The leader in industrial automation and control solutions

Applicable Model(s)

MapleLink

MapleLink-Lite

Title

Utilizing Modbus TCP/IP Client

Date

04/24/2025

Rev

00

P/N

TN3007

Summary

Modbus TCP is a feature on Maple Systems network switches which allows a Modbus TCP/IP Master to monitor register-addresses on the network switch. MapleLink, and MapleLink-Lite only support Modbus Function Code 4 (read only) at this juncture. Essentially creating a Modbus version of SNMP. This document describes how to configure a Modbus TCP/IP client when using a MapleLink network switch.

NOTE: If you receive a Device No Response message, please contact Maple Systems technical support.


Solution

Modbus TCP Information

Modbus base addresses on Maple Systems switches are 1001 (decimal) for Function Code 4. Here is a snippet of the Modbus TCP Information:

Modbus TCP information

Additional register addresses can be found in the Maple Systems Network Switch manuals on page 150 for the managed switches, and page 54 for the lite-managed. The additional information would include port information, redundancy & ring information, as well as ERPS information.

Enabling Modbus TCP

GUI

1.

Enter the IP address of the network switch into a web browser.

2.

Navigate to the Advanced Settings > Modbus TCP section.

3.

Enable Modbus TCP State.

Enable Modbus TCP state
ParameterDescription
Modbus TCP Settings
StateSelect this option to enable / disable the Modbus on the Switch.
ApplyClick Apply to take effect the settings.
RefreshClick Refresh to begin configuring this screen afresh.
Modbus TCP Information
DownloadClick the Download button to download all the register-address information.

CLI

1.

Open PuTTY or Command Prompt, and SSH or Telnet into the switch.


Utilizing Modbus TCP feature in EBPro and/or MapleLogic

EBPro

1.

Create a new project file.

2.

Add Modbus TCP/IP Master protocol driver.

3.

Adjust the IP of the protocol driver to be the IP address of the network switch.

4.

Place a Numerical Object pointed at 3x-1130 for demonstration purposes.

5.

Run an Online Simulation to ensure connectivity otherwise download to the cMT and observe connection status.

MapleLogic (Modular)

NOTE: MOD-SENT01 module is required. Logic is not required on the ladder for the project to download successfully to the PLC.

1.

Create a new project file.

2.

Add MOD-SENT01 module to Reserved IO.

3.

Configure MOD-SENT01 module to have an IP address on the same subnet as the Network Switch.

4.

Create a new program using MODBUS/TCP Master communication protocol on the existing project.

5.

Click New and enter the Switches IP address.

6.

Open Modbus TCP/IP special function program.

7.

Click “Add” to map Modbus Function Codes to MapleLogic registers. For example:

Communication Block Setup

8.

Create a Scan program.

9.

Download to the PLC.

10.

Add M1000 to the device monitor window to monitor its connection status value.

11.

Add D100 to the device monitor window to monitor its 3x-1130 value.