Coding Modbus TCP/IP for Arduino: Example Projects with Node-RED, MQTT, WinCC SCADA, Blynk, and ThingSpeak

Example projects with Node-RED, MQTT, WinCC SCADA, Blynk, and ThingSpeak

By Dr. Majid Pakdel

Published by Elektor International Media B.V.

The cover image depicts a visual representation of the book's content. It features a Node-RED interface displaying a flow with various nodes such as 'inject', 'modbuswrite', 'modbusflexwrite', and 'debug' nodes. A 'Modbus Slave' configuration window is also visible. Complementing this is an Arduino Uno microcontroller board equipped with an Ethernet shield, suggesting the hardware setup for network communication. The scene is set against a backdrop that includes a computer screen showing code or terminal output, illustrating the practical, hands-on nature of the projects discussed in the book.

Introduction

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for developers and hobbyists looking to integrate Modbus TCP/IP communication protocols with Arduino microcontrollers. Modbus TCP/IP is a widely adopted industrial communication standard, and this publication bridges the gap between this protocol and the popular Arduino platform. It focuses on practical implementation through example projects, enabling users to build robust IoT and automation solutions.

Hardware and Setup

This section covers the essential hardware components required for Modbus TCP/IP communication with Arduino. It details the use of the Arduino Uno microcontroller and the Ethernet shield, providing an overview of network connections and the necessary steps for setting up the hardware. This foundational knowledge is crucial for establishing reliable communication channels.

Programming Environment and Libraries

Users will be guided through the setup of the Arduino programming environment, including the Arduino IDE. The importance and usage of Modbus libraries are explained, providing the necessary software tools and frameworks to implement Modbus TCP/IP functionality. This includes understanding Modscan32 and Modsim32 for testing and simulation purposes.

Implementing the Modbus TCP Server

This part of the book delves into the practical aspects of setting up an Arduino as a Modbus TCP server. It covers testing serial communication, adding code to support TCP server operations, and implementing the core Modbus TCP server logic. Readers will learn how to configure and run the server program, including handling last-minute changes before execution.

Implementing the Modbus TCP Client

The guide then transitions to the client-side implementation, explaining how to create an Arduino-based Modbus TCP client. This involves understanding the client task, configuring the necessary libraries, and writing setup codes. Detailed instructions are provided for polling single registers, reading various Modbus register types (holding registers, input status, coils), and testing the client program to ensure accurate data retrieval from a Modbus TCP server.

Inter-Arduino Communication

This section explores the capabilities of establishing TCP/IP communication directly between two Arduino Uno boards. It demonstrates how to set up and manage network communication for peer-to-peer data exchange using the Modbus TCP/IP protocol.

SCADA and IoT Integration Projects

The book culminates in a series of advanced projects that integrate Modbus TCP/IP with popular SCADA and IoT platforms. This includes creating SCADA projects using WinCC, developing Ethernet and Blynk projects for IoT applications, setting up temperature/humidity sensors, implementing MQTT protocols with ESP8266, connecting to the ThingSpeak IoT Cloud, and leveraging Node-RED for communication and data flow management. Specific projects cover Modbus TCP/IP temperature control using WinCC SCADA, and advanced IoT projects involving DHT22 sensors with ESP32 and Node-RED.

Appendices and References

The document concludes with supplementary sections including appendices, references, and an index, providing additional resources and aiding in quick lookups for specific topics and further learning.

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