White Paper

MarkIII Modbus Protocol

by Dave Brush, Flotronix Corp.
An authorized Firetrol Representative

iretrol
Modbus is a communication protocol. It is a method used for transmitting informa-
tion between electronic devices. The device requesting the information is called the
Modbus Master for Modbus RTU and Modbus Client for Modbus TCP/IP. The devices
supplying information are Modbus Slaves for Modbus RTU and Modbus Server for
Modbus TCP/IP.

The two types of Modbus1 communication transmission methods used with the
Firetrol MarkIII panels are either RS4852 - RTU3 or TCP/IP4.

An important thing to understand about the common communication standards

such as RS-485, is that they are strictly hardware standards and do not define any
characteristics of the data. These standards describe some electrical characteris-
tics of the media, that is the wire through which the signal passes. Depending on the
user’s system, either 2 wires or 4 wires may be utilized with RS-485.

The most basic difference between Modbus RS485-RTU and Modbus TCP/IP is that
Modbus TCP/IP runs on an Ethernet physical layer, and Modbus RTU is a RS485 serial
level protocol. Modbus TCP/IP is simply the Modbus RTU protocol with a TCP interface
that runs on Ethernet.

Modbus was originally designed to run over direct links between two devices (vari-
ous types of serial cabling) whereas TCP/IP was designed for networks where many
devices are all connected to the same wire.

Summary: Modbus is the communication protocol which is transmitted via either

serial wires or the Ethernet depending on what system the user has in place.

Firetrol MarkIII Controllers are supplied as standard with a Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet port
and acts as a Modbus server.

Firetrol MarkIII Modbus Ethernet TCP/IP Port

If the user requires RS485-RTU serial wire transmission, then an additional gateway
module5 to convert between Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU must be added to the
Firetrol MarkIII panel which will then act as a Modbus slave device. To specify this ad-
ditional module, add Firetrol Option -ZPM1.

Optional Gateway Module for RS485-Modbus RTU Operation

(Firetrol option - ZPM1)

Definitions:

Modbus: Modbus is a ‘communication protocol’ developed by Modicon systems. The Modbus mes-
1

saging structure defines the rules for organizing and interpreting the data independent of the data
transmission medium. Modbus utilizes either the RS-485 or Ethernet as its data transmission medi-
um or wiring type. Modbus supports communication to and from multiple devices connected to the
same cable or Ethernet network.

RS-485: Also known as TIA-485(-A) or EIA-485, is a standard defining the electrical characteristics of
2

drivers and receivers for use in serial communication systems.

3
RTU: A remote terminal unit (RTU) is a microprocessor-controlled electronic device that interfaces ...
software to connect data input streams to data output streams, define communication protocols,
and troubleshoot installation problems in the field. Modbus RTU is used in ‘Serial’ wiring methods.
4
TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a communications architecture
used for networking computers and to communicate across the Internet. It is the language of the
Internet.
5
Gateway Module: Modbus gateway is a network hub, also called an Ethernet communication gate-
way. It facilitates conversion between Modbus RS485-RTU and Modbus TCP/IP. The module includes a
RJ45 Ethernet port and a male DB9 serial port.

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While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness herein, Firetrol, Inc. assumes no responsibility, and disclaims all liability, for damages result-
ing from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Specifications and drawings are subject to change without notice. ©2020 Firetrol, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Publication WHP102720A