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What is Modbus?
Modbus is a protocol that industrial devices communicate with, such as Energy Meters, PLC controllers, Sensors as well as other process controllers. Developed by Modicon in 1979, it was conceived as a way to market different assets to the public and have them communicate effectively. Since 1979, it has been the main communication for process automation. In many different cases Modbus works within an entire network of assets like heating elements, television sets, WiFi routers, smart fridges, etc.
How Does it Work?
The two types of Modbus operations are Peer-to-Peer & Multidrop. Modicon published the Modbus communication interface for a multidrop network based on a Client-Server structure. Communication between the Modbus nodes happens with send request and read response type messages.
The original Modbus interface ran on RS-232 serial communication, but most of the later Modbus implementations use RS-485 because it allows:
- Longer distances.
- Higher speeds.
- The possibility of multiple devices on a single multi-drop network.
Modbus isn’t an industry-specific protocol and is used across a range of sectors. The similarities are found in the messaging structure that all devices support.
How do we Use Modbus?
We use Modbus TCP to connect our assets and collect data in an energy monitoring capacity. Modbus TCP/IP is a method in which all of the devices are connected to the same LAN (Local Area Network). Want to connect Modbus assets to the Hark Platform? Find out how here.
The protocols we engage with can support control of the connected devices, so we are able to replace their SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
Ultimately, compatibility is very high on our agenda, and without Modbus we wouldn’t be able to offer the service we do.
To learn more, get in touch with our team. We will happily discuss it until the cows come home 
Modbus to MQTT Adapter
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