Talking to your Alicat device: Communication protocols

Every Alicat device is equipped with at least one of the following communication protocols:

Analog (4-20 mA, 0-10 Vdc, 0-5 Vdc, or 1-5 Vdc)
ASCII over RS-232 or RS-485
Modbus RTU
Profibus
DeviceNet
EtherNet/IP
Modbus TCP/IP
EtherCAT

In this article, we present an overview of these communication protocols including electrical requirements, device and software compatibility, and network topologies

ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-232

Alicat devices come default with ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-232. RS-232 interfaces are useful in systems with short-range, low-speed wired data connection. This is an inexpensive option when you only need to communicate with 26 to 32 devices in low-noise environments.

How Alicat’s RS-232 communication works

Modbus RTU has a simple setup and low memory requirement compared to most industrial protocols. It also has broad support among industrial control hardware and software systems. Modbus RTU has a standard set of universal commands, making it easy to use for those who are already familiar with the protocol.

Serial communications primer

ASCII or Modbus over RS-232 specifications

Alicat part number: [default]; -MODBUS on older devices
Analog signals: Yes
Optional certifications: IP66/67; CSA Class 1/Div 2
Electrical connections: Default 8 pin mini-DIN (other options available)
Power over protocol connector: Available
Dedicated power jack: Yes
Additional power requirement: None
Device compatibility: All devices**
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: Yes
Software compatibility: Serial terminals (Alicat Terminal, HyperTerminal, PuTTy); FlowVision 2.0; LabVIEW; Modbus poll (Modbus only)
Max number of devices on network: 26 (ASCII) or 32* (Modbus)
- Topologies: Linear; star

*BASIS devices can have 247 Modbus devices on a network.

**CODA not compatible with Alicat’s ASCII.

Software and drivers

Limitations

Lower transmission speed compared with RS-485 and Ethernet.
Operational across short distances only. Speed falls off considerably with distance.
Not usable in high noise environments.

Serial communication tutorial

ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-485

Choose ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-485 if you are transmitting data across long distances or in a high noise environment. RS-485 can communicate with 26 to 32 devices at once, so larger systems will require an additional industrial protocol (see below).

ASCII over RS-485 is compatible with most devices, excluding CODA and portable options.

Modbus operating bulletin

ASCII or Modbus RTU over RS-485 specifications

Alicat part number: -485; -MODBUS-485 on older devices
Analog signals: Yes
Optional certifications: IP66/67; CSA Class 1/Div 2
Electrical connections: Default 8 pin mini-DIN (other options available)
Power over protocol connector: Available
Dedicated power jack: Yes
Additional power requirement: None
Device compatibility: All devices except portables**
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: Yes
Software compatibility: Serial terminals (Alicat Terminal, HyperTerminal, PuTTy); FlowVision 2.0; LabVIEW; Modbus poll (Modbus only)
Max number of devices on network: 26 (ASCII) or 32* (Modbus)
- Topologies: Linear with termination resistor (120 Ohm)

*BASIS devices can have 247 Modbus devices on a network.

**CODA not compatible with Alicat’s ASCII.

Limitations

Connecting to a computer will typically require the purchase of an RS-485 card.

Modbus FAQ

Profibus DP-V0

Many Alicat devices are available with Profibus for communication with up to 125 devices. Profibus is an open specification communication standard designed for automation equipment.

profibus_logo

Profibus operating bulletin

Profibus specifications

Alicat part number: -PROFIBUS
Secondary protocol: ASCII over RS-232 (primarily for debugging)
Optional certifications: IP66/67
Electrical connections: 9-pin D-sub Profibus connector next to a 4-pin M8 connector for RS-232 communication and power
Power over protocol connector: Available
Dedicated power jack: No
Additional power requirement: 120 mA
Device compatibility: Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: No
Software compatibility: Serial terminals (Alicat Terminal, HyperTerminal, PuTTy); FlowVision 2.0; LabVIEW
Max number of devices on network: 125
- Topologies: Linear with termination resistor

Limitations

To communicate with the Alicat, users must have a Profibus card inside of a PC or a Profibus-enabled PLC.
Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices.
Not as fast as analog or ASCII serial communication.
More expensive than ASCII or Modbus.
Requires 120 mA power.

Profibus FAQ

DeviceNet

DeviceNet is a common choice for automation or factory type settings and can be used to communicate with up to 64 devices. This option has the most limited options for device configurations, and is only available with standard devices with no display.

device net protocol logo

DeviceNet operating bulletin

DeviceNet specifications

Alicat part number: -DNET
Secondary protocol: ASCII over RS-232 (primarily for debugging)
Electrical connections: Male 5-pin M12 connector for DeviceNet (top port) and male 9-pin D-sub connector for RS-232 comms (side port)
Power over protocol connector: Required
Dedicated power jack: No
Additional power requirement: 170 mA
Device compatibility: Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices
- Available with display?: No
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: No
Software compatibility: LabVIEW
Max number of devices on network: 64
- Topologies: Trunk with drop lines

Limitations

Requires a PLC.
Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices.
No display.
No analog signals.
More expensive than ASCII or Modbus.
Requires 170 mA power.

DeviceNet FAQ

EtherNet/IP

EtherNet/IP is one of the most popular industrial protocols, and can be thought of as a newer version of DeviceNet that is able to communicate with an unlimited number of devices. Like DeviceNet, it is only available with standard devices but has the added option of a display.

EtherNet/IP operating bulletin

EtherNet/IP specifications

Alicat part number: -EIP
Electrical connections: Comms over dual RJ45
Power over protocol connector: No
Dedicated power jack: Required
Additional power requirement: 120 mA
Device compatibility: Incompatible with BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: No
Software compatibility: LabVIEW
Max number of devices on network: No limit
- Topologies: Star; linear; ring

Limitations

Requires a PLC.
Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices.
No analog signals.
More expensive than ASCII or Modbus.
Requires 120 mA power.

EtherNet/IP FAQ

Modbus TCP/IP

Modbus TCP/IP is the simplest of ethernet protocols and was created for integration with pre-existing TCP/IP set ups. Use Modbus TCP/IP to communicate with an unlimited number of devices. Like EtherNet/IP, it is only available with standard devices with the option for a display.

Modbus operating bulletin

Modbus TCP/IP specifications

Alicat part number: -MODTCPIP
Electrical connections: Comms over dual RJ45
Power over protocol connector: No
Dedicated power jack: Required
Additional power requirement: 120 mA
Device compatibility: Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: No
Software compatibility: LabVIEW; Modbus Poll
Max number of devices on network: No limit
- Topologies: Star; linear

Limitations

Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices.
No analog signals.
More expensive than ASCII or Modbus.
Requires 120 mA power.

Modbus TCP/IP FAQ

EtherCAT

EtherCAT is the fastest industrial Ethernet technology, with data transmission rates up to 100 mbps. It is also capable of communicating with over 65,000 devices on the same network.

ethercat_logo

EtherCAT operating bulletin

EtherCAT specifications

Alicat part number: -ECAT
Electrical connections: Comms over dual RJ45
Power over protocol connector: No
Dedicated power jack: Required
Additional power requirement: 120 mA
Device compatibility: Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices
- Available with display?: Yes
- Available via retrofitting to standard device?: No
Software compatibility: LabVIEW
Max number of devices on network: 65,535
- Topologies: Star; linear

Limitations

Requires a PLC.
Incompatible with CODA, BASIS, EPC, Class 1 Division 2, and portable devices.
No analog signals.
More expensive than ASCII or Modbus.
Requires 120 mA power.

EtherCAT FAQ

Contact an applications engineer for support