Novice user - Modbus TCP/IP to BACnet IP converter/gateway

Anybus Support Anybus Gateways
#1

Hello,

Sorry for my novice questions. I am very new to the Modbus TCP/IP and BACnet IP communication protocol.

We are planning to install several power meters to monitor the electrical power consumptions of our test beds. We have not finalized the choice of power meters yet, but it is very likely for us to go with the ones that use Modbus TCP/IP, because we like to connect those to our test bed FCS PLC via Modbus tcp/ip for our monitoring program. But there are already some power meters installed in the plant and they use BACnet IP protocol and connect a central building automation program Metasys.

So, I found the Anybus Modbus TCP/IP - BACnet IP conversion gateway (024090-B & AB9900 series). I have several questions:

  1. I see both devices are basically doing the same conversion. What is the difference between the two models?

  2. Also, with the gateway, can the data from the Modbus devices be read simultaneously? ie: BACnet network reads the data from the Modbus devices while the Modbus network reads the data from the Modbus devices at the same time?

  3. what is the learning curve to program these gateway? there is a concern raised that we need a specialist who understands these gateway well or a deep learning curve for us and trial and error to configure these to establish the communications on both sides.

Please advise. Thank you.

Jackson

#2

Hello @Jackson_CAN,

  1. The AB9900 device is replacing the 024090 which has entered “limited” status and will be discontinued shortly. The AB9900 had updated programing software and is a bit more versatile since it supports both Serial and TCP of both protocols.

  2. I am not sure I understand this question. The device is a BACnet server/slave and a MODBUS Master/client. The device is cyclically requesting data from the modbus slaves configured and making it available to be read on the BACnet interface.

  3. This device is simple to set up but you do need some understanding of both protocols to understand what requests need to be made and then published on BACnet. The manual does a great job of explaining how the software works. You can also post any questions here for us to answer.

Deryck