MU-1052M
The MU-1052M is special LAN<=>RS-485 communication converter designed primarily to integrate MicroUnit series modules into LAN (via Modbus TCP protocol), but they can also be used with third-party devices using the Modbus RTU protocol.
The converter operates as Modbus TCP / Modbus RTU gateway, but can be simultaneously used as Modbus RTU repeater (e.g. for interconnecting two Modbus RTU segments operating at different communication speeds).
The MU-1052M converter is equipped with...
- one LAN interface (Modbus TCP communication protocol)
- one RS-485 interface with master Modbus RTU communication protocol
- one RS-485 interface with slave Modbus RTU communication protocol
Note: The electronic board of the MU-1052M converter supports of a wide range of additional interfaces (see the block schematics), e.g. micro SD card slot for a memory card or USB port for connection of an external flash drive.
Available versions of converter
MU-1052M (basic version of converter) is equipped with LAN interfaces (connector RJ45 with two LEDs) and two RS-485 interfaces (screw terminals; the first interface in Modbus RTU master mode and the second in Modbus RTU slave mode.
This version performs primarily a function a Modbus TCP / Modbus RTU gateway, moreover can work as a Modbus RTU repeater interconnecting two segments operating at different communication speeds.
MU-1052M converters can be configured with the supplied program via LAN or Modbus RTU slave interface.
The MU-1052M converter is also available in other versions with additional interfaces, with connectors usually located under the cover of the DIN35 housing. The picture shows an electronic board with a USB-B connector for another communication interface, USB-A for a flash drive, a battery cell for backing up the internal RTC circuit, etc.
The converter with type designation MU-1052M1 is equipped with an isolated USB port, which allows to configure the converter without the need to change the current computer settings to the default converter configuration or have a computer with an RS-485 interface.
The USB port is located under the cover of the DIN35 housing (type B connector). After installing the Windows driver, a COM port is created with identical functions as the Modbus RTU slave interface. In the case simple configuration of the converter (i.e. there is no need to communicate with I/O modules connected to the RS-485 slave interface), the USB port is sufficient for supplying of converter and therefore no other power supply is required. All you need for configuration is a computer and a USB cable.
The converter with type designation MU-1052M2 is equipped with an USB port, which allows to connect an external flash drive and configure the converter with data from a file without need to connect it to a computer.
The USB port is located under the cover of the DIN35 housing (type B connector). If the converter firmware detects the flash drive and finds a valid configuration file, it will change its configuration according to the file contents. The next time the converter is started, it will work with the updated parameters.
Firmware feature updates in future
Web interface
For supervision in operating mode, the converter can be equipped with a web interface for access to diagnostic data. These functions are already offered by standard firmware via Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU slave interfaces.
DHCP client functionality
The DHCP client is intended primarily for centralized management of multiple MU-1052M converters (fixed address assignment is handled by the MAC/IP table within the DHCP server configuration).
(launched in October 2024, DHCP client support has been integrated in standard firmware)
DHCP server functionality
The DHCP server is designed primarily for easier configuration of the MU-1052M converter by direct connection to a computer with a LAN interface set to automatically assign network parameters by a DHCP server.
Increasing the number of concurrent Modbus TCP connections
and definition of access rights
The standard firmware supports up to four concurrent connections (i.e. up to four master systems can communicate with the modules at the same time) without IP address filtering.
The extended firmware allows to increase the number of connections up to seven and add definitions of access rights based on the IP address of the accessing client.
Software support
For typical applications based on Modbus RTU/TCP protocols, there is no need to use specific software drivers, because almost every software with Modbus TCP support can be used.
Specifications
| Type | MU-1052M (also applies to versions M1 and M2) |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 1x ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s 1x RS-485 "Modbus RTU master" 1x RS-485 "Modbus RTU slave" |
| Ethernet interface | 10BaseT/100BaseTX, RJ45 |
| Supported protocols | ethernet, ARP, IPv4, ICMP, UDP, TCP (IPv6 support can be added) Modbus TCP server |
| LAN parameters | IP, mask and port set by the configuration program or DHCP (started in 10.2024) |
| Modbus TCP parameters | TCP port 502 (fixed), four simultaneous connections, configurable Unit ID of converter |
| Modbus RTU parameters (master interface) |
RS-485, communication baud rate 2.4kBd ÷ 115.2kBd, parity even, odd or no parity, target device address 0 to 254 |
| Modbus RTU parameters (slave interface) |
RS-485, communication baud rate 2.4kBd ÷ 115.2kBd, parity even, odd or no parity, converter address 247 (configurable), in case of routing to the master interface allowed target device address 0 to 254 except for the converter's own address |
| RS-485 ESD surge protection |
300A, 8/20 µs, IEC 801-5 (TVS diodes 5V8/600W) |
| Isolation voltage (ethernet) |
2kVDC |
| Supply voltage | 10÷30VDC |
| Power consumption | 2.0W max. |
| Housing & Dimensions | Modulbox 3M |
| Signal terminals | screw terminals, wire 2.5mm2 max. |
| Type | MU-1052M1 (expanding interfaces) |
| USB port | FT232RL + VCP driver |
| Isolation voltage (USB port) |
500V |
| Communication parameters |
Modbus RTU, 115.2kBd, 8S1 converter address 255 (fixed), in case of routing to the master interface allowed target device address 0 to 254 |
| USB connector | USB-B |
| Type | MU-1052M2 (expanding interfaces) |
| USB port | USB Mass Storage class controller |
| File system | FAT32 |
| USB connector | USB-A |
