ODVA Publishes Specs for Integration of Modbus Devices into CIP Architecture
December 16, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The OpenDeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA) published the specifications for the integration of Modbus devices into the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) architecture.
This extension, which was published in the CIP Networks library of specifications, is designed to provide seamless access from CIP originator devices to Modbus target devices consistent with the existing CIP model and provide a standard translation of a subset of CIP functions into the appropriate Modbus functions, according to ODVA.
Users will benefit through increased interoperability between the largest installed base of industrial Ethernet networks - EtherNet/Industrial Protocol (IP) and Modbus/Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) - as well as between automation products from vendors, said ODVA.
Combined, these benefits are touted as reducing cost, time and risk for users deploying and maintaining their network architectures, claims ODVA.
This extension requires no change to existing Modbus/TCP target devices or EtherNet/IP target devices in order to take advantage of the seamless connectivity offered, said ODVA. In addition, no changes are required for installed CIP-Modbus gateway devices.
"This new functionality can be implemented in a gateway device or in a CIP originator and the translation function uses existing CIP parameter and assembly objects," said Todd Snide, chair of the ODVA Modbus Integration Java Special Interest Group (JSIG).
"This extension allows existing vendor-specific CIP-to-Modbus/TCP gateway products to work without change; however, those vendors and users who take advantage of this extension will see an automatic translation that is not similar to the traditional gateway approach: the enablement of a seamless virtual CIP router, allowing CIP messages to be directly sent to Modbus/TCP target devices."
"The integration of Modbus devices into the CIP architecture provides users with two key benefits: the ability to protect their investment in their existing automation installations and a seamless migration path for their next generation network architecture," said Katherine Voss, executive director of ODVA.
EtherNet/IP was introduced in 2001 and has more than 1.4 million installed nodes, said ODVA.
EtherNet/IP and Modbus/TCP are two popular industrial Ethernet protocols and represent more than 50% worldwide market share, according to a market study from ARC Advisory Group.
Products incorporating this new functionality are anticipated to be on the market in 2008, said ODVA. In addition, the development allows for CIP-to-Modbus serial line communication in a future revision of the specifications of the CIP Networks library.
Source: OpenDeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA).