Bronkhorst®
Instruction Manual mini CORI-FLOW ML120
9.17.097G
25
For more information regarding communication through an RS232 interface, see document
9.17.027 - RS232 interface
with FLOW-BUS for digital instruments
, which can be downloaded from
http://www.bronkhorst.com/en/downloads
3.4
Basic RS485 operation (FLOW-BUS/Modbus)
FLOW-BUS or Modbus communication is available if either a FLOW-BUS or Modbus (RJ-45) connector on top of the
instrument is present, or if the 9-pin D-sub side connector is set for FLOW-BUS or Modbus communication.
3.4.1
FLOW-BUS
FLOW-BUS is a Bronkhorst® designed fieldbus, based on RS485 technology, for digital communication between devices,
offering the possibility of host-control by a Windows computer.
Characteristics:
·
Baud rates of 187500 (default) or 400000 Baud
·
+15…24 Vdc supply voltage
·
Easy installation and communication with other Bronkhorst® devices
·
Automatic node search and bus optimization (gap fixing)
·
PC communication via (local host) FLOW-BUS – RS232 interface
·
Connection of max. 120 instruments on a single bus
·
Maximum bus length: 600 m
See
document 9.17.024 - Instruction manual FLOW-BUS interface
for more information about FLOW-BUS
communication.
3.4.2
Modbus
Modbus is a 3-wire, RS485-based fieldbus communication system for parameter value exchange. In this system each
instrument/device is equipped with a micro controller for its own dedicated task but also for exchanging parameter value
information with other devices connected to the same Modbus system. In a Modbus system Bronkhorst® instruments
always serve as Modbus slaves. There is no mutual communication between Modbus slaves, only between master and slave.
The master device is for example a Windows computer.
Characteristics:
·
Several selectable baud rates between 9600 and 256000 Baud (default: 19200 Baud)
·
+15…24 Vdc supply voltage
·
connection of max. 247 instruments on a single bus
·
supports RTU and ASCII protocols
See
document 9.17.035 - Instruction manual Modbus interface
for more information about Modbus
communication.
More detailed information about Modbus can be found at
or the website of the Modbus organization
in your country (if available).
3.4.3
Software
When using a Windows computer to communicate with
mini CORI-FLOW ML120
instruments only the FLOW-BUS protocol
is supported by Bronkhorst® software. When using Modbus operation, software from third parties, such as LabVIEW,
ModScan or a Modbus PLC must be used to serve as Modbus master.
An instrument with 9-pin D-sub side connector set for RS485 FLOW-BUS or Modbus communication will not respond when
connecting to an RS232 configuration. If the instrument is not set for RS232 communication, use the micro switch on top
of the instrument to overrule the custom settings and switch to RS232 communication settings: press and hold the micro
switch at power-up and wait (12…16 sec) until both green and red LEDs flash (0.2 sec on, 0.2 sec off). Release the switch to
activate the ‘Configuration Mode’. In the ‘Configuration Mode’ the bus type and baud rate for the 9-pin D-sub side
connector are set to RS232 FLOW-BUS (ProPar) at 38400 Baud. The ‘Configuration Mode’ remains active after power down.
Use the same procedure to deactivate the ‘Configuration Mode’.