The Babel Buster BB2-6020 Modbus TCP to LonWorks gateway connects multiple Modbus TCP devices to a LonWorks network, mapping Modbus TCP registers to LonWorks network variables. The BB2-6020 is a standard LonWorks node with bindable network variables. The BB2-6020 ModbusTCP to LonWorks gateway can be a Modbus TCP client and server.

A single packed Modbus TCP register can be distributed among multiple LonWorks network variables for both reading and writing. Conversely, a structured LonWorks network variable can be distributed among multiple Modbus TCP registers with writes synchronized so that the network variable is only transmitted when all components of the structure have been updated.

BB2-6020 Modbus TCP to LonWorks Functionality

Data objects associated with Network Variable Outputs will poll their assigned Modbus register at the interval you specify, and provide the Modbus data to the LonWorks network as an NV update. Data objects associated with Network Variable Inputs will receive their data from the LonWorks network as an NV update. The received data will be written to the assigned Modbus registers periodically or upon NV update (user selected).

Feature Highlights
• Connect Modbus TCP Devices to LonWorks Network
• Modbus TCP to LonWorks gateway is a standard Managed LonWorks Node
• Configurable as Modbus TCP client and server
• 120 Network Variable Inputs, 120 Network Variable Outputs
• Based on FT 5000, no installation credits required
• Up to 400 Modbus registers
• Free configuration software, download from csimn.com
• FCC/CE Mark, UL 916 Listed
• Software Included, No Drivers to Buy

BB2-6020 Modbus TCP to LonWorks Gateway

Babel Buster BB2-6020 Modbus TCP to LonWorks Gateway

Order code: BB2-6020
Retail price: $1,159.00

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Are you going in the right direction?

The BB2-6020 puts a Modbus device on a LonWorks network. Do you need to put a LonWorks device on a Modbus network instead? If so, you want the BB2-6020-NB.

 

LonWorks to Modbus Data Flow

Control Solutions’ Babel Buster® BB2-6020 is a bindable LonWorks® node that functions as a Modbus TCP client/server. A large number of data objects gives you flexibility in mapping Modbus registers to scalar or structured LonWorks network variables. Packed Modbus registers may be parsed to multiple network variables when reading. Multiple data objects may be packed into a single Modbus register when writing. All standard Modbus register types are supported.

Data objects associated with Network Variable Outputs will poll their assigned Modbus register at the interval you specify, and provide the Modbus data to the LonWorks network as an NV update.

Data objects associated with Network Variable Inputs will receive their data from the LonWorks network as an NV update. The received data will be written to the assigned Modbus registers periodically or upon NV update (user selected).

The BB2-6020 is most often used as a Modbus master, but it can operate as a slave. This makes it possible to put LonWorks devices on a Modbus network (but does still require binding and network commissioning with LonMaker or equivalent).

The Babel Buster BB2-6020 is the upgraded replacement for the legacy Babel Buster 10/100. The BB2-6020 provides four times the network variable capacity, faster processing speed, and requires no installation credits for installation in an LNS based network.

LonWorks to Modbus Configuration Tool

The Gateway Node Configuration Tool is the most user friendly LonWorks gateway configuration tool to date. Connect the gateway to your laptop via a USB cable - no need for any adapters or “dongles”, and no need to have a functional network on either side of the gateway for initial setup.

Import Modbus register lists formatted as CSV files. Create your register list using any standard spreadsheet program, save as CSV, then import. The tool will then automatically create and assign network variables. Next, you export an XIF file representing your device. The XIF includes all configuration property file data and is ready to import into LonMaker.

You can also import an XIF file of a LonWorks device you want to provide Modbus access to. The tool will automatically assign Modbus registers, which is especially useful if the gateway will be a Modbus slave.

LonMark Function Block for Modbus to LonWorks Gateway

The LonWorks Network Variables (NV’s) contained within the Babel Buster gateway are configured as standard sensor and actuator function blocks with user changeable network variable types. Each variable has been allocated the maximum of 31 bytes of memory, meaning any known LonWorks variable type (including UNVTs) can be used. The NV’s are bound to other nodes on the LonWorks network using LonMaker or other comparable network management tool.

NV to Modbus Translation Diagram

Many LonWorks network variables are a single data value, such as temperature. However, many other LonWorks network variables are ‘structured’, meaning a single variable contains several related data values such as in the HVAC status variable. Modbus registers, on the other hand, always contain exactly one and only one data value. This means a single structured LonWorks variable cannot be translated to a single Modbus register. The single structured LonWorks network variable must be translated to or from multiple Modbus registers.

The method of making structured LonWorks data available to Modbus involves intermediary data ‘objects’ in the Babel Buster gateway. The LonWorks network variable input data structure is dispersed to multiple data objects. These data objects are, in turn, made accessible as Modbus registers after appropriate data scaling and reformatting. The process is reversed for structured network variable outputs, with multiple data objects (Modbus registers) collected up and formatted into a single LonWorks structured variable.

BB2-6020 Connections
BB2-6020 Connections

 

BB2-6020 Features

• Read/Write Modbus registers via LonWorks® NV’s
    • 400 Data objects accessible as Modbus registers
    • 120 Network Variable Inputs
    • 120 Network Variable Outputs
• Supports structured network variables
• Free topology LonWorks network
• Based on FT 5000, no installation credits required
• 32-bit ARM co-processor for greater processing power
• Bidirectional LonWorks-Modbus communication
• Supports Modbus “coils”, input registers, holding registers
• 16, 32-bit Modbus registers, signed, unsigned, IEEE 754
• Support for “Mod10” 2, 3, and 4-register data formats
• Modbus (master) polling interval configurable per point
• Operation as Modbus slave also possible, user selectable
• USB connection directly to PC for configuration
• Configuration software provided at no extra charge
• Internal flash card for simplified firmware updates
• 10/100BaseT Ethernet, RJ45 connector
• Powered by 12-24V DC/AC 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 0.3A @ 24VDC
• DIN rail mounting, 100mm H x 70mm W x 60mm D
• Pluggable screw terminal blocks
• Operating temperature, standard -25°C to +85°C
• Operating temperature, extended -40°C to +85°C
• Humidity 5% to 90% non-condensing
• FCC, CE Mark, UL 916 Listed

 


• BB2-6020 Data Sheet

• BB2-6020 User Guide


• BB2-6020 Support Package
Contains configuration tool software, USB driver, documentation. XIF files are generated by the configuration tool.


• Modbus Tutorial
Introduction to Modbus, including function codes, exception codes, register numbering.

• LonWorks Tutorial
Basic overview of LonWorks, and "why is it so complicated?"

BB2-6020 Video Library

Watch these videos for an introduction to configuring the gateway. It's easier than reading!

Introduction to LonWorks Modbus Gateway Configuration Tool

BB2-6020 Video - Introduction

Configuring LonWorks Gateway from CSV Register List

BB2-6020 Video - Configure from CSV register list

Configuring LonWorks Gateway from XIF File for Other LonWorks Device

BB2-6020 Video - Configure from XIF file

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