HMS has launched a new Anybus® Communicator™ Modbus TCP Client, offering a high-performance gateway that provides an easy and reliable way to connect Modbus TCP devices to different industrial networks and control systems.

Expanding Modbus TCP market

The Modbus TCP market is expanding as customers are transitioning from Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP driven by reduced cabling costs and increased data transfer speeds. This shift has created a demand for a high-performance gateway that can seamlessly integrate Modbus TCP devices with other major industrial networks.

The Anybus Communicator Modbus TCP Client meets this need by providing a reliable solution for connecting Modbus TCP devices to EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, or PROFINET control systems.

Next-generation technology

Like all Anybus next-generation gateways, the Anybus Communicator Modbus TCP Client provides reliable, secure, and user-friendly technology:

Proven and fast communication using Anybus NP40 technology: The Anybus NP40 industrial network processor ensures that the Communicators meet demanding requirements in terms of industrial performance, reliability, and security. Featuring new hardware and software, the gateways enable instant data transfer – up to 10 times faster than their predecessors. Users can also exchange significantly more data between the networks as the gateways transfer up to 1 500 bytes to and from connected PLCs.

Robust and secure communication: Built using carefully selected industrial components and verified against the CE and UL industry standards, the gateways are designed to handle harsh industrial environments.

To protect users from cyberattacks, the gateways have an onboard physical security switch that prevents unauthorized configuration changes and secure boot functionality to resist attacks and infections from malware.

Fast installation and intuitive configuration: Fast installation and smooth configuration procedures are guaranteed thanks to an optimized housing design, an intuitive GUI, and easy-to-understand documentation.

Installation is simplified thanks to the compact gateway design with forward-facing ports and DIN-rail mounting, which allows gateway installation close to connected devices, reducing the amount of required wiring. Users can configure the gateways using drag-and-drop functionality in the web-based GUI, which is accessible via a dedicated Ethernet port on the gateways. In the GUI, users can also monitor network traffic and diagnose issues before they become problems.

Hands-on assistance is also available, as a QR code in the GUI provides a step-by-step installation and configuration guide.

“We are delighted to add the Anybus Communicator Modbus TCP Client gateway to our family of next-generation gateways,” said Fredrik Brynolf, Anybus Gateway Product Manager at HMS Networks. “Our customers have expressed a need for a modern gateway with high-speed data transfers to connect Modbus TCP devices with various control systems. The Anybus Communicator Modbus TCP Client meets this need and, importantly, it’s also incredibly intuitive to use.”

Anybus Communicators are available off the shelf as stand-alone ready-to-install units. Users can personalize the Communicators to meet OEM and brand labeling requirements. The gateways can also be pre-configured to be used as tightly integrated communication components of an automation device or a machine.

Use Case

The Anybus Communicator Modbus TCP Client is the easiest and most reliable way to connect Modbus TCP devices to control systems.

HMS Networks