• Data Concentrator
- Auto-transfer, Global data, E-Peer
• Ethernet NIM
- SY/MAX, Plogic, RNIM, Net-to-net
• Ethernet Gateway or MUX
- Modbus (RTU or ASCII, Master or Slave), SY/MAX, RNIM, PNIM
• Ethernet Protocol Converter
- Modbus/TCP<=>SY/MAX Ethernet
• Modbus Plus Gateway
• Serial Protocol Converter
- Modbus (RTU or ASCII, Master or Slave)

The MEB-RT replaces all previous versions of the MEB and MEB-TCP. It has a 10BaseT RJ45 Ethernet port and a redundant-cable Modbus Plus port. The Modbus Plus port works with single- or redundant-cable Modbus Plus networks.

Modbus Plus is a well-established, highly reliable, high-speed control network. Devices that utilize Modbus Plus technology include PLCs from Schneider Electric and automation and control equipment from the various CAPP® partners. The MEB-RT itself is a certified CAPP product. There exists a large installed base of Modbus Plus networks and devices on numerous plant floors.

The MEB-RT is ideal for companies that require information from their Modbus Plus devices and would like to leverage their existing Ethernet infrastructure. Information from these devices is readily available to the entire enterprise since any Ethernet device with a Modbus/TCP driver can access or control the Modbus Plus devices with the help of the MEB-RT.

When Ethernet access to several Quantum processors is needed, an Ethernet NOE can be installed in the local rack of each Quantum. Instead of installing a NOE at each Quantum it can often be more cost effective to use a single MEB-RT to bridge between the Ethernet and the Modbus Plus network, especially since Quantum processors already have Modbus Plus ports.

Programming stations added to the Ethernet network can also program the Modbus Plus PLCs. Modsoft®, Concept™, ProWORX®, and Unity® all have Modbus/TCP drivers that can route through the MEB-RT and program the PLCs on the Modbus Plus network. Likewise, HMIs using Modbus/TCP drivers can route through the MEB-RT to access the Modbus Plus devices.

MEB-RTs have been successfully used in conjunction with Token Ring-to-Ethernet converters to place networks of Modbus Plus devices onto a plant-wide Token Ring network. In such an instance, a PC equipped with a Modbus Plus card can utilize the MEB-RT and Modicon programming software to program any of the PLCs on any of the Modbus Plus networks. Likewise, any of the PLCs can communicate with all of the other PLCs on the various Modbus Plus networks connected by the Token Ring.

Besides an Ethernet port and a Modbus Plus port, the MEB-RT has two RS-422/485 serial ports. Each of the serial ports can be individually configured to speak one of many protocols supported by Niobrara. Of special interest to Schneider Electric customers are the modes Modbus RTU (host or gate) and Modbus ASCII. Since the MEB-RT allows routing from any port to any other port it can be thought of as an Ethernet MUX and a Modbus Plus MUX simultaneously.

Both Modbus Plus devices and Ethernet devices can access serial Modbus slave devices connected to an MEB-RT serial port. If the slave device is a Modicon PLC then programming packages on either Modbus Plus or Ethernet can program the PLC.

The MEB-RT also allows master devices to use its serial ports as gateways to the high-speed networks. A serial Modbus master device, such as an HMI, building automation system, SCADA package or programming terminal connected to an MEB-RT serial port can access devices on both the Modbus Plus and Ethernet networks. A user with a laptop can use a Niobrara SC902 cable and transformer connected to an MEB-RT serial port to program Modicon PLCs anywhere on either network.

Connecting POWERLOGIC® Circuit Monitors and Power Meters to the serial port of an MEB-RT allows System Manager™ Software and Modbus Plus PLCs simultaneous access to these serial devices. System Manager uses its Modbus/TCP driver to access the devices for power management while the Modbus PLCs use their Modbus Plus ports to access the devices for load shedding or power factor correction. Since the serial ports are RS-422/485 they each can support a network of up to 32 devices.

Statistics are kept for each port and can be useful for diagnosing communication problems. The configuration registers are accessible to permit dynamic configuration of an active system. For example, the protocol of a serial port can be changed so new equipment can be added without disrupting existing communications or rebooting the MEB.

The MEB-RT can have its IP address, subnet mask and default gateway address configured through DHCP or BOOTP protocol over Ethernet. To use this method, a DHCP or BOOTP server must be present on the network. The IP address of the MEB-RT must remain fixed for communications to function properly.

The MEB-RT's firmware is stored in FLASH memory and can be updated through a serial port. The MEB-RT's configuration is stored in capacitor-backed RAM but can be stored in EEPROM for long term storage.

The Ethernet port of the MEB-RT can be configured to speak the SY/MAX 802.3 protocol in addition to Modbus/TCP. SY/MAX 802.3 is the protocol used by the SY/MAX 450 and 650 processors. With this protocol the MEB-RT can be used to create a Modbus Plus to SY/MAX Ethernet bridge. This is an ideal way to integrate Modbus Plus PLCs into your existing SY/MAX Ethernet network. Also the Ethernet port may be configured for both SYMAX 802.3 and Modbus TCP at the same time. This allows for Modbus/TCP óSY/MAX 802.3 Ethernet translators to integrate your SYMAX Ethernet devices into your Modbus TCP System.

The serial ports of the MEB-RT have the same pinout as a SY/MAX NIM port. They can be set to a mode that allows both SY/MAX and Modicon programming from a laptop's serial port. Connect an SC902 cable between the PC's serial port and the MEB-RT and run any Schneider PLC Programming package to program Modbus Plus PLCs or run SY/MATE Plus to program SY/MAX processors on the Ethernet network. If the second serial port is connected to a NIM in net-to-net mode then SY/MATE Plus can also program SY/MAX processors on a SY/NET network.

The MEB is available as:
     * MEB-RT     with 2 RS-485 ports, 1 Dual Cable Modbus Plus port, 1 Ethernet port (RJ45 10BaseT connector).

The MEB-RT has the following equipment available:
     * SC902     RS-232<>RS-422 programming cable with TR92 transformer for configuration and firmware downloads.
     * NRK2     Single slot rack with built in power supply for stand alone installations.
     * DC1     RS-422 cable for connecting the MEB to a SY/MAX PLC or NIM.

Specifications

Warranty / Manual: The MEB-RT is furnished with a user manual on cd and carries a one year warranty from the date of shipment. During the warranty period, free firmware upgrades are available. See Niobrara's Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale for additional warranty information.

Dimensions: Standard SY/MAX register module. 1.5" wide by 13" tall by 6.5" deep. Approximately 2.5 pounds net. Rugged welded steel enclosure with baked on finish. All connectors and indicators are front mounted except the SY/MAX bus card edge connector on the back and Ethernet connector on bottom.

Power Requirements: From SY/MAX bus or optional NRK2 power supply. 5 volts, 0.9 A.

LED Indicators: Module: Power, Module Active and Error; Serial Ports: Transmit and Receive for each port; Ethernet: Link Ok, Active, Error; Modbus Plus: Active, Channel A Error, Channel B Error

Modbus Plus Ports: Front mounted dual cable Modbus Plus port with two DB9 female connectors with screw-lock posts. Standard MB+ pinout. Global Data compatible.

Ethernet Port: 10BaseT port with RJ45 connector on bottom of unit. Modbus/TCP and/or SY/MAX 802.3 protocols. E-Peer compatible.

Serial Ports: Two DB9 female connectors with slide-lock posts. SY/MAX compatible pinout. RS-422 or RS-485. 50*, 75#, 110, 134.5, 150#, 300, 600, 1200, 1800#, 2400, 4800, 7200*, 9600, or 19,200# baud. NOTE: If one port is set to a baud rate marked (*), the other port cannot be set to a baud rate marked (#). 7 or 8 data bits; odd, even or no parity; 1 or 2 stop bits. 2- and 4-wire compatible.

Serial Port Modes: Each serial port can independently operate in any of the following modes: Modbus (RTU or ASCII, Master or Slave), SY/MAX; Net-to-Net; Peripheral; PLogic; Multidrop; IDEC; Gateway; Transparent; Share; PNIM; RNIM (Master or Slave); Transfer; Chevron. Dual slave.

Mailbox Registers: 2048 processor equivalent registers addressed 1 through 2048. All of which may be rack addressed as needed for user applications. Any rack addressed register can be a PLC input or a PLC output as required by the application.

Setup Registers: Module configuration is stored in internal registers. These setup registers can be accessed through any of the MEB's ports (in most modes). Configuration is maintained by rack power (when present) and by internal capacitor, for up to one week, when the module is not powered. For longer unpowered storage, module configuration may be stored in EEPROM.