StruxureWare Building Operation

Creating and Configuring a Modbus Network

Tutorial Guide
04-14029-01-en
July 2013
StruxureWare Building Operation
Creating and Configuring a Modbus Network
Tutorial Guide
04-14029-01-en
July 2013
Copyright © 2013 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved.
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 Contents

Introduction
1 About This Guide ........................................................... 9
1.1 Purpose of This Guide ................................................................. 11
1.2 How This Guide is Organized ...................................................... 12
1.3 Typographical Conventions ......................................................... 13

2 Additional Information .................................................. 15

2.1 Where to Find Additional Information ........................................... 17
2.2 Regulatory Notices ...................................................................... 18

Tutorial
3 Our Case Study ........................................................... 21
3.1 University X ................................................................................. 23
3.2 Requirements and Specifications ................................................ 26
3.2.1 Devices Used for This Case Study ............................................. 26
3.2.2 Software Used in This Tutorial ................................................... 27
3.2.3 Specifications ........................................................................... 27
3.3 Focus of This Tutorial .................................................................. 28
3.3.1 Pre-existing Database Folder and Programs .............................. 28
3.3.2 Pre-existing Database Objects .................................................. 29

4 Creating and Configuring a Modbus RS-485 Network .. 31

4.1 Creating a Modbus Master Network ............................................ 34
4.2 Configuring a Modbus Master Network ....................................... 35

5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points . 37

5.1 Creating Multiple Modbus Devices .............................................. 40
5.2 Creating Multiple Modbus Points ................................................. 42

6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic ................ 45

6.1 Creating a Graphic ...................................................................... 48
6.2 Binding a Graphic to a Variable ................................................... 50

7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device ................... 53

7.1 Exporting a Solution .................................................................... 56
7.2 Importing a Solution .................................................................... 57

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 7.3 Renaming a Folder or Object ....................................................... 59
7.4 Configuring a Modbus Device ..................................................... 60
7.5 Summary .................................................................................... 62

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Introduction

The Introduction part contains information on the purpose

of this guide, how this guide is organized, where to find
more information, and information on regulatory notices.
1 About This Guide

Topics
Purpose of This Guide
How This Guide is Organized
Typographical Conventions
 1 About This Guide
1.1 Purpose of This Guide

1.1 Purpose of This Guide

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for creating and configuring a
Modbus RS-485 network with a slave device in Building Operation.
This tutorial focuses on the following Building Operation Engineering Certification
objectives:
• Create a new Building Operation project using an Automation Server with
Modbus field bus devices
• Integrate multi-protocol systems

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1 About This Guide
1.2 How This Guide is Organized

1.2 How This Guide is Organized

This Building Operation Guide is divided into the following parts:

Introduction
The Introduction part contains information on the purpose of this guide, how this
guide is organized, where to find more information, and information on regulatory
notices.

Tutorial
The Tutorial part contains a step-by-step description of how to carry out different
tasks. If you want more information, see WebHelp or the corresponding Building
Operation Guide.
The Tutorial part includes a case study for a fictional customer called University X.
You can decide if you want to follow the example or use the described procedures
as reference information. The case study in this tutorial is an example of a typical
way of configuring Building Operation for a customer. When reading through this
tutorial, you might not have access to the devices, programs, and other files that
are needed for the fictional customer University X. However, the purpose of having
a case study is to see the procedures put in context, so you see how the
procedures could be used when configuring Building Operation, devices, or
programs for your customer.

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 1 About This Guide
1.3 Typographical Conventions

1.3 Typographical Conventions

Building Operation Guides use the following specially marked texts:

Tip
Helps you understand the benefits and capabilities of the product.

Note
Provides you with supplementary information.

Important
Alerts you to supplementary information that is essential to the completion of a
task.

Caution
Alerts you to a condition that can cause loss of data.

Warning
Alerts you to a condition that can cause product damage or physical harm.

Bold texts:
User interface items, such as property names and buttons, are written in bold, for
example "On the File menu, select New."
Example texts:
All the example related information is indicated by blue lines and bullets.

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2 Additional Information

Topics
Where to Find Additional Information
Regulatory Notices
 2 Additional Information
2.1 Where to Find Additional Information

2.1 Where to Find Additional Information

All the technical Building Operation information is available online, on WebHelp.
You also find additional information in the Building Operation Guides:
• Hardware Reference Guide
• Plain English and Script Difference Guide
• Function Block Editor and Menta Editor Difference Guide
• WebReports Reference Guide
• WebReports Operating Guide
• System Reference Guide
• Technical Reference Guide
• WorkStation Operating Guide
• IT Reference Guide
• WebStation Operating Guide
• System Upgrade Reference Guide
• Administering Reports Tutorial Guide
• Configuring an Automation Server as a Controller Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring a LonWorks Network with Xenta LonWorks Devices
Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring a Modbus Network Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring Alarms Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring Graphics Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring Schedules Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring Trend Logs Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring Users Tutorial Guide
• Starting a Project Tutorial Guide
• Creating and Configuring a BACnet Network with b3 BACnet Devices Tutorial
Guide
• Creating and Configuring a LonWorks Network with MNL LonWorks Devices
Tutorial Guide

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2 Additional Information
2.2 Regulatory Notices

2.2 Regulatory Notices

UL 916 Listed products for the Unites States and Canada, Open
Class Energy Management Equipment.

WEEE - Directive of the European Union (EU)

This equipment and its packaging carry the waste of electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE) label, in compliance with European Union (EU) Directive
2002/96/EC, governing the disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment in the European community.

CE - Compliance to European Union (EU)

2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
This equipment complies with the rules, of the Official Journal of the European
Union, for governing the Self Declaration of the CE Marking for the European Union
as specified in the above directive(s) per the provisions of the following standards:
IEC/EN 61326-1 Product Standard, IEC/EN 61010-1 Safety Standard.

Industry Canada
ICES-003
This is a Class B digital device that meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

C-Tick (Australian Communications Authority (ACA))

AS/NZS 3548
This equipment carries the C-Tick label and complies with EMC and radio
communications regulations of the Australian Communications Authority (ACA),
governing the Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS) communities.

Federal Communications Commission

FCC Rules and Regulations CFR 47, Part 15, Class B
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2)
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

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Tutorial

The Tutorial part contains a step-by-step description of

how to carry out different tasks. If you want more
information, see WebHelp or the corresponding Building
Operation Guide.
The Tutorial part includes a case study for a fictional
customer called University X. You can decide if you want to
follow the example or use the described procedures as
reference information. The case study in this tutorial is an
example of a typical way of configuring Building Operation
for a customer. When reading through this tutorial, you
might not have access to the devices, programs, and other
files that are needed for the fictional customer University X.
However, the purpose of having a case study is to see the
procedures put in context, so you see how the procedures
could be used when configuring Building Operation, devices,
or programs for your customer.
3 Our Case Study

When new knowledge is to be acquired, it is often

advantageous to work with a realistic example. For
this purpose we use a case study, which is basically
the same in all Building Operation Tutorial Guides.

Topics
University X
Requirements and Specifications
Focus of This Tutorial
 3 Our Case Study
3.1 University X

3.1 University X
We are going to install Building Operation as the building management system for
University X. The university is a campus of buildings for which heating and cooling
are supplied from a Central Plant with an underground distribution system. The
case study focuses on the renovation of the Central Plant and the expansion of the
School of Business.

Figure: The School of Business and the Central Plant

The Cooling Plant consists of a single chiller with a primary-secondary pumping
system. The secondary water loop serves four VAV air handling units with chilled
water coils located in the School of Business. The secondary loop has two water
pumps. Only one pump is required for 100 % of the load. The second pump
provides 100 % backup. The secondary pumps are variable speed. The primary
chilled water loop has a single constant volume chilled water pump. The condenser
loop rejects heat by means of a cooling tower. The condenser loop has a single
constant volume condenser water pump. The tower has two constant speed, draw-
through fans to increase the capacity of the tower above the natural draft capacity.
A diverting valve can be used to protect the chiller from condenser water thermal
shock. The water leaving the condenser can be diverted back to the inlet of the
condenser without any cooling effect.

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3 Our Case Study
3.1 University X

Figure: Cooling Plant diagram

The heating plant consists of two boilers in parallel, each with their own inline
pumps. Much of the time only one boiler is required to meet the load but under
greater load, both boilers will operate at the same time. The flow from the two
boilers comes together in a common supply header. There is a line from the supply
header to the mechanical systems that require a source of hot water. This line has
two constant volume distribution pumps in parallel. Only one is required to meet
the load. The second is back-up and lead-lag is used to alternate which pump
runs. The water returning from the mechanical systems flows into the return header
where it can be pumped by the inline pumps through the boilers. There is a
common line between the supply header and the return header. When the inline
pumps are flowing at a rate that exceeds the distribution pump flow rate, the water
flow in the common line is from the supply header to the return header. When the
distribution pump is flowing at a rate that exceeds the combined inline pump flow
rates, flow in the common line is from the return header to the supply header. Each
boiler has its own self contained control system that interfaces with Building
Operation through a combination of binary electrical control and network variables.
The inline pumps are locally controlled by the self contained control system.

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 3 Our Case Study
3.1 University X

Figure: Heating Plant diagram

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3 Our Case Study
3.2 Requirements and Specifications

3.2 Requirements and Specifications

To be able to configure Building Operation for University X, the following devices
and software are used in this tutorial.

3.2.1 Devices Used for This Case Study

The following devices are used for this case study:
• Power Supply, PS-24V
• Automation Server, AS-B or AS-L
• Power Meter with Modbus RS-485 Output
This tutorial describes an example with a PM9C power meter that is configured as
follows:

Table: PM9C Configuration

Component Setting

Wiring

System 4.3 Ct (4 wires, 3 CT)

Ct ratio 0100 (In this case study, Ct ratio = 100 is

used to simulate and display values 100
times higher than the real (low) current
values.)

Pt ratio 001.0

Demand

dMd type W

dMd time 15 (min)

Modbus

Address 001

Baud 19.20 (kilobaud)

Parity Even

Tip
• For instructions on how to configure the power meter, see the data sheet
delivered with the device.

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 3 Our Case Study
3.2 Requirements and Specifications

3.2.2 Software Used in This Tutorial

The following software is used in this tutorial:
• License Administrator, and a valid license file
• Enterprise Server
• WorkStation

3.2.3 Specifications
You find specifications in the Building Operation datasheets for Enterprise Server,
WorkStation, PS-24V Power Supply, Automation Server, and Power Meter Series
PM9.

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3 Our Case Study
3.3 Focus of This Tutorial

3.3 Focus of This Tutorial

The university requires the energy consumption and power supply to be monitored
in the iBMS.
In this tutorial, you create and configure a Modbus Master Network with a
Schneider Electric Modbus enabled power meter in the Automation Server. Values
from the power meter will be available in the Automation Server and can be
included in trend logs, displayed on graphics, and monitored by alarms.
You will also save the verified Modbus implementation so it can be re-used in other
projects.

3.3.1 Pre-existing Database Folder and Programs

For University X, the Enterprise Server called University X ES1 has the following
folder structure:

Figure: University X ES1 and its folder structure

The Automation Server called CPlant AS controls the Cooling Plant and Heating
Plant.
CPlant AS has the following folder structure:

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 3 Our Case Study
3.3 Focus of This Tutorial

Figure: CPlant AS and its folder structure

3.3.2 Pre-existing Database Objects

In this tutorial, only the default objects need to be present in the database.

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4 Creating and Configuring a
Modbus RS-485 Network

Topics
Creating a Modbus Master Network
Configuring a Modbus Master Network
 4 Creating and Configuring a Modbus RS-485 Network

Our Example
In this chapter, you create a Modbus Master Network (on a serial port) to provide
the facility to add RS-485 Modbus slave devices later (with the Automation Server
as master). You configure the network with a set of Modbus parameters (to which
all attached devices, including the power meter, must comply).

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4 Creating and Configuring a Modbus RS-485 Network
4.1 Creating a Modbus Master Network

4.1 Creating a Modbus Master Network

You create a Modbus Master Network (on a serial port) to provide the facility to add
slave devices later (with the Automation Server or Enterprise Server as master).
For more information, see the Modbus Serial Networks topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you create a Modbus Master Network on an Automation Server.

To create a Modbus Master Network

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the Automation Server,
Enterprise Server, or folder where you want to create the Modbus Master
Network. In this example, select ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant
AS.
2. On the File menu, point to New and then click Interface.
3. In the object type list, expand Modbus Interface and then select Modbus
Master Network.

4. In the Name box, type a name for the network. In this example, type
“Modbus Master Network.”
5. In the Description box, type a description for the network. In this example,
type “Modbus RS-485 network.”
6. Click Create.
You can now configure the Modbus Master Network.

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 4 Creating and Configuring a Modbus RS-485 Network
4.2 Configuring a Modbus Master Network

4.2 Configuring a Modbus Master Network

You configure the Modbus settings of a Modbus master serial network to ensure
that it is compatible with any Modbus devices to be added to the network.
For more information, see the Modbus Communications topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you configure the network with a set of Modbus parameters. All
attached devices, including the power meter, must comply with these parameters.

To configure a Modbus Master Network

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the Modbus Master
Network. In this example, select ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant
AS/Modbus Master Network.
2. On the File menu, click Properties.
3. Click the Basic tab.
4. In the Framing mode box, select the framing mode. In this example,
select RTU.

5. In the Baud rate box, select the baud rate. In this example, select 19200.
6. In the Parity box, select the parity. In this example, select Even.
Continued on next page

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4 Creating and Configuring a Modbus RS-485 Network
4.2 Configuring a Modbus Master Network

7. In the Stop bits box, select the number of stop bits. In this example, select
Auto.
8. In the Port reference box, enter the port that you want to associate with the
Modbus Master Network. The relative path
is ../System/Ports/Serial/[Port]. In this example,
enter ../System/Ports/Serial/RS485-COMA.

9. Click OK.
You can now add a Modbus Device to the Modbus Master Network.

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5 Creating and Configuring
Modbus Devices and Points

Topics
Creating Multiple Modbus Devices
Creating Multiple Modbus Points
 5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points

Our Example
In this chapter, you create a slave device on the serial Modbus Master Network to
represent a real device on the Modbus network. In our case study, the Automation
Server is the master and the new slave device represents the power meter. You
configure the slave device with a network address and set up register addresses
that the master device communicates with.
You also create three Modbus analog input points, which are used to read the
measurements of the phase 1 current, line 1 to Neutral voltage, and total active
power from addressed registers in the power meter. You configure the analog input
points to enable the Automation Server to read the power meter registers correctly
and to change the units of measurement (to A, V, and kW respectively) for the
values presented in the graphic. Finally, you create and configure a Modbus
multistate input point that is used to read the system type: 4.3 Ct, 3.3 Ct, 3.2 Ct, or
2.1 Ct. The system type determines which voltage values are presented in the
graphic.
In our example, you use the Spreadsheet view to create and configure the Modbus
slave device in one action and to quickly create and configure all Modbus points.

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5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points
5.1 Creating Multiple Modbus Devices

5.1 Creating Multiple Modbus Devices

Using the Spreadsheet view, you can quickly create multiple Modbus devices,
which you otherwise would create one at a time in the wizard.
For more information, see the Spreadsheet Overview topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you add a slave device to the Modbus Master Network. In this
case, the Automation Server is the master and the new slave device represents the
physical (external) power meter. You configure the network address of the power
meter and the number of the first register from which the Automation Server will
read a value. Consult the datasheet for the power meter to be configured.

To create multiple Modbus devices

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the Modbus Master
Network where you want to create the Modbus devices. In this example,
select ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master
Network.
2. On the Actions menu, click Edit in spreadsheet.
3. In the Spreadsheet view, click New and then click Modbus.
4. In the Type column, select Modbus Device.

5. Enter the properties of the Modbus device. In this example, enter Name:
Power Meter 1, Device address: 1 (to represent the first device in the
network), Poll register: 1001, and Poll code: 04. Keep the default Poll
interval.

Caution
Ensure that each device in a network is configured with a unique
address.

Continued on next page

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 5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points
5.1 Creating Multiple Modbus Devices

Important
Consult the datasheet for the device to be configured. The datasheet
contains the number of the register and the code you must enter to
establish basic communications.

6. On the File menu, click Save.

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5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points
5.2 Creating Multiple Modbus Points

5.2 Creating Multiple Modbus Points

Using the Spreadsheet view, you can quickly create multiple Modbus points,
which you otherwise would create one at a time in the wizard.

Important
Modbus devices can differ considerably in the ways they can be configured.
Consult the device datasheet before configuring a point in the device.

For more information, see the Spreadsheet Overview topic on WebHelp.

In this example, you create a Modbus analog input point, which is used to read the
value of the total active power from an addressed register in the power meter. You
configure the Modbus point, which is named P, to enable the master to read the
power meter register that contains the measured value for the total active power.
You set the gain to present the value in kW.
For information on register number, register type, and unit of measurement, consult
the datasheet for your power meter.

To create multiple Modbus points

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the Modbus device where
you want to create the Modbus points. In this example,
select ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master
Network/Power Meter 1.
2. On the Actions menu, click Edit in spreadsheet.
3. In the Spreadsheet view, click New and then click Modbus.
4. In the Type column, select the type of Modbus point. In this example,
select Modbus Analog Input Point.

Continued on next page

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 5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points
5.2 Creating Multiple Modbus Points

5. Enter the properties of the Modbus point. In this example, enter Name: P,
Description: Power, real, Unit: kW, Register number: 1023 (According
to the PM9C datasheet, register number 1023 contains the measured value
for the total active power in kW/100.), Register type: 32 bit signed
swapped (For the PM9C meter, the two 16-bit words of a 32-bit value are
arranged with the higher order word having the lower register number, that is,
the two words are swapped. Register number 1023 therefore contains the
higher order word and register 1024 contains the lower order word.), Read
function code: 03, and Gain: 0.01 (to present the value in kW). Leave the
Bit mask as is (in this example, an analog point is read, and therefore no
bitmask is required) and also leave the Offset as is (no offset is required).

Tip
You can use the shortcut key Ctrl + U to change the engineering unit
of a value in the Spreadsheet view.

6. Create additional Modbus points using Steps 4-5. In this example, create
the Modbus points specified in the tables below.

Tip
You can also copy and paste cells, rows, and entire blocks.

7. On the File menu, click Save.

In this example, create the rest of the Modbus points on the Power Meter 1
Modbus device. Use the following settings:

Table: Modbus Multistate Input Point – Vmode

Component Setting

Type Modbus Multistate Input Point

Name Vmode

Description System Type

Unit No Unit

Register number 103a

Register type 16 bit unsignedb

Read function code 03

Gain 1.00

a) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 103 contains information on the system type.
b) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 103 contains a 16-bit unsigned value.

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5 Creating and Configuring Modbus Devices and Points
5.2 Creating Multiple Modbus Points

Table: Modbus Analog Input Point – VaN

Component Setting

Type Modbus Analog Input Point

Name VaN

Description Voltage A-N

Unit V

Register number 1015a

Register type 32 bit unsigned swappedb

Read function code 03

Gain 0.001c

a) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 1015 contains the measured value for the line 1
to Neutral voltage in mV.
b) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 1015 contains a 32-bit unsigned value
c) This gain is used to present the value in V.

Table: Modbus Analog Input Point – Ia

Component Setting

Type Modbus Analog Input Point

Name Ia

Description Current, Phase A

Unit A

Register number 1001a

Register type 32 bit unsigned swappedb

Read function code 03

Gain 0.001c

a) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 1001 contains the measured value for the
phase 1 current in mA.
b) According to the PM9C datasheet, register number 1001 contains a 32-bit unsigned value.
c) This gain is used to present the value in A.

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6 Displaying Modbus Data in a
TGML Graphic

Topics
Creating a Graphic
Binding a Graphic to a Variable
 6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic

Our Example
In this chapter, you use a graphic to make the measurement data from the power
meter visible in WorkStation. To do this, you create a graphic object that will serve
as a container for the TGML graphic you import. You then bind the Modbus Analog
Input Points, which represent the measured values, to the graphic. You also bind
the Modbus Multistate Input Point, which represents the system type, to the
graphic. In the Graphics view, you can observe the dynamically changing values in
the graphic.

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6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic
6.1 Creating a Graphic

6.1 Creating a Graphic

You create a graphic object in WorkStation to make a container for the graphic that
you create in Graphics Editor.
For more information, see the Graphics in WorkStation topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you create a graphic object in WorkStation and import a TGML
graphic.

To create a graphic
1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the folder or server where
you want to create the graphic. In this example, select ...University X
ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter 1.
2. On the File menu, point to New and then click Graphic.
3. In the Name box, type a name for the graphic. In this example, type “Basic
Display.”

4. In the Description box, type a description for the graphic. In this example,
type “Power Meter 1.”
5. Click Next.
Continued on next page

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 6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic
6.1 Creating a Graphic

6. In the File box, enter a .tgml file if the graphic has already been created using
Graphics Editor. In this example, enter the path to Basic Display.tgml.

7. Click Create.

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6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic
6.2 Binding a Graphic to a Variable

6.2 Binding a Graphic to a Variable

You bind the graphic to variables to show variable values in the graphic either as
digital values or as dynamic components. You also bind a graphic to objects to
activate the links in the graphic.
For more information, see the Bindings Overview topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you bind the Modbus Analog Input Point named P, which
represents the total active power as measured at the power meter, to the TGML
graphic.

To bind a graphic to a variable

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the graphic that you want to
bind a variable or an object to. In this example, select ...University X
ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter
1/Basic Display.
2. On the Action menu, click Edit bindings.
3. In the Browser pane, select the variable or object that you want bind to the
graphic. In this example, select the Modbus analog input
point ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master
Network/Power Meter 1/P.

Continued on next page

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 6 Displaying Modbus Data in a TGML Graphic
6.2 Binding a Graphic to a Variable

4. Drag the variable or object to the box in the Binding column for the binding
point you want to bind. In this example, drag the Modbus analog input point
to the P binding box.

5. On the File menu, click Save.

6. Click the Graphics view and verify that the bindings correspond to
dynamically changing values in the graphic or working links to objects.

For this example, repeat the procedure to bind the remaining Modbus points to the
graphic: ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master
Network/Power Meter 1/Basic Display. Use the following settings:

Table: Basic Display Graphic

Binding Point Binding

Vmode ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant

AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter
1/Vmode

VaN ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant

AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter
1/VaN

Ia ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant
AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter
1/Ia

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7 Exporting and Importing a
Modbus Device

Topics
Exporting a Solution
Importing a Solution
Renaming a Folder or Object
Configuring a Modbus Device
Summary
 7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device

Our Example
In this chapter, you create a new Modbus slave device (a power meter) by using the
import and export method, which ensures engineering efficiency. To do this, you
export an existing device to a file, which is saved to another location, and then
import the file to the Automation Server. You rename the new device to suit your
project. Finally, you configure the device address to enable the master device (the
Automation Server) to communicate with the slave device.
Multiple Modbus devices can be created using different methods: copy and paste,
export and import, or Spreadsheet view. In our example, you import the file to the
same server as the exported device. In such cases, you can, for example, use the
copy and paste method instead. The advantage of using the import and export
method is that you can use the exported file to create Modbus objects, networks,
devices, and solutions in another server.

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7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.1 Exporting a Solution

7.1 Exporting a Solution

You export a solution to another Building Operation server. You can also use the
standard copy and paste method to copy solutions to other file locations on the
same server.
For more information, see the Import and Export of Solutions topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you export the Modbus device named “Power Meter 1” to a file,
which you can later import to create a new device.

To export a solution
1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane or the List View, select the
solution that you want to export. In this example, select ...University X
ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter 1.
2. On the File menu, click Export.
3. In the Select an Export Reference Filter option, select the filter type to be
used for the export. In this example, click Export.

4. Click Export.
5. In the Save As dialog box, enter the location and file name. In this example,
enter a file name that reflects what the file contains, for example “PM9C.xml”.
Store the file in a location that enables you to share and reuse the file easily.
6. Click Save.
7. Click Close when the export is complete.

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 7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.2 Importing a Solution

7.2 Importing a Solution

You import a solution that was created or modified on another Building Operation
server. You can also use the standard copy and paste method to copy solutions to
other file locations on the same server.
For more information, see the Import and Export of Solutions topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you create a new device by importing the file that you previously
exported from the Modbus device named “Power Meter 1”. As you import the file to
the same location as the original device, Building Operation renames the new
device to “Power Meter 1_2” to avoid the name conflict.

To import a solution
1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane or List View, select a location
where you want to import a solution. In this example, select ...University
X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master Network.
2. On the File menu, click Import.
3. In the Open dialog box, select the file and click Open. In this example,
select the file that you previously exported from “Power Meter 1”.
4. In the Import dialog box, resolve any name conflicts listed under Name
conflicts. In this example, do not try to resolve the name conflict. You will
rename the device later.

Continued on next page

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7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.2 Importing a Solution

5. Click Import.

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 7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.3 Renaming a Folder or Object

7.3 Renaming a Folder or Object

You rename a folder or object to make the name more suitable to your needs.

Note
When changing the name of a folder or server, you also have to reconfigure users
and user groups path permissions to this server or folder. For more information,
see the Path Permissions topic on WebHelp.

Note
You cannot change the name of a domain that is shared between servers.

For more information, see the Move, Copy, Paste, Rename, and Delete topic on
WebHelp.
In this example, you change the name of the new Modbus device from “Power
Meter 1_2” to “Power Meter 2” to indicate that it is the second power meter in the
Modbus master network.

To rename a folder or object

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the folder or object you
want to rename. In this example, select ...University X
ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus Master Network/Power Meter 1_2.
2. On the Edit menu, click Rename.
3. In the Rename object dialog box, type the new name. In this example,
type “Power Meter 2”.
4. Click OK.

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7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.4 Configuring a Modbus Device

7.4 Configuring a Modbus Device

You configure a Modbus Device (on an external serial network) to give the device an
address and to set up a register within the device with which the master device can
communicate.
For more information, see the Modbus Devices topic on WebHelp.
In this example, you configure the new power meter, named “Power Meter 2”, with
a unique device address. You keep the other configuration properties the same as
for “Power Meter 1”.

To configure a Modbus device

1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the device. In this
example, select ...University X ES1/Servers/CPlant AS/Modbus
Master Network/Power Meter 2.
2. On the File menu, click Properties.
3. Click the Basic tab.
4. In the Device address box, enter the device address. In this example,
enter 2 (to represent the second device in a network).

Caution
Ensure that each device in a network is configured with a unique
address.

Continued on next page

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 7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.4 Configuring a Modbus Device

5. Click OK.

Note
• In a live system, the Device Status property starts Online and
changes to Offline if device polls fail.

You can now add points to the Modbus Device.

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7 Exporting and Importing a Modbus Device
7.5 Summary

7.5 Summary
You have now implemented a Modbus Master Network and a Modbus power meter
in the Automation Server and are monitoring selected data from the power meter.
The data from the power meter is now available in the Building Operation database
and can be used in trend logs and trend charts, displayed in graphics, and
monitored by alarms.
The communication with the power meter has been tested, verified, and exported
to a file for re-use in other projects.

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04-14029-01-en
July 2013