Overview; Device Features - Advantech EKI-1200-CE Series User Manual

1.1

Overview

Advantech's EKI-1200-CE Series of Modbus Gateways (the following manual will use
EKI-1200-CE Series instead of complete model name) are a robust, feature-rich, and
cost effective way to integrate Ethernet and Serial Modbus devices. The EKI-1200-
CE Series provides one, two or four serial ports, two Ethernet ports, a wide range of
power inputs, and a compact slim design, making them an ideal solution for connect-
ing multiple Modbus/ RTU and Modbus/ASCII serial devices to Modbus TCP (Ether-
net).
Originally developed for PLCs in industrial automation and manufacturing control
applications, Modbus is one of the most popular open standard protocols in use
today. The communication mode can be Modbus RTU/ASCII (Serial) or Modbus TCP
(Ethernet). Many industrial devices use Modbus as their communication standard.
However, the Ethernet-based Modbus protocol is different from the original serial-
based protocols that a Modbus Gateway is needed to be a bridge for integration.
The two Ethernet ports allow the EKI-1200-CE Series to establish two sepa-
rated Ethernet connections to two Ethernet domains or two Ethernet switches in the
same domain. Through a dual Ethernet connection, the EKI-1200-CE Series greatly
improves the device connectivity reliability, increase system stability, and simplify
the redundant configuration.
The Modbus/RTU and Modbus/ASCII protocols define how a "master" device polls
one or more "slave" devices and write real-time data over RS-232, RS-422, or RS-
485 serial data communication. The EKI-1200-CE Series provides a feature that can
allow users to select master or slave operation for each serial port. The EKI-1200-CE
Series not only allows Ethernet master can control serial slaves, but also allow serial
masters to control Ethernet or serial slaves. Furthermore, the EKI-1200-CE Series
can allow both Ethernet and serial slaves to be controlled by both Ethernet and serial
masters.
The EKI-1200-CE Series supports various operating modes: RTU Master, RTU
Slave, ASCII Master, and ASCII Slave.
1.2

Device Features


Provides 2 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for LAN redundancy

Integration of Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks

Supports up to 921.6 kbps, and any baud rate setting

Supports up to 16 connections and 32 requests simultaneously

Auto searching slave ID over configuration utility

Software selectable RS-232/422/485 communication

Mounts on DIN-rail and Wall mount

Built-in 15 KV ESD protection for all serial signals

Automatic RS-485 data flow control

Supports surge protection for D.C. power ports with line to line 2 KV, and line to
earth 4 KV; for signal ports with 4 KV.

'I' models support a wide operating temperature

'CI' models support isolation and wide operating temperature
EKI-1200-CE Series User Manual 2