PortMaster Multiport Communications Module

Overview

The PortMaster is a microprocessor based unit, which enables multi-port serial communicaton, protocol conversion, front-end processing in industrial applications.

It provides protocol conversion from a set of protocols to MODBUS RTU protocol. It is a perfect communication unit that combines many field devices having various communication protocols and converts them into a single MODBUS RTU slave device.

The PortMaster comprises eight identical RS232/RS485 ports. Each port is independently programmable to support different protocols or different interfaces. An interface connector for piggyback boards is also provided for future enhancements such as HART interface, 0-20mA current loops, additional ports, etc.

Each port defined as a MODBUS slave can be connected to a PLC or RTU port defined as a MODBUS master. The ports defined as masters are connected to field devices and provide automatic cyclic polling of the field devices.

The PortMaster is a cascadable unit, which allows to have more than eight ports when required.

Configuration data of the PortMaster is stored in non-volatile Flash memory and can be read/written using PortConfig, a Windows based software.

Key Features

	8 independently programmable RS232/RS485 ports
	Supports MODBUS ASCII, MODBUS RTU, Daniel Flow Computer, Fiomec Flow Computer Protocols
	Each port can be defined as a MODBUS master or MODBUS slave
	Automatic polling of field devices greatly reduces master PLC or RTU processing tasks
	Combines many field devices and converts them into a single MODBUS slave device
	Multiple MODBUS masters can be connected to one unit
	Provides error reporting for each field device
	Configuration is via a personal computer

PortMaster