Technology nowadays allows us to get information about almost anything. People search for a lot of different things, including the Modbus sensor or RS485 sensor. 20 years ago nobody, except technicians from the companies which were related to building optimization and management, knows about that term. The Modbus protocol was originally published by Modicom in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers.
The RS485 sensor is therefore one of the most wanted, reliable, and standard product in today’s building management systems and optimization processes.
1. Advantages of a Modbus sensor
2. Where to get the quality and reliable sensors?
3. Modbus sensor communication
1. Advantages of a Modbus sensor
The Modbus sensor or RS485 sensor can be used with almost every controller in today’s market. It’s popularity made people install them even into the most complex building management systems. Why? Because it’s plain and simple and does its job. Reliability has always been the number one priority to any kind of automation processes and with Modbus protocol, we can achieve that with ease.
Furthermore, complex devices like heat pump, A/C unit, HVAC systems, etc. can also be connected to Modbus controllers, and therefore there’s a connection between the systems and the sensors. RS485 sensor can be used to measure temperature, humidity, air quality, pressure, etc.
The Modbus protocol is also available free of charge for download without any subsequent licensing fees required for its use. The most important advantage over standard sensors usually with standard output signals of 0-10V or 4-20mA is accuracy. Transmitted data is 100% accurate and can be sent in large volumes.
2. Where to get the quality and reliable sensors?
Well, you don’t have to look far away. We manufacture sensors according to the most important and strict EU industry standards. Therefore we can even afford a standard 3-year warranty. Before shipping out every single sensor is inspected by our Modbus technicians who calibrate and test every single one.
With such a detailed process we can assure you to get the best possible RS485 sensor and have a piece of mind that your building automation can rely on sensor’s readings. Sometimes a small difference can lead to great cost savings.
We can offer you the following sensors:
– Modbus temperature sensors
– Modbus humidity sensors
– Modbus air quality and CO2 sensors
– Modbus pressure sensors
Need help to understand the sensors better? Found a sensor type that you would like to implement into your project? Please contact us and let us know. We’re going to prepare you the best possible offer.
3. RS485 sensor communication
How does the RS485 sensor communicate with others or to the controller? RS485 (Modbus RTU) is a serial data transmission standard that is used in Modbus implementations. In such a network communication starts when the master device sends a query to a connected slave device. When such a query is received, the slave device will either act or reply with a response. Queries are initiated only by a master device. RS485 provides half-duplex transmission up to 1,2 km balanced line distance.
Image: visual demonstration of a communication process between Master device and Slave devices.
To sum up, you can add as many sensors on the same line if it’s within 1,2km. There’s no difference between Modbus and RS485 sensors because they communicate over the same Modbus protocol. The communication process is always the same. Master device communicated with it slave devices. It is possible to pair a lot of slave devices on a single line and eventho the protocol offer stability and accuracy, which are both very important in any kind of building management systems.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.