RapID
Platform - ModbusTCP Network Interface
2-Port Connectivity Solution
www.innovasic.com
The RapID Platform Network Interface is a pre-tested module that manages the
industrial protocol and network traffic with a single host processor interface
The interface contains everything needed including the
communications controller, protocol stacks, Flash, RAM, and PHYs. All
ModbusTCP capabilities are encapsulated on this small form factor device,
and can be integrated into any type of automation equipment from
complex control to a simple sensor or actuator. For applications where
space is limited, the module’s design can be embedded directly into the
field device. The RapID Platform Network Interface connects to a “Host”
processor via a UART or 16-bit Parallel Interface. At the software layer the
Host connects to a “Unified Interface" so other protocols can be used
without changing the host software. The network communications is
extremely robust and supports Innovasic's PriorityChannel technology.
This means your field device incorporating a RapID Platform Network Interface will operate problem-free with
any ModbusTCP controller and will never disconnect from the network.
Easy Hardware and Software Integration
The Network Interface can be integrated into a design as either a module or an embedded design. As a
module, the Network Interface plugs into a board using standard 2.54 mm pitch through-hole pins. When
designing-in the module, hardware integration is as easy as connecting Power/Ground/Reset and interfacing
the Host to the UART or 16-bit Parallel interface. The Ethernet
physical interface is ready to plug into the network. Software for
the module is provided as firmware that is resident on the flash.
As an embedded design, the Network Interface hardware
design can be integrated directly using the schematics provided.
Also provided are the Bill of Materials and example layouts to
minimize the hardware design effort. Software for the
embedded design is provided as firmware that is downloaded to
the flash. Whether using the Network Interface as a module or
an embedded design, no software development is required and
there are no license fees or royalties.
Software integration with a Host is also easy. Messages
passed between the Host and Network Interface follow a “Unified Interface” definition. A simple to use,
Innovasic supplied, PC-based tool configures the Network Interface, so the Host only passes parameters
between it and the Network Interface. Using this tool, it is a simple matter to specify the ModbusTCP register
map and the associated host parameters. Since the Host is only passing parameters, the Host software does
not have to change if ModbusTCP network parameters change or if another Industrial Ethernet protocol is
used. There is also a “sockets” interface that supports direct Ethernet communication. Example C-code is
provided to minimize the software effort for the Host / Network Interface communication.