (determines the communications
Protocol or Device Driver) using Add Device. This will open the
Device Properties page.
9. Select USE ASCII PROTOCOL on the Device Properties page.
10. Use Add Tag or Add Block to create tags.
11. Select a Parameter (AI, AO, DI, DO) to match the type of data to be
read (Analog Input, Analog Output, Digital Input, Digital Output). The
Address of the data must match the Parameter Type:

AI is an Analog Input (30001 to 39999 range of addresses).

These are typically read only numbers from the PLC.

AO is an Analog Output (40001 to 49999 range of addresses).

These are typically values written to the PLC by operators and
programs. Setpoints, Outputs, alarm limits are examples.

DI is a Digital Input (00001 to 09999 range of addresses).

These are typically read only statuses (On, Off, True, False, etc)
from the PLC.

DO is a Digital Output (10001 to 19999 range of addresses).

These are typically values written to the PLC by operators and
programs. On/ OFF, RUN/STOP are examples.
12. Modify the Address to match the actual address.
13. Apply a Tag name.
14. Edit Tags in Project Manager to assign Alarms, Scaling, Engineering
Units, Description and other features.

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1.3 Serial Comport Properties

The Serial Comport is associated with an RS232, RS422 or RS485 COM port
on the SCADA Node PC (usually an RS232 port). This number must match
the actual COM1, COM2, etc on your SCADA node.

Figure 1.1 Serial Comport properties

1.3.1 Comport Number

The Serial Comport requires the comport number to match that of the
physical interface (e.g. COM1, COM2, COM3, etc) on the SCADA Node.

1.3.2 Description
This is an optional field used for user reference.

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1.3.3 Baud Rate

This must match the baud rate configured in the PLC using the PLC
programming package (supplied by the PLC manufacturer) or dipswitches on
the PLC COM card. All PLCs connected to this comport must use the same
Baud Rate. Values are from 300 to 11200 baud.

1.3.4 Data Bits

This must match the number of data bits configured in the PLC using the PLC
programming package (supplied by the PLC manufacturer) or dipswitches on
the PLC COM card. All PLCs connected to this comport must use the same
number of data bits. A typical value is 8 bits.

Once the start bit has been sent, the transmitter sends the actual data bits.
There may either be 5, 6, 7, or 8 data bits, depending on the number you
have selected. Both receiver and the transmitter must agree on the number
of data bits, as well as the baud rate. Almost all devices transmit data using
either 7 or 8 data bits.

1.3.5 Stop Bits

This must match the number of stop bits configured in the PLC using the PLC
programming package (supplied by the PLC manufacturer) or dipswitches on
the PLC COM card. All PLCs connected to this comport must use the same
number of stop bits. A typical value is 1 bit. Advantech WebAccess supports 1
or 2 bits.

After the data has been transmitted, a stop bit is sent. A stop bit has a value
of 1 - or a mark state - and it can be detected correctly even if the previous
data bit also had a value of 1. This is accomplished by the stop bit's duration.
Stop bits can be 1, 1.5, or 2 bit periods in length. Advantech WebAccess
supports 1 or 2 bits.

1.3.6 Parity
This must match the parity configured in the PLC using the PLC programming
package (supplied by the PLC manufacturer) or dipswitches on the PLC COM
card. All PLCs connected to this comport must use the parity. A typical value
is Even.

Advantech WebAccess supports Even, Odd and None for parity.

Besides the synchronization provided by the use of start and stop bits, an
additional bit called a parity bit is optionally transmitted along with the data.
A parity bit affords a small amount of error checking, to help detect data
corruption that might occur during transmission. You can choose even parity,
odd parity, mark parity, space parity or none at all. When even or odd parity
is being used, the number of marks (logical 1 bits) in each data byte are
counted, and a single bit is transmitted following the data bits to indicate

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whether the number of 1 bits just sent is even or odd. Mark parity means that
the parity bit is always set to the mark signal condition and likewise space
parity always sends the parity bit in the space signal condition. Since these
two parity options serve no useful purpose whatsoever, they are almost never
used and are not supported in most Web Access drivers.

1.3.7 Scan Time

This is the time in milliseconds to scan the PLC. This must match the ability
of the PLC to respond.

If the PLC cannot respond as fast as the SCAN Time entered, Advantech
WebAccess will scan at a slower rate.

1.3.8 Timeout
Timeout is the time waited before re-sending a communications packet that
did not have a reply.

Timeout specifies how long the software waits for a response to a data
request, specifically to wait for a reply from one packet. A recommended
value is 7 to 10 ticks, longer if the communication device is slow. This is
protocol dependent: some protocols do not allow changes in time out.

Combined with Retry count, Timeout also determines time to consider a

device or port as BAD. Timeout is the time to wait since last communication
packet sent without a reply. Time is in milliseconds. The slow or poor quality
communications require longer timeout. The faster the communications
network or device, the shorter the timeout required. Shorter timeouts notify
operators of communications failure more quickly.

A note about ModBus ASCII – a one second timeout is standard for many
Modbus ASCII devices. It is rarely smaller and often longer. For many
Modbus ASCII devices timeout is fixed at 1 second. Satellite Technology
routinely sees 2-second delays. 1 to 5 second timeouts are common for
Modbus ASCII

1.3.9 Retry Count

Number of times to retry communications if no reply is received from a device.
Combined with Timeout, also determines time to consider a device or port as
BAD.

In addition, Indicates the number of times after the first attempt has failed
that communication should be attempted before indicating a failure.
Specifically, how many times to send a single packet after the field device
fails to respond to the first packet. After the retry count is exceeded, all the

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tags in the packet are marked with asterisks and the next packet of requests
is sent. A reasonable value is 3 to 5 times. After this number of tries, the tags
in this packet are marked as "fail to respond" (i.e. asterisks) and are disabled.
In reality, increasing the number of retries hides failures on the part of the
field device to respond to a request. Essentially, increasing the retries gives
the field device more chances to reply.

1.3.10 Auto Recover Time

Auto Recover Time is the time to wait before attempting to re-establish
communications with a BAD device or port.

If communications to the PLC is unusually slow due to hardware,

communications or network issues, you might consider increasing this value.
If communications to the PLC or RTU fails frequently, you may want to
decrease this number in order to have Advantech WebAccess try to re-
establish communications sooner.

If communications to the PLC, RTU or device Fails (i.e. exceeds Timeout)

Advantech WebAccess will wait the Auto Recover Time before trying to re-
establish communications.

1.3.11 Hand Shake RTS

Is RTS (Request To Send) signal raised and lowered on the Serial
Communications Port. RTS is determined by settings in the field device. Refer
to your device interface manual to determine the value for this field and the
type of cable used. Some Advantech WebAccess Drivers ignore this and leave
RTS always ready. See the specific Advantech WebAccess Driver Manual for
your device.

A Personal computer is a DTE device, while most other field devices are
usually DCE devices. If you have trouble keeping the two straight then
replace the term "DTE device" with "SCADA Node" and the term "DCE device"
with "field device" in the following description.

RTS stands for Request To Send. This line and the CTS line are used when
"hardware flow control" is enabled in both the DTE and DCE devices. The DTE
device puts this line in a mark condition to tell the remote device that it is
ready and able to receive data. If the DTE device is not able to receive data
(typically because its receive buffer is almost full), it will put this line in the
space condition as a signal to the DCE to stop sending data. When the DTE
device is ready to receive more data (i.e. after data has been removed from
its receive buffer), it will place this line back in the mark condition. The
complement of the RTS wire is CTS, which stands for Clear To Send. The DCE
device puts this line in a mark condition to tell the DTE device that it is ready
to receive the data. Likewise, if the DCE device is unable to receive data, it
will place this line in the space condition. Together, these two lines make up
what is called RTS/CTS or "hardware" flow control. The Software Wedge
supports this type of flow control, as well as Xon / XOff or "software" flow
control. Software flow control uses special control characters transmitted from

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one device to another to tell the other device to stop or start sending data.
With software flow control the RTS and CTS lines are not used

1.3.12 Hand Shake DTR

Is DTR (Data Terminal Ready) signal raised and lowered on the Serial
Communications Port. Determined by settings in the field device and the type
of cable used. Most Advantech WebAccess Drivers ignore this and leave DTR
always ready. See the specific Advantech WebAccess Driver Manual for your
device.

DTR stands for Data Terminal Ready. Its intended function is very similar to
the RTS line. DSR (Data Set Ready) is the companion to DTR in the same way
that CTS is to RTS. Some serial devices use DTR and DSR as signals to simply
confirm that a device is connected and is turned on. The Software Wedge sets
DTR to the mark state when the serial port is opened and leaves it in that
state until the port is closed. The DTR and DSR lines were originally designed
to provide an alternate method of hardware handshaking. It would be
pointless to use both RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR for flow control signals at the
same time. Because of this, DTR and DSR are rarely used for flow control.

1.3.13 Backup Port

This enables a redundant communications path to the Device. If
communications cannot be established through this Comport, Advantech
WebAccess will try a second Comport, specified as the Backup Port. You must
configure the backup Port number in Advantech WebAccess, but without any
devices on it. Usually the device must have two comports also. Not all Device
Types support a backup Port.

The Backup Port is usually configured as the same type (SERIAL) for the
Modbus ASCII protocol.

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1.4 Device Properties – Modicon ASCII

Serial Port is an RS232, RS422, RS485 or other port on your SCADA node PC
identified as COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, etc. For More information on Serial
Ports, see Serial Comport Properties. Serial type Devices usually have a
"native" driver written by Advantech WebAccess. It is possible to have a
Serial connection to the device, but use the API or OPC Port Types in
Advantech WebAccess.

Add your device to the Serial Port, by selecting the Serial Port you have
configured, then select Add Device.

To modify an existing Device, Select Device Properties. The Device

Properties Page for a Serial Type Device appears.

Figure 3-12Modicon - Modbus ASCII device

Important – Use ASCII Protocol – set this to 1. To use the Modbus ASCII
protocol, this must be set to 1. Otherwise, the Modbus RTU protocol (the
default=0) will be used.

Device Name is any user-defined name. See Device Name for more
information.

Description is a user defined. See Description for more information.

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Unit Number, for Modbus, must correspond to the Unit Number used in the
protocol addressing. See Unit Number for more information.

The Device Type is Modicon.

Use ASCII Protocol 1=Modbus ASCII protocol. 0 = Modbus RTU protocol.

This must match the protocol of the field device (the
PLC, RTU, etc.) See 1.1.5.1 Modbus RTU and 1.1.5.2
Modbus ASCII for a brief description of the differences.

Important – Use ASCII Protocol:1 – set this to 1. To use the Modbus

ASCII protocol, this must be set to 1. Otherwise, the Modbus RTU protocol
(the default=0) will be used.

Packet Delay (ms): Some devices cannot receive very fast request after
they respond previous packet. A delay may be
required for the next request from Advantech
WebAccess for those slow devices, especially for some
old power meters.

Digital block size: Some Modbus compatible devices use only a certain
part of a Modbus address or only handle a short data
range for data request from client. Advantech
WebAccess allows users to define the maximum data
block size for both requested Digital and Analog type
data.

Analog block size: Some Modbus compatible devices use only a certain
part of a Modbus address or only handle a short data
range for data request from client. Advantech
WebAccess allows users to define the maximum data
block size for both requested Digital and Analog type
data.

1.4.1 Device Name

A Device is a PLC, Controller, VAV or other automation hardware or software
entity. Device name is a User-assigned name that will appear in the Project
Manager (Configuration Tool) and in runtime VIEW Displays. Choosing a
descriptive Name can help technicians identify the location of your device.

Changing only the Device Name will rename the existing device.

Changing both the Device Name and the Unit Number will make a copy of
the device (e.g. create another device).

1.4.2 Description
User assigned description up to 70 characters

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1.4.3 Unit Number

For Modbus, this must correspond to the Unit Number used in the protocol
addressing. This is the address configured in the device or by a dipswitch on
the device. The range of Unit Number is 0 to 255 for Modbus.

This Unit Number will appear on the System Status Display, Point Detail,
user-built displays and tags to reference the status of this device.

Changing only the Unit Number here will change the existing device.

Changing both the Device Name and the Unit Number will make a copy of
the device (e.g. create another device).

1.4.4 Device Type

This is the communication Driver used to communicate with all devices on this
Com Port. Only one communications protocol is supported on the same COM
port. Once a Device Type is created on a COM port, the Device Type of
additional devices will be limited to this Device Type.

To use another communications device, you must configure another COM

port. Multiple TCP/IP type Com Ports can be added which use the same
TCP/IP Network Card on your PC.

1.5 Configure a Tag

This example is to configure two Tags that read an Analog Input (Address
30003) and an Analog Output (Address 40015).

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Connect to Project Node.

3. Start Advantech WebAccess Configuration.

4. Select Project.

5. Select SCADA Node.

6. Select the Modicon Device.

7. Select Add Tag.

8. From Parameter Pull Down List Select AI. This will configure an
Analog Input. Wait for the Page to update.

9. Optionally, select ALARM from the ALARM pulldown list. Wait for the
Page to update with a PINK highlight around alarm (an additional
Alarm Fields at bottom of page).

10. Enter a Tagname users can use to identify this Analog Input
measurement. For example, if this is a Flow measurement, enter
Flow1.

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11. Edit the Address to the actual address. From the example, Enter:
30003

12. Enter a Description. This will help identify this tag to Users and
Operators. For example, enter Boiler #1 Steam Flow.

13. Optionally enter, Scaling, Span Hi, Span Low, Engineering Units, and
Alarms; enable data logging, etc.

14. Press Submit.

15. From Parameter Pull Down List Select AO. This will configure an
Analog Output. Wait for the Page to update.

16. Optionally, select ALARM from the ALARM pulldown list. Wait for the
Page to update with a PINK highlight around alarm (and additional
Alarm Fields at bottom of page).

17. Enter a Tagname users can use to identify this Analog Output
measurement. For example, if this is a signal to a Valve, enter Valve1.

18. Edit the Address to the actual address. From the above example,
Enter: 40015

19. Enter a Description. This will help identify this tag to Users and
Operators. For example, enter Boiler #1 Steam Valve.

20. Optionally enter, Scaling, Span Hi, Span Low, Output Limits,
Engineering Units, and Alarms; enable data logging, etc.

21. Press Submit.

Congratulations! You have just configured a Measurement and Output Tags to

Modbus device.

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