Modbus is an industrial communication protocol used to exchange data between electronic devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, meters, drives, and other automation equipment. It uses a simple request-and-response communication model, allowing one device to request information or send commands to another device over a wired or network connection.
For example, a PLC in a manufacturing system can use Modbus to read temperature values from sensors, retrieve energy measurements from a power meter, or send control commands to a motor drive. Modbus is available in several forms, including Modbus RTU, commonly used over serial connections, and Modbus TCP, which operates over Ethernet networks. Its simplicity, widespread adoption, and compatibility with many industrial devices make Modbus a common choice for industrial automation, building management, energy monitoring, and SCADA systems.
