Can a Weidmuller UR20-FBC-MOD-TCP-V2 Modbus TCP I/O rack be shared between two controllers for SCADA applications?

Question:

I recently came across a scenario that got me thinking... Do any of you have any insights or advice on this topic? One of my clients is utilizing a Weidmuller UR20-FBC-MOD-TCP-V2 Modbus TCP I/O rack for a SCADA application, with a secondary Ethernet card in a PC. An individual in the client's office needs to access a couple of analog values from the I/O rack for around 20 minutes daily. Initially, I considered utilizing Ignition Edge for this purpose. However, I have concerns about whether the I/O rack can be shared between two controllers, specifically if it can be set to read-only mode for Ignition. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe it is feasible to share this I/O rack between controllers in this manner?

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The IO module functions as a modbus TCP server, able to communicate with a maximum of 64 clients. It is ideal for input operations, but handling output commands with multiple clients can introduce complexity. In such cases, managing which clients the IO module responds to becomes essential.

For a more streamlined approach, consider sending this data to Ignition. You can either create a 'read-only' Ignition instance that pulls data from the primary instance, or use the same instance for both and implement authentication to control access. This setup allows front office staff to log into an accessible HMI while system operators access the full HMI interface. Experience the convenience of centralizing data management and enhancing user control with Ignition.

According to idiotsectant, the IO module functions as a modbus TCP server and can communicate with up to 64 clients. This makes it suitable for use on the 'I' side of I/O. I found this information useful and I look forward to delving deeper into it on my next visit to the site.

I don't think you need to worry about sharing the I/O rack between two controllers. Before jumping to Ignition Edge, you could accomplish this by simply using the I/O rack's Modbus TCP Server capability. As long as each controller isn't trying to write to the same registers concurrently, it should be fine. Moreover, Modbus TCP is a simple protocol built for data exchange, so there should be no issue in reading the same data by multiple clients, provided that they don't overlap in the writing process. It's a pretty straightforward and robust protocol that should serve your needs well. Regarding the read-only mode, I'm not sure about that specific I/O rack, you may want to confirm with Weidmuller or check the user manual for more specific details.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Can a Weidmuller UR20-FBC-MOD-TCP-V2 Modbus TCP I/O rack be shared between two controllers for SCADA applications?

Answer: - Sharing the I/O rack between two controllers is possible, but it may require configuration adjustments for simultaneous access. It's recommended to consult the product manual or contact the manufacturer for specific guidance.

FAQ: 2. Is it possible to set the I/O rack in read-only mode for Ignition Edge?

Answer: - Depending on the capabilities of the I/O rack and the compatibility with Ignition Edge, setting the rack to read-only mode may be achievable. You may need to explore the configuration options available for the I/O rack and the SCADA software being used.

FAQ: 3. How can analog values from the I/O rack be accessed by an individual in the client's office?

Answer: - To access analog values from the I/O rack, consider using a secondary Ethernet card in a PC or integrating the necessary communication protocols between the I/O rack and the SCADA system. It's essential to ensure proper permissions and security measures are in place for data access.

FAQ: 4. What are the considerations when sharing an I/O rack between multiple controllers in a SCADA application?

Answer: - When sharing an I/O rack between controllers, factors such as data integrity, communication protocols, access control, and system performance need to be carefully evaluated. It's advisable to plan the setup thoroughly and test for compatibility and reliability before implementation.

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