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Modbus Protocol

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Quick Link
  3. Key Features
  4. Supported Functions
  5. Communication Methods
  6. Data Types
  7. Error Codes

Overview

Modbus is a widely used communication protocol in industrial automation. It operates on a master-slave architecture and supports data exchange between various industrial equipment.

Related Protocols: SECS/GEM | EtherNet/IP | OPC UA | RTSP

Key Features

  • Simplicity: Simple and easy-to-understand protocol structure
  • Openness: Open standard supported by various vendors
  • Reliability: Error detection and recovery capabilities
  • Scalability: Usable in various network environments

Supported Functions

Function Description
Read Coils Read digital output status
Read Discrete Inputs Read digital input status
Read Holding Registers Read holding registers
Read Input Registers Read input registers
Write Single Coil Write single coil
Write Single Register Write single register
Write Multiple Coils Write multiple coils
Write Multiple Registers Write multiple registers

Communication Methods

Method Description Characteristics
Modbus RTU Serial communication Binary encoding, high efficiency
Modbus ASCII Serial communication ASCII encoding, easy debugging
Modbus TCP Ethernet communication TCP/IP based, high-speed communication

Data Types

Type Description Range
Coil 1-bit read/write 0 or 1
Discrete Input 1-bit read-only 0 or 1
Holding Register 16-bit read/write 0-65535
Input Register 16-bit read-only 0-65535

Error Codes

Code Description
01 Illegal Function
02 Illegal Data Address
03 Illegal Data Value
04 Slave Device Failure
05 Acknowledge
06 Slave Device Busy
08 Memory Parity Error
0A Gateway Path Unavailable
0B Gateway Target Device Failed to Respond