Lantronix Announces Network-Enabling Products with Modbus Support for OEMs and End Users

In a move to expand its position in the growing market for network-enabling industrial equipment, Lantronix today announced the release of three new CoBox universal thin servers with support for the Modbus protocol, an open standard for talking to PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

Lantronix's (Irvine, CA) new universal thin servers support the most popular versions of the Modbus protocol, including the Modbus ASCII and Modbus RTU serial protocols as well as the Modbus TCP networked protocol. Developed in the late 1970s, Modbus is a routable protocol used by virtually all automation companies throughout the world.

"Frequently, users of these protocols find it necessary to translate from one protocol to another or to bridge one of the serial protocols across a standard TCP/IP network," says Greg Wheeler, senior product manager at Lantronix. "The new Lantronix CoBox products provide this functionality in a variety of packages designed for the convenience of both end user and OEM customers, while further broadening the capabilities of the CoBox line to support more specialized applications."

The CoBox Modbus universal thin server is packaged in an external standalone enclosure in two variations: one with Ethernet support via either a 10BASE-T RJ45 port or AUI; the other with Token Ring support via either an STP (SubD9) or UTP (RJ45) connector. Both variations feature a single serial connection with a choice of either a DB25 or DB9 connector supporting RS232, RS422 or RS485 standards. These models come with a rugged aluminum enclosure and include rackmount brackets, diagnostic LEDs and an external power supply (both 110VAC and 230VAC supplies are available).

The CoBox Mini Modbus server is a board-level product designed to allow OEM customers to incorporate Modbus support directly into their products. The product features a TTL communications interface and options for either Ethernet (10BASE-T or AUI) or Token-Ring (STP or UTP) network interfacing. The small PCB requires only 5V of regulated input power for normal operation. To meet their products' needs, OEM customers can specify from a number of pin header configurations.

The CoBox Rackmount Modbus universal thin server is a "blade" type product designed for OEM applications where a chassis-based system is being used. A single RJ45 port supports serial communications, while a 10BASE-T RJ45 provides the network interface. The unit accepts any power in the 8-30V range.

Single-quantity prices range from $295 for the board-level CoBox Mini Ethernet version to $995 for the external CoBox Modbus Token Ring version.

Lantronix's new Modbus products are an outgrowth of an ongoing partnership with Schneider Automation. Schneider is currently shipping Modbus-compatible products designed for use in factory environments where DIN Rail mounting is required.

"Within the factory automation and process control market spaces, there is a strong need for network-enabling a huge variety of devices," Wheeler explains. "The Lantronix CoBox Modbus products provide solutions for those areas of the marketplace where the DIN Rail form factor is not required or where an embedded board-level solution is preferred."