MGate MB3170/MGate MB3270 Series

Features and Benefits 

• Supports Auto-Device Routing for easy configuration
• Supports route by TCP port or IP address for flexible deployment
• Accessible by up to 32 TCP master/client devices, or connect to up to 32 TCP slave/server devices
• Supports up to 31 or 62 serial slave devices
• Ethernet cascading for easy wiring
• Serial port routing by IP address, TCP port, or ID mapping
• Serial redirector function provided
• Embedded Modbus traffic monitor 
• 10/100BaseTX (RJ45) or 100BaseFX (single mode or multi-mode with SC/ST connector)

Overview

The MGate MB3170 and MB3270 are 1 and 2-port Modbus gateways,
respectively, that convert between Modbus TCP, ASCII, and RTU communication protocols. The gateways provide both serial-to-Ethernet communication and serial(Master)-to-serial(Slave) communication. In addition, the gateways support simultaneously connecting serial and Ethernet masters with serial Modbus devices. The MGate MB3170 and MB3270 series gateways can be accessed by up to 32 TCP master/clients or connect to up to 32 TCP slave/servers. Routing through the serial ports can be controlled by IP address, TCP port number, or ID mapping. A featured priority control function allows urgent commands to obtain an immediate response. All models are rugged, DIN-rail mountable, and offer optional built-in optical isolation for serial signals. 

Integration of TCP masters without alteration to Modbus RTU/ASCII network or software

The MB3270 can integrate Modbus TCP with Modbus RTU/ASCII, without modifying the existing Modbus RTU/ASCII architecture or software. With the serial redirector function, a serial master can maintain direct access to serial slave devices through a specially mapped serial port. This allows the serial and TCP masters to access serial slaves simultaneously.

Auto-Device Routing for Easy Configuration (Patent Pending)

Moxa’s Auto-Device Routing function helps eliminate many of the problems and inconveniences encountered by engineers who need to configure large numbers of Modbus devices. A single mouse click is all that’s required to set up a slave ID routing table and configure Modbus gateways to automatically detect Modbus requests from a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. By removing the need to manually create the slave ID routing table, the Auto-Device Routing function saves engineers significant time and cost.

Cascading Ethernet ports for easy wiring

Advanced models of the MGate™ MB3000 series have two Ethernet ports to make network wiring easier. Dual Ethernet ports allow users to string multiple Modbus gateways together using standard RJ45 Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet switch.

Redundant power inputs

Advanced models of the MB3000 series have dual power inputs for greater reliability. The power inputs allow simultaneous connections to two live DC power sources, so that continuous operation is provided even if one power source fails. The higher level of reliability makes these advanced Modbus gateways ideal for demanding industrial applications.

Warning by relay output

A relay output is provided for the Ethernet link and power input status. The relay output gives maintenance engineers an additional tool for troubleshooting and maintenance.

Priority control for urgent commands (Patented)

As Modbus networks increase in size and complexity, the lag time between commands and responses becomes a major concern. Advanced models of the MB3000 series provide a priority control function for urgent commands, allowing users to force certain commands to get an immediate response. Depending on your system’s requirements, different methods are available to define which commands receive priority.

New Technology Automates Arduous Routing Setup in Modbus Gateways

When a lot Modbus devices need to be monitored and controlled, engineers usually have to spend a lot of time planning the topology of these devices and segmenting them into different subgroups. Moreover, they are also weighed down by the mundane task of keying in hundreds of Modbus slave IDs to set up each Modbus gateway’s Modbus slave ID routing table. Thus, engineers are constantly on the lookout for solutions that address this pain point when setting up multiple Modbus devices. This white paper takes a closer look at different routing technologies and their pros and cons, as well as a new technology that helps save time and costs when configuring and managing a large number of Modbus devices.

How to Architect Your Systems to Get the Most Out of Your Modbus Devices

The migration of all industrial applications to Ethernet is unquestioned. But, before network engineers can inch closer toward all-systems-go, they need to overcome several challenges. The most pressing one is to ensure that there is no breakdown in communication between serial devices and SCADA hosts. It is no secret that plenty of solutions are available on the market. The immediate question is which solution fits your network’s requirements the best.

In this white paper, we will look at four challenges that arise when linking up Modbus-supported devices to SCADA systems. We will also provide solutions for different scenarios to address your concerns.