Technical Manual

3019
MODBUS Serial
Communications Card
© 2002 - 2019 RTP Corporation
Specifications, information and graphics are subject to change without notice. Contact
RTP’s corporate office for specifics regarding any changes.
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from RTP Corp.
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RTP Corporation
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Phone: (954) 597-5333
Internet: http://www.rtpcorp.com

Last Updated: 9/12/2019

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 5
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 6
CABLING 7
RS232 Normal Example................................................................................. 8
RS232 Null Modem Example ......................................................................... 9
RS485 Multi-Drop Example ............................................................................ 9
FAILURE RATES IN ACCORDANCE TO IEC 61508 ............................. 10
REDUNDANT I/O CARDS PLACEMENT ................................................ 10
3000 Series System with I/O Cards.............................................................. 10
3100 Series System with I/O Cards.............................................................. 10
3200 Series System with I/O Cards.............................................................. 11
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION ............................................................. 11
Firmware Upgrade ....................................................................................... 11
NetArrays Configuration ............................................................................... 13
Card Properties ...................................................................................... 13
Integer Error Detection ........................................................................... 13
Integer Status ......................................................................................... 14
Redundant Card ID ................................................................................ 14
MODBUS Serial Master Port .................................................................. 15
Frame .................................................................................................... 15
Baud ...................................................................................................... 15
Handshake ............................................................................................. 15
Mode ...................................................................................................... 15
Xmit Start Delay and Xmit Stop Delay .................................................... 15
MaxComdRetries ................................................................................... 16
Node ...................................................................................................... 16
Node Number......................................................................................... 16
Response Timeout (ms) ......................................................................... 16
MODBUS Serial Slave Port .................................................................... 17
Frame .................................................................................................... 17
Baud ...................................................................................................... 17
Handshake ............................................................................................. 17
Mode ...................................................................................................... 17
Xmit Start Delay and Xmit Stop Delay .................................................... 17
NodeNumber.......................................................................................... 18
I/O Timeout (ms) .................................................................................... 18
Bool Input and Bool Output Point Groups ............................................... 18
Start Address ......................................................................................... 19
Inter Scan Delay (ms)............................................................................. 19
Register Type ......................................................................................... 19
Integer Status ......................................................................................... 19
Bool Send Request ................................................................................ 19
Channel ................................................................................................. 19
I/O Tag ................................................................................................... 19

3
 Integer Input and Integer Output Point Groups ....................................... 19
Start Address ......................................................................................... 20
Inter Scan Delay (ms)............................................................................. 20
Register Type ......................................................................................... 20
Integer Status ......................................................................................... 20
Bool Send Request ................................................................................ 21
Channel ................................................................................................. 21
I/O Tag ................................................................................................... 21
Analog Input and Analog Output Point Groups ....................................... 22
Start Address ......................................................................................... 22
Inter Scan Delay (ms)............................................................................. 22
Register Type ......................................................................................... 22
Integer Status ......................................................................................... 23
Bool Send Request ................................................................................ 23
Channel ................................................................................................. 23
I/O Tag ................................................................................................... 23
COMPLIANCE WITH CE MARK ............................................................. 23
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS .......................................................... 26
REFERENCED COMPANIES .................................................................. 27
DEFINITIONS 27

4
Introduction

The 3019 MODBUS Serial Communications Cards provides four serial communication links with
MODBUS-compatible controllers. It supports integration of an RTP control system with
equipment using the MODBUS Serial protocol. When used with the 3099/25-100 termination
module, it provides four female DB-9 connections for wiring to other MODBUS Serial devices.
The MODBUS Serial Communications Card manages all aspects of the protocol and data
exchange including message translating and formatting, message checking and CRC generation
and checking, responding to MODBUS controllers with proper acknowledgements and error or
success codes, and protocol data byte ordering. This built-in intelligence unburdens the RTP
controller’s processor from the responsibility of managing the MODBUS protocol.
I/O bus checking diagnostics, card address tests, and configuration tests are performed each
time the controller accesses the card. All data and control transfers are performed twice, once
using the actual data and then using the data inverted. Both versions of the data are compared
to verify that all I/O bus data bits are functioning properly. The configuration code from the card is
compared to the I/O configuration to check that the correct card is installed in the rack. I/O Bus
slot address and control signal contention tests also are performed. Any fault detected sets
status bits in an error detection variable returned to the user application program.
A watchdog timer on the card can stop communications on all serial ports in the event backplane
communication errors persist.
An LED, located near the top of the front panel, indicates if the card is operational. If right LED is
on, the card is functioning normally; if it is off, the card has detected an error or is offline, and if it
is blinking (5 blinks) it means that it is in Bootloader mode.

5
Specifications
Card Address: Determined by the slot of the controller backplane
Isolation: 500 V Serial Port to RTP System
Standards Supported: MODBUS Serial Protocol (client mode or server mode)
Number of Ports: 4 Serial Ports (J1, J2, J3 and J4)
User Connectors: 4 Female DB-9
Data Rate: 1200 to 115200 baud
Interfaces:
RS485 Interface:
Mode: Full Duplex or Half Duplex
Protection: Current Limiting
Receiver Input Resistance: 24 k
Distance: 4000 feet
RS232 Interface:
Mode: Full Duplex
Wiring: Null-Modem or Normal
Handshaking: Clear To Send / Request To Send or None
Receiver Input Resistance: 5 k
Distance: 50 feet
Watchdog Timer:
Fixed 1.6 s maximum
Termination Module Connectors: One D-Sub connector, 37 pins for use with the 3056/00
Digital Cables.
Termination Module: 3099/25-100 Single Termination Module
Termination Module Dimensions: Termination Module is 4.38 inches (11.1 centimeters) in
height, 3.75 inches (9.5 centimeters) in depth and 10.53
inches (26.7 centimeters) wide. Module dimension values
are ± 0.05 inches or ± 0.127 centimeters.

6
Cabling

J2 J1

J3 J4

ON OFF ON OFF

Figure 1: Serial ports J1, J2, J3 and J4 on the 3099/25-100 termination module.

There are 4 ports on the termination module: J1, J2, J3 and J4. Each port has 4 groups of
switches as shown.

MODBUS Port J1 J2 J3 J4
Switches SW1 – SW 4 SW5 – SW8 SW9 – SW12 SW13 – SW16

Each switch group for each port is set as shown.

7
Table 1: Configuration of switches for serial communications (Switches not shown are in OFF state
by default).
Configurations
RS232 RS485
Normal Null-Modem (Full Full Duplex Half Duplex
(Full or Half of Half Duplex)
Duplex)
First switch group Switch #2: ON Switch #3: ON Switch #6: ON Switch #2: ON
in port group Switch #8: ON Switch #8: ON
(SW1, SW5, SW9 (*)
or SW13)
Second switch Switch #6: ON Switch #5: ON Switch #2: ON Switch #5: ON
group in port
group (SW2, SW6,
SW10 or SW14)
Third switch group Switch #3: ON Switch #2: ON Switch #5: ON Switch #2: ON
in port group Switch #8: ON
(SW3, SW7,
SW11 or SW15)
Fourth switch Switch #5: ON Switch #6: ON Switch #3: ON Switch #5: ON
group in port Switch #8: ON Switch #8: ON
group (SW4, SW8,
SW12 or SW16)

(*) Only the end nodes of the bus should be set to ON. Intermediate nodes in RS485 multi-
drop should be OFF.

Table 2: DB-9 female pin layout for serial ports J1, J2, J3 and J4
Pin RS232 RS232 RS485 RS485
Number Normal Null-Modem Full Duplex Half Duplex
1, 4, 6 & 9 No Connection
2 Receive Transmit Receive - Inverting Transmit / Receive -Inverting
3 Transmit Receive Transmit - Inverting No Connection
5 Isolated Ground
Transmit – Transmit / Receive –
7 Request To Send
Non-Inverting Non-Inverting
Receive –
8 Clear To Send No Connection
Non-Inverting

When configuring in RS485 Half Duplex, the card will need a line polarization. Therefore,
one pair of resistors must be connected on the RS485 balanced pair: A pull-up resistor to
a 5V on the Transmit / Receive Non-Inverting line (On RTP DB-9 pin 7) and a pull-down
resistor to the common circuit on the Transmit / Receive Inverting line (On RTP DB-9 pin 2).
The value of the resistors must be between 450 Ohms and 650 Ohms. The polarization of
the pair must be implemented at one location for the whole serial bus.

RS232 Normal Example

The DB-9 cable connections below show an example to connect to a modem. Request to Send
and Clear to Send (cables marked in red) may not be needed; therefore consult your modem
instructions.

8
 Modem 3099/25-100
Port J1, J2,
J3 or J4
1 1 No Connection
2 2 Transmit
3 3 Receive
4 4 No Connection
5 5 Ground
6 6 No Connection
7 7 Request To Send
8 8 Clear To Send
9 9 No Connection

RS232 Null Modem Example

The DB-9 cable connections below show an example to connect to another system in a short
distance.

MODBUS Device 3099/25-100

Port J1, J2,
J3 or J4
1 1 No Connection
2 2 Receive
3 3 Transmit
4 4 No Connection
5 5 Ground
6 6 No Connection
7 7 Request To Send
8 8 Clear To Send
9 9 No Connection

RS485 Multi-Drop Example

The DB-9 cable connections below show an example to connect to other systems in full duplex
mode:

MODBUS Drop 3099/25-100

Port J1, J2,
J3 or J4
1 1 No Connection
2 2 Receive (Inverting)
3 3 Transmit (Inverting)
4 4 No Connection
5 5 Ground
6 6 No Connection
7 7 Transmit (Non-Inverting)
8 8 Receive (Non-Inverting)
9 9 No Connection

9
The DB-9 cable connections below show an example to connect to other systems in a half duplex
mode. Only one pair of resistors (marked in red) need to be installed for the whole multi-drop line
as shown below.

MODBUS Drop 3099/25-100

Port J1, J2,
J3 or J4
1 1 No Connection
2 2 Transmit Receive (Inverting)
3 3 No Connection
450Ω - 650Ω
4 4 No Connection
5 5 Ground
6 6 No Connection
7 7 Transmit Receive (Non-Inverting)
8 450Ω - 650Ω
8 No Connection
9 +
9 No Connection
-
V
+5 +5 VDC

Failure Rates in Accordance to IEC 61508

The 3019 MODBUS Serial card cannot be used for safety-critical functions because the
MODBUS protocol itself is not a safety-certified communication protocol. However, the module is
non-interfering with other safety-critical modules and therefore can be used for non-safety related
functions.

Redundant I/O Cards Placement

3000 Series System with I/O Cards
Redundant I/O cards may be located in any chassis; there are no restrictions.

3100 Series System with I/O Cards

Redundant I/O cards in non-safety 3100 systems have the following chassis placement
restrictions. All Redundant I/O Cards may be located in the same chassis or in a single other
redundant chassis.
There can be multiple pairs of redundant chassis, but all redundant I/O cards must stay within the
same chassis pair as the other cards in the chassis pair.

This is an example of a good redundant configuration. All Redundant I/O cards are within two
chassis only:
Rack0 Slot0 is redundant with Rack0 Slot1 (OK-Redundant cards in same Rack)
Rack0 Slot2 is redundant with Rack1 Slot5 (OK-Redundant cards in first Rack and second Rack)
Rack0 Slot3 is redundant with Rack1 Slot10 (OK-Redundant cards in first Rack and second Rack)

This is an example of a bad redundant configuration. The redundant cards are distributed over
three chassis:
Rack0 Slot0 is redundant with Rack0 Slot1 (OK-Redundant cards in same Rack)
Rack0 Slot2 is redundant with Rack1 Slot5 (OK-Redundant cards in first Rack and second Rack)
Rack0 Slot3 is redundant with Rack2 Slot5 (Not OK-Redundant cards in first Rack and third Rack)

10
 3200 Series System with I/O Cards
Redundant I/O cards may be located in any chassis; there are no restrictions.

Software Configuration
Firmware Upgrade

Figure 2: MODBUS Serial Card

In case where a new version of the MODBUS Serial Card firmware is required to be installed,
follow these steps:

1. Make sure in NetArrays that the MODBUS Serial Card is enabled and is scanning without
errors.
2. On the “RTP NetSuite” distribution CD, locate IOBPCard.bin under the directory
“Firmware\MODBUS SERIAL”. Copy this file into the “RTP NetSuite\NetArrays” sub-directory
3. Open an MS-DOS command prompt and change into the “RTP NetSuite\NetArrays” sub-
directory.
4. By using the remote file transfer program, issue the download command as following:

C:\RTP NetSuite\NetArrays>RfTP.exe [IP Address] IOBPCard.bin /S rr ss /P "******"

For example if the IP address of the Node Processor is 89.89.89.89 and the MODBUS Serial
card is located in Rack 2. Slot 5 and the controller has the password “RTP”, then issue the
following:

C:\RTP NetSuite\NetArrays>RfTP.exe 89.89.89.89 IOBPCard.bin /S 02 05 /P "RTP"

For details of argument usage of the remote file transfer program, invoke the executable
without arguments.
5. If supplied, download the file PLD3019.PLD as described in the previous step.

11
6. If no errors are received during the download procedure, use NetArrays in Debug mode and
from the I/O configuration page, right click to the corresponding MODBUS Serial Card and
issue the “Disable” command.
7. Pull out and re-insert the card.
8. Use NetArrays in Debug mode and from the I/O configuration page, right click to the
corresponding MODBUS Serial Card and issue the “Enable” command.

Alternatively, you can upgrade the firmware of the MODBUS Serial Card in bootloader mode:

1. Disable power to the I/O card: Either

a. turn off the power to the chassis or
b. use NetArrays in Debug mode and from the I/O configuration page, right click to the
corresponding MODBUS Serial Card and issue the “Disable” command.
2. Pull out the I/O card and set switch 8 on DIP switch SW1 to ON position.
3. Reinsert the I/O card and make sure the chassis power is ON and the chassis I/O is being
scanned: Enable chassis in Debug mode of NetArrays if Rack Latching feature is enabled. In
debug mode of NetArrays, issue Enable command from the I/O configuration for the card.
The card’s front LED will be blinking to indicate that it is in bootloader mode.
4. On the “RTP NetSuite” distribution CD, locate IOBPCard.bin under the directory
“Firmware\MODBUS SERIAL”. Copy this file into the “RTP NetSuite\NetArrays” sub-directory
5. Open an MS-DOS command prompt and change into the “RTP NetSuite\NetArrays” sub-
directory.
6. By using the remote file transfer program, issue the download command as following:

C:\RTP NetSuite\NetArrays>RfTP.exe [IP Address] IOBPCard.bin /S rr ss /P "******"

For example if the IP address of the Node Processor is 89.89.89.89 and the MODBUS Serial
card is located in Rack 2. Slot 5 and the controller has the password “RTP”, then issue the
following:

C:\RTP NetSuite\NetArrays>RfTP.exe 89.89.89.89 IOBPCard.bin /S 02 05 /P "RTP"

For details of argument usage of the remote file transfer program, invoke the executable
without arguments.
If the file download is unsuccessful:
a. Power off the chassis.
b. Power on the chassis.
c. Enable chassis in Debug mode of NetArrays if Rack Latching feature is enabled. Do not
issue the command to enable the MODBUS Serial card.
d. Issue the MS-DOS command to download the firmware as described above.
7. If supplied, download the file PLD3019.PLD as described in the previous step.
8. If no errors are received during the download procedure, disable power to the I/O card.
9. Pull out the I/O card and set switch 8 on DIP switch SW1 to OFF position.
10. Reinsert the I/O card and make sure the chassis power is ON and the I/O card is being
scanned (Enable chassis in Debug mode of NetArrays if Rack Latching feature is enabled or
right click to the corresponding MODBUS Serial Card and issue the “Enable” command.).

12
NetArrays Configuration
The MODBUS Serial card provides four MODBUS protocol serial ports. It acts as an interface
between the RTP target node and several controller nodes that may contain digital and analog
I/O points.

The MODBUS Serial Card supports the following functions:

Code Function Supported Port

Master Slave
1 Read Coils  
2 Read Discrete Inputs  
3 Read Holding Registers  
4 Read Input Registers  
5 Write Single Coil 
6 Write Single Register 
15 Force Multiple Coils  
16 Preset Multiple Register  

Card Properties

Integer Error Detection

The Error Detection input is an Int Variable that provides I/O card status information within the
user application program. The format of this variable is common to all RTP I/O cards. A Card
Timeout Error (Bit 0) will set the Error Latch bit (Bit14), which will remain set until this bit is
cleared to zero by an operator. While the Error Latch is set, the card will be offline and the target
node will not attempt to communicate with it. Note that most cards do not use all the status bits
shown. Any unused bits will always equal zero.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
ERR DATA DATA CARD CARD CBL TIME
LTCH ERR INV ID ERR ERR OUT

Bit 14 Card Error Latch

Bit 9 Backplane Bus Data Error
Bit 8 Data Invalid
Bit 7 Card ID Does Not Match I/O Configuration
Bit 6 Card Setup Error

13
Bit 5 Cable Detect Error
Bit 0 Card Timeout Error

Bit 14 Card Error Latch

This status bit indicates that a Card Timeout Error occurred on the I/O card, and that it
has been taken offline. The card will not be initialized or placed online until this bit is
cleared in the project program or operator intervention.
Note: If this bit is set, it must be cleared to return the card to operation. The correct way
to clear this bit is to select the card’s icon in the I/O configuration Form while NetArrays is
operating in Debug mode and answer “Yes” to the prompt. See I/O Card Status and
Control. (It is also possible to change the value of this variable by forcing an Integer Bit
Variable object, with Bit 14 selected in the object's properties, to zero. Do not clear the
entire Error Detection Integer Variable to zero.)
Bit 9 Backplane Bus Data Error
This status bit is applicable only to I/O cards with Backplane Bus data checking
capability. It indicates that a data error was detected in a data or command transfer to or
from an I/O card.
Bit 8 Data Invalid
For a 3000 system, this status bit indicates that the I/O card is not ready to send valid
data.
Bit 7 Card ID Does Not Match I/O Configuration
This bit indicates that the ID code read from the I/O card does not match the card type
specified in the NetArrays I/O configuration.
Bit 6 Card Setup Error
Bit 5 Cable Detect Error
This bit indicates that one or more of the cables are not connected to the I/O card or
between the I/O card and the termination block.
Bit 0 Card Timeout Error
This bit indicates that there was no response from the I/O card. The card is not returning
a ready test signal, is offline, or has been removed from the chassis. This bit sets the
Card Error Latch (Bit 14).

Integer Status
This status word will always display zero.

Redundant Card ID
If the inputs of two or three of these cards are connected in a redundant configuration, a unique
Redundant Card ID must be assigned to the cards to identify them as being part of the same
parallel redundant group. ModBus Serial cards are considered to be connected in a redundant
configuration if the ports are connected to the same serial line. Assigning them to a redundant
group allows one card at a time to be active on the network.
The Redundant Card ID number assigned to one group must not be assigned to any other group
of redundant cards. If the cards are not connected in a redundant configuration, the Redundant
Card ID must be 0.

14
MODBUS Serial Master Port
The MODBUS Serial card has four serial ports. Each of them can be configured either as Master
Serial Port or Slave Serial Port. It acts as an interface between the RTP target node and several
controller nodes that may contain digital and analog I/O points.

Frame
This field selects the number of bits and parity option. Choose one of the following:
 8 bits 1 stop bit
 8 bits 2 stop bits
 8 bits even parity
 8 bits odd parity
 7 bits 1 stop bit (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits 2 stop bits (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits even parity (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits odd parity (to be used in ASCII modes)

Baud
This field selects the baud rate for the channel. Choose 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 28800,
38400, 57600, or 115200.

Handshake
Use this field to either enable or disable the use of the Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To
Send (CTS) signals. Choose either No RTS/CTS (RS232 or RS485) or Use RTS/CTS (RS232
only).

Mode
The MODBUS Serial Card supports two data protocols: Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and ASCII.
Select RTU half-duplex, RTU full-duplex, ASCII half-duplex or ASCII full-duplex as required.

Xmit Start Delay and Xmit Stop Delay

In a multi-drop serial communications system, the serial transmitter is turned on to transmit, and
then turned off when transmission is finished. These entries are delay times, in 100 microseconds,
for the starting of transmission after turn-on, and the turn-off after transmission is complete. Valid range is
0 to 99.

15
MaxComdRetries
This parameter sets the maximum number of command transmission retries for the port. Select
0, 1, 2, or 3 retries. The default is 1 retry.

Node

This represents the target Slave MODBUS Node information that the RTP Master MODBUS
Serial controller will be communicating with. The RTP Master MODBUS Serial controller can
communicate with several other MODBUS Slave Serial controllers, therefore users can enter
multiple MODBUS Serial nodes under the MODBUS Serial Master Port. It provides the physical
Serial connection between Port and a number of Point Groups. Initially, there are no Nodes
connected to the Port. Nodes are configured by dragging a MODBUS Serial Node icon from the
I/O Configuration toolbox to a Node=Empty cell.

Node Number
Enter the node number that matches the node number (slave address) physically configured on
the slave equipment. Valid range is 0 to 247.

Response Timeout (ms)

Enter a response timeout, in milliseconds, that will determine the time period between retries. Its
value depends on the characteristics of the attached MODBUS devices. The timeout specified
for a node must be long enough to account for the longest delay between the node receiving a
command and sending a complete reply.

16
MODBUS Serial Slave Port

The MODBUS Serial card has four serial ports. Each of them can be configured either as Master
Serial Port or Slave Serial Port. It acts as an interface between the RTP target node and several
controller nodes that may contain digital and analog I/O points.

Frame
This field selects the number of bits and parity option. Choose one of the following:
 8 bits 1 stop bit
 8 bits 2 stop bits
 8 bits even parity
 8 bits odd parity
 7 bits 1 stop bit (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits 2 stop bits (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits even parity (to be used in ASCII modes)
 7 bits odd parity (to be used in ASCII modes)

Baud
This field selects the baud rate for the channel. Choose 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 28800,
38400, 57600, or 115200.

Handshake
Use this field to either enable or disable the use of the Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To
Send (CTS) signals. Choose either No RTS/CTS (RS232 or RS485) or Use RTS/CTS (RS232
only).

Mode
The MODBUS Serial Card supports two data protocols: Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and ASCII.
Select RTU half-duplex, RTU full-duplex, ASCII half-duplex or ASCII full-duplex as required.

Xmit Start Delay and Xmit Stop Delay

In a multi-drop serial communications system, the serial transmitter is turned on to transmit, and
then turned off when transmission is finished. These entries are delay times, in 100

17
microseconds, for the starting of transmission after turn-on, and the turn-off after transmission is
complete. Valid range is 0 to 99.

NodeNumber
Enter the node number that will identify the 3019/00 MODBUS Serial Slave Port as a unique
physical address on the connected serial network. Valid range is 0 to 247.

I/O Timeout (ms)

Enter an I/O response timeout, in milliseconds, that will determine the time period between
retries. Its value depends on the characteristics of the attached MODBUS devices. The timeout
specified for a node must be long enough to account for the longest delay between the node
receiving a command and sending a complete reply.

Bool Input and Bool Output Point Groups

Note: The total number of point groups configured in each MODBUS card must
be less or equal to 64.

Adding a Bool Input Point Group or Bool Output Point Group to the node creates 16 Bool I/O
points.

18
Start Address
A start address for the Point Group must be entered here to create a contiguous MODBUS
message exchange within the controller node.

Inter Scan Delay (ms)

The Inter Scan Delay defines the scan rate, in terms of a minimum delay between accesses in
milliseconds. For example, if the delay is 100, the point group will not be scanned until 100
milliseconds have elapsed since the last time it was scanned.

Register Type
For Bool Point Groups only, this entry selects the source of the data. Select “Input” for MODBUS
Discrete Inputs data, or “Coil” for MODBUS Coils data. A master port cannot have an output
point group of type “Input”.

Integer Status
The Point Group Integer Status input is an Int Variable that supplies operating information for the
Point Group. Its meaning is as follows:

0 Normal
1 Exception status from MODBUS response message
256 Slave Point Group or Offline. Used for Signal Validation.

You can enable or disable Integer Status variable by clicking on Type column and select "Int" or
"Disable".

Bool Send Request

If this variable is configured in MODBUS Master mode, then the values of the configured
MODBUS variables in the point group will be transferred, whenever the value of this Boolean
variable transitions from FALSE to TRUE. The variable is ignored in all other MODBUS
configurations.
You can enable or disable Bool Send Request variable by clicking on Type column and select
"Bool" or "Disable".

Channel
Up to 16 Bool input or output points can be configured for each Point Group. Initially, all I/O
points are enabled (Bool). To access a Bool input or output point, you must enable it (Bool).
Disabled points will not be scanned. The first point in a group should always be enabled,
disabled points within a group are allowed.

I/O Tag
Each Bool input or output channel is accessed by a Bool Variable object. NetArrays assigns a
Tag to each channel when the channel is enabled. Reconfigure the I/O Tag as required to match
the Module Form Bool Variable object that is used to access the channel.
Note! All unused un-terminated I/O points must be disabled in IO Configuration.

Integer Input and Integer Output Point Groups

Note: The total number of point groups configured in each MODBUS card
must be less or equal to 64.

19
Adding an Integer Input Point Group or Integer Output Point Group to the node creates 16 Integer
Raw Count I/O points.

Start Address
A start address for the Point Group must be entered here to create a contiguous MODBUS
message exchange within the controller node.

Inter Scan Delay (ms)

The Inter Scan Delay defines the scan rate, in terms of a minimum delay between accesses in
milliseconds. For example, if the delay is 100, the point group will not be scanned until 100
milliseconds have elapsed since the last time it was scanned.

Register Type
For Int Point Groups only, this entry selects the source of the data. Select “Input Register” for
MODBUS Input Registers data or “Holding Register” for MODBUS Holding Register output data.
A master port cannot have an output group of type “Input”.

Integer Status
The Point Group Integer Status input is an Int Variable that supplies operating information for the
Point Group. Its meaning is as follows:

0 Normal
1 Exception status from MODBUS response message

20
256 Slave Point Group or Offline. Used for Signal Validation.

You can enable or disable Integer Status variable by clicking on Type column and select "Int" or
"Disable".

Bool Send Request

If this variable is configured in MODBUS Master mode, then the values of the configured
MODBUS variables in the point group will be transferred, whenever the value of this Boolean
variable transitions from FALSE to TRUE. The variable is ignored in all other MODBUS
configurations.
You can enable or disable Bool Send Request variable by clicking on Type column and select
"Bool" or "Disable".

Channel
Up to 16 Integer input or output points can be configured for each Point Group. Initially, all I/O
points are enabled (Integer). To access an Integer input or output point, you must enable it
(Integer). Disabled points will not be scanned. The first point in a group should always be
enabled, disabled points within a group are allowed. The float selection is not applicable.

I/O Tag
Each Integer input or output channel is accessed by an Int Variable object. NetArrays assigns a
Tag to each channel when the channel is enabled. Reconfigure the I/O Tag as required to match
the Module Form Int Variable object that is used to access the channel.
Note! All unused un-terminated I/O points must be disabled in IO Configuration.

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Analog Input and Analog Output Point Groups

Note: The total number of point groups configured in each MODBUS card
must be less or equal to 64.

Adding an Analog Input Point Group or Analog Output Point Group to the node creates 16
floating-point engineering units I/O points.

Start Address
A start address for the Point Group must be entered here to create a contiguous MODBUS
message exchange within the controller node.

Inter Scan Delay (ms)

The Inter Scan Delay defines the scan rate, in terms of a minimum delay between accesses in
milliseconds. For example, if the delay is 100, the point group will not be scanned until 100
milliseconds have elapsed since the last time it was scanned.

Register Type
For Float Point Groups only, this entry selects the source of the data. Select “Input Register” for
MODBUS Input Register or “Holding Register” for MODBUS Holding Register output data. A
master port cannot have an output group of type “Input Register”.

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Integer Status
The Point Group Integer Status input is an Int Variable that supplies operating information for the
Point Group. Its meaning is as follows:

0 Normal
1 Exception status from MODBUS response message
256 Slave Point Group or Offline. Used for Signal Validation.

You can enable or disable Integer Status variable by clicking on Type column and select "Int" or
"Disable".

Bool Send Request

If this variable is configured in MODBUS Master mode, then the values of the configured
MODBUS variables in the point group will be transferred, whenever the value of this Boolean
variable transitions from FALSE to TRUE. The variable is ignored in all other MODBUS
configurations.
You can enable or disable Bool Send Request variable by clicking on Type column and select
"Bool" or "Disable".

Channel
Up to 16 Float input or output points can be configured for each Point Group. Initially, all I/O
points are enabled (Float). To access a Float input or output point, you must enable it (Float).
Disabled points will not be scanned. The first point in a group should always be enabled,
disabled points within a group are allowed. The Integer selection is not applicable.

I/O Tag
Each Float input or output channel is accessed by a Float Variable object. NetArrays assigns a
Tag to each channel when the channel is enabled. Reconfigure the I/O Tag as required to match
the Module Form Float Variable object that is used to access the channel.
Note! All unused un-terminated I/O points must be disabled in IO Configuration.

Compliance with CE Mark

This section describes how to install and operate RTP equipment for use in the European Union
(EU) to comply with the requirements of the CE Mark and its referenced standards. The
procedures in this section apply also to other environments where provisions of the EU’s EMC
and Low Voltage Directives are either required or desirable.
RTP Corporation has successfully tested and reviewed its products to the stringent requirements
of the European Union’s EMC Directives (2004/108/EC) and Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC).
In order for the equipment to meet the requirements of these directives, the equipment
must be installed and operated in accordance with these instructions.
These tests and reviews are in accordance to EN 61131-2:2007 as listed in the next section.
Information on the tests performed and the standards involved is available from RTP Corporation.
To comply with the requirements of the CE Mark and its referenced standards, the system
integrator, installer, and end user must store, integrate, install, and operate this equipment in
accordance with the following guidelines.
1. Compliance with all product specific instructions (including but not limited to storage
instructions, installation instructions, operating instructions, maintenance instructions,
disposal instructions, and specifications) is required.

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2. RTP equipment is rated for use in Installation Category (Overvoltage Category) II and
Pollution Degree 2 environments in accordance with standard IEC 664.
3. To assure that an Operator is not exposed to electrical hazards, all equipment capable of
electrical hazards must be housed in a grounded enclosure (equipment cabinet/rack) that
limits access to the equipment only to Service Personnel. Limited access may include
enclosure doors and side panels, which are locked or require a tool to open. To assure
compliance with the EMC requirements, the equipment must be housed in an enclosure
(equipment cabinet/rack) that provides EMC shielding. Compliance testing was
performed in a shielded equipment rack provided by Hoffman Concept® Wall Mounted
Enclosure model number CSD242420. To assure compliance, the equipment must be
installed in this style cabinet, or one with similar or greater RF attenuation characteristics.
The cabinet should be outfitted with continuous copper finger gasketing and copper foil
along all seams and joints.
4. The Service Personnel must be trained to operate the equipment and must be aware of
the potential of electrical hazards of the equipment and of the field I/O signals connected
to the equipment.
5. Hazardous voltage warning labels must be applied to the enclosure doors adjacent to the
locking mechanisms to warn the Service Personnel that hazardous voltages are
contained within the enclosure, if modules carrying 120 V and above are used.
6. Hazardous voltage warning labels also must be applied to the termination modules
(which carry 120 V and above), adjacent to the external connectors, to warn the Service
Personnel that hazardous voltages are present at the module's terminal blocks.
7. To assure compliance with the EMC requirements, the equipment must have all
communications, power, and field signal cabling exiting the enclosure enclosed in metal
conduits or shielded wireways. These conduits must provide EMI/RFI shielding and must
be terminated at the enclosure shell. There must be no uncovered openings in the
cabinet. Connections between the cabinet and conduit must be made with conduit
connectors making good (low impedance) electrical contact to the enclosure. Input
mains power to the enclosure and mains power fed to switching digital output I/O cards
and modules must be filtered by AC mains filters with attenuation characteristics of
Corcom VR series filters or with similar filters with equal or greater attenuation
characteristics.
8. DC input mains power to the enclosure and mains power must be filtered by a DC mains
filters with attenuation characteristics of Corcom 6EH1 series filters or with similar filters
with equal or greater attenuation characteristics.
9. Insulation strip length of 0.26 inches (6.5 mm) is required on all field wirings to the I/O
card termination modules.
10. The disposal of any electronic products must be in accordance with local regulations (e.g.
Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste electrical
and electronic equipment). Some RTP Corporation products contain materials that may
be detrimental to the environment. These materials may include, but are not limited to
lead (in solder) and lithium (in batteries).
11. Prior to storage or shipping, the equipment must be packaged in accordance with the
following guidelines:
● Inventory all items and inspect all components for damage.
● Verify that all fasteners are properly tightened and that the chassis I/O module
retaining bar is properly installed.
● Wrap the chassis assembly in plastic bubble wrap.

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● Select a suitable shipping box that provides at least 1½ inches of space between the
equipment and all sides of the box. This space shall be tightly packed with packing
peanuts or bubble wrap to protect the equipment during storage or shipping.
● Close and secure the box with suitable packing tape.
● Do not stack boxes more than three high. Store the boxes in a protected, dry
environment. Do not expose the boxes to rain or environmental conditions beyond
the ranges specified for the equipment in this document.

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Environmental Conditions
The modules are rated for the following environmental conditions:

Specification Type Recommended Range Test Specification

IEC 60068-2-30, Db
Operating Temperature -20 ºC to 60 ºC
RTP Type Testing
Operating Temperature Change 10 ºC/minute IEC 60068-2-14 Test Nb
Operating Humidity 10% to 95% non-condensing IEC 60068-2-30, Db
IEC 60068-2-1 Tests Ab, Ad
Storage Temperature -40 ºC to 85 ºC IEC 60068-2-2 Tests Bb, Bd
RTP Type Testing
Storage Temperature Change 10 ºC/minute IEC 60068-2-14 Test Na
Storage Humidity 0% to 100% condensing IEC 60068-2-30, Db
Vibration 9 Hz to 150 Hz at 1 g IEC 60068-2-6, Fc
Mechanical Shock 15 g for 11 milliseconds IEC 60068-2-27, Ea
Electrostatic Discharge Immunity ±6 kV contact IEC 61000-4-2
80 MHz to 1 GHz at 20 V/m
1 GHz to 2.1 GHz at 10 V/m
Radiated E-Field Immunity IEC 61000-4-3
2.1 GHz to 2.5 GHz at 5 V/m
2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz at 1 V/m
Ethernet Line Burst Immunity ±2 kV IEC 61000-4-4
Ethernet Line Surge Immunity ±2 kV IEC 61000-4-5
Ethernet Line Conducted RF
150 kHz to 80 MHz at 10 V IEC 61000-4-6
Immunity
Pulsed Magnetic Field 300 A/m IEC 61000-4-9

Modules can be ordered with optional HumiSeal© conformal coating. In this case, the modules
can be installed in G3 harsh environmental conditions as defined in standard ISA–S71.04–1985.
This equipment is intended for use in altitudes up to 2000 meters. Contact RTP regarding use in
altitudes higher than 2000 meters.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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Referenced Companies
Corcom Inc.; Libertyville, Illinois, USA; 708-680-7400
Hoffman; Anoka, Minnesota, USA; 763-422-2178

Definitions
OPERATOR is any personnel other than SERVICE PERSONNEL. Requirements
assume that the OPERATOR is oblivious to electrical hazards, but does not act
intentionally in creating a hazard.
SERVICE PERSONNEL are assumed reasonably careful in dealing with obvious
hazards.
CE Conformité Européenne
EMC Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
EMI Electro-Magnetic Interference
EC European Community
EN European Norm
ESD Electro-Static Discharge
EU European Union
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
MPU Main Processing Unit
PLD Programmable Logic Device
RF Radio Frequency
RFI Radio Frequency Interference
SOE Sequence of Events

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