Modbus TCP & Modbus RTU Industrial PLC Protocol
Modbus TCP/RTU allows Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to trigger RFID readers when photocells detect cartons, read tag counts from holding registers, and actuate pneumatic diverters.
Core Protocol Architecture & Specifications
- ✓ Holding Registers (40001+) for tag counts, reader status codes, and transmit power (dBm)
- ✓ Coil Outputs (00001+) for triggering stack light red/green/amber LEDs, buzzers, and pneumatic diverters
- ✓ Discrete Inputs (10001+) for photocell photo-eye triggers, limit switches, and safety light curtains
- ✓ Direct integration with Siemens S7-1200/1500, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, and Omron PLCs
- ✓ Galvanically isolated 24V DC industrial GPIO wiring compatibility
// Modbus TCP Industrial Register Layout (Port 502)
public enum ModbusRfidMap : ushort
{
// Coils (Read/Write 0x)
TriggerReadStart = 0x0001, // PLC sets 1 to begin RF interrogation
GreenStackLight = 0x0002, // Set 1 on successful ERP match
RedStackLightBuzzer = 0x0003, // Set 1 on barcode mismatch / ghost tag
PneumaticDiverter = 0x0004, // Set 1 to push bad carton to reject lane
// Discrete Inputs (Read-Only 1x)
PhotoEyeSensorEntry = 0x0001, // High when carton cuts entry laser beam
PhotoEyeSensorExit = 0x0002, // High when carton clears gate
// Input Registers (Read-Only 3x)
LastReadTagCount = 30001, // Total tags decoded during last trigger cycle
ReaderTemperatureC = 30002, // Ambient board temperature
// Holding Registers (Read/Write 4x)
RfTransmitPowerDbm = 40001, // Transmit power (100 to 300 = 10.0 to 30.0 dBm)
FilterDwellTimeMs = 40002 // Minimum required tag RSSI persistence (ms)
} Verified Hardware Implementations
Our engineering team has thoroughly tested and validated Modbus TCP / RTU across the following reader models, embedded modules, and smart transponders:
Target Deployments
- Conveyor carton divert routing
- Automated packaging verification
- Manufacturing pallet assembly line tracking
- Robotic cell access interlocks
Deploy with OpenRFID
Integrate Modbus TCP / RTU into your ERP, warehouse software, or custom mobile app with pre-built C# / C++ drivers.