In comparison with other fieldbus technologies, Modbus is simple but has a multi-functional fieldbus protocol. It offers all services required for plant automation, e.g. exchange of simple, binary information, analogue values, device parameters or diagnostic data.
For plant Automation and similar to Profibus, the simple and robust physical layer RS-485 is often used.
On the basis of this physical layer, Modbus supports various telegram formats, e.g. Modbus RTU. Using the Modbus TCP/IP version based on Ethernet, vertical integration into a host Automation system is often implemented.
- International standard (www.modbus.org)
- Simple protocol
- Worldwide distribution
- Largely sufficient for many simple automation tasks
- Typical applications: Water and wastewater treatment plants,
pumping stations, tank farms