Anybus Communicator-RTU

Connecting devices with a serial Modbus-RTU interface
Connect your non-networked device to any major fieldbus or industrial Ethernet networks with the Anybus Communicator. The Communicator performs an intelligent conversion between the serial protocol of the automation device and the chosen industrial network.

For industral devices with a serial Modbus-RTU interface, HMS takes away the hassle of scripting and serial frame building by using visual template wizards contained within the included "Anybus Configuration Manager". This enables you to get your devices connected fast.

  •  Overview
  • Applications
  •  Configuration
  •  How it works
  •  Characteristics

The Communicator handles the complete serial protocol without the need for extensive PLC function blocks. This compact gateway consumes very little space in a switching cabinet and is easily mounted on a standard DIN-rail.

For devices with a Modbus-RTU interface, the Communicator functions as a Modbus-RTU Master. With its selectable RS-232/422/485 It is possible connect multiple devices using one Communicator. Therefore making for a very cost effective network connection for your devices.

  KEY COMMUNICATOR RTU BENEFITS
    Proven and trusted intelligent gateways providing unrivaled flexibility and functionality
    Once a configuration is completed it can be re-used for many other industrial networks
    Network enables almost any automation device with a serial RS-232/422/485 Modbus-RTU interface
    No hardware or software changes are required for the connected automation devicel
    Available for all major fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks
    Compatible with all leading PLC's from manufacturers such as, Siemens, Allen Bradley, Schneider etc..
    Complete protocol conversion performed by the Communicator, no extensive PLC function blocks required
    One Communicator can connect upto 31 serial devices using its RS-485 interface
    Included Configuration Manager with an easy visual Modbus-RTU wizard. No programming required
    Global free technical support and consultancy
    Custom versions with pre-loaded configuration, colors and labels available on request
    3 year product guarantee from date of shipment


Single and multi-drop mode
The Communicator can be used to connect one or multiple (up to 31) automation device via its selectable serial RS-232/422/485 interface to a fieldbus or industrial Ethernet network.




Typical Devices
Typical serial applications used with the Communicator include variable frequency drives, sensors, actuators, human machine interfaces, barcode readers, RFID readers and industrial scales among others.
Take a look at the Verfied Device Listing to see some of todays automation equipment that has been connected with the Commuicator. Sample device configurations are available to download

Typical Industries

Factory Automation Automative Building and HVAC Mining Water treatment Process Pharmaceutical Oil and Gas

The flexibility and the high industrial standards and certifications that the Commuicator has mean that it is used in many different types of industrail applications. Factory automation, Building and HVAC, Waste water management, Marine, Mining, Medical are some industries where the Communicator is used.


Easy configuration with the "Anybus Configuration Manager"

Master Mode
When converting the Modbus-RTU protocol the Communicator acts as Master on the serial network. It sends a request and expects a response from the connected automation device. Besides Modbus-RTU, Master mode can be used with almost all other customer defined request/response based serial protocols.

Modbus-RTU Wizard
As mentioned above, HMS has taken away the hassel of scripting and serial frame building for the standard Modbus-RTU protocol by using visual template wizards contained within the included Anybus Configuration Manager.

 

This Windows™ based software has an easy to use user interface and requires no programming. With this unique configuration way, in just 6 easy steps your devices will be connected to your network of choice.

Fieldbus/Ethernet Uplink
The uplink fieldbus or Ethernet slave interface to the PLC is configured with a standard device description file (GSD/EDS) in the PLC engineering tool.

  KEY FEATURES - ANYBUS CONFIGURATION MANAGER
    Supports all network versions of the Communicator except Lonworks
    Can be used to configure additional protocols such as DF1, ASCII or  customer specific protocols
    Handy Save/Load function means a completed configuration can be re-used for many other installations
    Password protection prevents unauthorized upload and download of configurations
    Ability to make popular cheksum calculations
    In-built line listener with test functions
    Multi language - supporting, English, German, Italian, French, Polish,   Russian, Japanese and Chinese
    User friendly interface with online help


Communicator data mappingIntelligent Data Mapping
All data between the fieldbus and the serial network is stored in an internal memory buffer inside the Communicator.

The data exchange between the PLC on the fieldbus/Ethernet and the automation device is then made using the input and output areas of the internal memory within the Communicator.

Results
The internal storage of I/O data inside the Communicator de-couples the two networks.

This permits the that even automation devices with slow serial communication can be integrated into high-speed fieldbus/Ethernet networks without any restrictions to the upper network.



Java Versions
HMS provides an extended Communicator version with a "free" programmable Java interface available for complex protocols and data pre-processing.