Seamless communication between Modbus Ethernet and Modbus serial devices

As one of the most popular automation protocols in the world, Modbus is the standard used for communication between many industrial devices, such as PLCs, DCSs, HMIs, instruments, meters, motors, and drivers. Although Modbus can be used for both serial (RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485) devices and newer Ethernet devices, the serial and Ethernet protocols are so different that a gateway is required in order for one protocol to communicate to the other. The MGate MB3000 is specially designed to integrate Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks, with one Ethernet connection and up to four serial ports.

Powerful options for master/slave configuration between Modbus networks

Master and slave devices must be clearly defined in a Modbus network. Unlike other Modbus gateways, the MGate MB3000 allows protocol conversion in two directions, from Ethernet master to serial slave and from serial master to Ethernet slave. To ensure maximum compliance with all Modbus networks, extra address mapping and exception parameters can be adjusted to handle almost any situation.

Easier integration with automatic calibration of response timeout (patent pending)

Every Modbus device should be assigned a response timeout value, as provided by the device manufacturer based on the computation required for a request. However, manually obtaining and setting these values for every device is difficult and time-consuming, especially in complex networks with a large number of devices. The MGate MB3000 eliminates this difficulty with a patent-pending feature that automatically determines and sets each device's response timeout value

Multiple masters across different Modbus networks, with fully compliant operation

The MGate MB3000 supports 16 simultaneous TCP masters with up to 32 simultaneous requests per master. Serial masters are able to access up to 32 different IP addresses as TCP slaves. MGate MB3000 gateways have been designed so that even with multiple masters across different Modbus networks, communication remains compliant with each Modbus protocol.

Built-in optical isolation for industrial device protection

The advanced models of the MGate MB3000, including the MB3170 and MB3270, offer built-in serial optical isolation as an option. Optical isolation prevents dangerous ground loops, spikes and surges.

Priority control for critical commands (patent pending)

Other Modbus gateways simply transfer all requests between Modbus networks on a FIFO (first in first out) basis, with no accommodation for urgent commands that require immediate attention. The advanced models of the MGate MB3000, including the MB3170 and MB3270, include a patent-pending priority control feature that allows urgent commands to be flagged for immediate response based on IP address, command type, or TCP port. With the priority control feature, the MB3000 advanced models are ideal for developing real-time control systems that would be unable to tolerate the latency issues typical of other Modbus gateways.

Zero change to existing architecture with smart routing and serial redirector

Multiport models of the MGate MB3000 include smart routing for enhanced compatibility with existing Modbus networks. Other Modbus gateways require a separate socket connection for each serial port, making them useless for TCP masters that can only open one connection. With smart routing on the MB3000 Modbus gateway, a TCP master can use just one socket connection to command serial slaves on every serial port.

MGate MB3000 advanced models provide a serial redirector function to allow additional options for Modbus network integration. With the serial redirector function, a serial master's commands can be redirected to serial slaves on another port. In addition, a serial master can operate simultaneously with TCP masters or other serial masters, without altering the Modbus architecture or software. Using the serial redirector function, advanced MB3000 gateways can establish redundant backup control or Ethernet monitoring of Modbus networks that were originally designed for a single serial master.

Powerful, easy-to-use Windows utility

Configuration features
MGate Manager is a Windows utility that enables you to do the following:

Multi-language support
MGate Manager is designed for configuration and monitoring of MB3000 gateways. The utility is easily customized to use the language of your choice.