ModBUS-TCP interface added to DC power supply

The industry standard ModBUS-TCP protocol is used for transmission of information between electronic devices for the supervision and control of automation equipment. This GENESYS+ option allows users to remotely program, measure and check status of the power supply by sending information using a TCP/IP protocol over a ModBUS‑TCP network. 

ModBUS‑TCP extends the number of available user operating modes to six, including the currently available LAN, RS-232/RS-485, USB, Remote Isolated Analogue, and front panel (local) interfaces. When being controlled by the Remote Isolated Analogue or front panel, the ModBUS‑TCP interface can still be used to monitor the GENESYS+ functionality.

Software drivers, a waveform creator and a virtual front panel GUI are provided in the software package. Using the GUI interface, the IP and MAC address may be viewed, a complete IP address can be set up, a ModBUS‑TCP reset performed, and by viewing the REM indicator it is possible to identify remote operation.

The rear mounted 2-port ModBUS‑TCP interface has two shielded Ethernet RJ‑45 connectors allowing multiple ModBUS‑TCP power supplies to be connected directly with their own IP address. Alternatively, the RS‑485 multi‑drop feature allows the connection of up to 31 power supplies using a simple link cable and one shared ModBUS‑TCP IP address.

The ModBUS‑TCP interface can communicate over any standard TCP/IP network, including LAN and WAN, with PING server also being supported. A built‑in webpage provides the capability to read and configure the Ethernet configuration parameters, view ModBUS‑TCP statistics and verify communication.

Full remote program/monitor functions are available, compatible with ModBUS‑TCP test & measurement utilities using the ModBUS‑TCP command language. Programming using TCP sockets, which support PLCs, Linux and other non-VISA controllers, is supported with multiple and simultaneous socket (up to four) connections allowed by port 502.