Communication Modules

Communication modules are expansion and option units that give a PLC, drive or field device a network interface such as Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP. They are used so that devices can exchange data with a higher-level system, drives can be managed over the network through the PLC, and distributed I/O groups can be connected to the main processor. The category includes Schneider Electric Modbus serial, EtherNet/IP, CANopen and AS-i modules, fieldbus adapters such as the FDNA-01, FECA-01 and FEIP-21 for ABB drives, Delta DVP series left-expansion CANopen, BACnet MS/TP and Ethernet modules, and communication modules for GMT GTC series PID devices. Select the module first according to the PLC, drive or device series it will be installed on, then according to the network protocol, the master or slave role and the port count. They should not be confused with standalone gateways and serial converters; a communication module fits only the series specified by its manufacturer, and a gateway is used to bridge two different protocols.

Products

How to choose Communication Modules

Communication modules are expansion and option units that give a PLC, drive or field device a network interface such as Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP. They are used so that devices can exchange data with a higher-level system, drives can be managed over the network through the PLC, and distributed I/O groups can be connected to the main processor.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is Communication Modules and where is it used?

Communication modules are expansion and option units that give a PLC, drive or field device a network interface such as Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP. They are used so that devices can exchange data with a higher-level system, drives can be managed over the network through the PLC, and distributed I/O groups can be connected to the main processor.

What should I compare when choosing Communication Modules?

Select the module first according to the PLC, drive or device series it will be installed on, then according to the network protocol, the master or slave role and the port count.

Where can I find technical details for Communication Modules products?

They should not be confused with standalone gateways and serial converters; a communication module fits only the series specified by its manufacturer, and a gateway is used to bridge two different protocols.

Communication Modules Selection Guide: Technical Criteria & Application Standards