Moxa MB3170I-T Industrial Grade Modbus TCP Protocol Gateway

Moxa MB3170I-T: The Industrial Modbus TCP Protocol Gateway Driving Seamless Connectivity

The Moxa MB3170I-T Industrial Grade Modbus TCP Protocol Gateway is a robust solution engineered to bridge the gap between serial Modbus RTU/ASCII devices and modern Modbus TCP/IP networks. Designed for demanding industrial environments, this gateway offers advanced functionality, reliable performance, and flexible integration capabilities. Key advantages include its ability to support up to 32 Modbus TCP servers and connect with up to 31 or 62 Modbus RTU/ASCII slaves, ensuring comprehensive network coverage. Its core features, such as Auto Device Routing and priority control for urgent commands, significantly simplify configuration and enhance operational responsiveness. Technical parameters highlight its wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C, 2 kV isolation protection, and dual DC power inputs for increased reliability.

Product Specifications

| Feature                  | Specification                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |

| :----------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |

| Ethernet Interface   | 2 x 10/100BaseT(X) Ports (RJ45 Connector), Auto MDI/MDI-X, Magnetic Isolation Protection 1.5 kV (built-in)                                                                                                                             |

| Optical Fiber Option | 100BaseFX (single mode or multi-mode with SC/ST connector), transmission distances up to 4 km (multi-mode) or 40 km (single-mode)                                                                                                    |

| Serial Interface     | 1 Port, DB9 Male (RS-232) and Terminal Block (RS-422/485), Software Selectable RS-232/422/485                                                                                                                                        |

| Serial Standards     | RS-232, RS-422, RS-485-2w, RS-485-4w                                                                                                                                                                                           |

| Baudrate             | 50 bps to 921.6 kbps                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

| Data Bits            | 7, 8                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |

| Parity               | None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark                                                                                                                                                                                               |

| Stop Bits            | 1, 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |

| Flow Control         | DTR/DSR, RTS Toggle (RS-232 only), RTS/CTS                                                                                                                                                                                   |

| RS-485 Control       | ADDC® (Automatic Data Direction Control)                                                                                                                                                                                      |

| RS-485 Termination   | 120 ohms (Software Selectable)                                                                                                                                                                                             |

| Isolation            | 2 kV Serial Port Isolation (for "-I" models)                                                                                                                                                                               |

| Protocols Supported  | Modbus TCP Client (Master), Modbus TCP Server (Slave), Modbus RTU/ASCII Master, Modbus RTU/ASCII Slave, Modbus (Transparent)                                                                            |

| Max. Client Connections| 32                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |

| Max. Server Connections| 32                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |

| Input Voltage        | 12 to 48 VDC                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

| Input Current        | 555 mA @ 12 VDC                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

| Power Connector      | 7-pin Terminal Block                                                                                                                                                                                                            |

| Relay Output         | 1 A @ 30 VDC (Resistive Load)                                                                                                                                                                                               |

| Operating Temperature| -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F) (for -T models)                                                                                                                                                                           |

| Storage Temperature  | -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

| Humidity             | 5 to 95% RH (non-condensing)                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

| Housing              | Plastic                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |

| IP Rating            | IP30                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |

| Dimensions (with ears)| 29 x 89.2 x 124.5 mm (1.14 x 3.51 x 4.90 in)                                                                                                                                                                              |

| Certifications       | CE, FCC, UL/cUL, IECEx, ATEX, DNV, Maritime                                                                                                                                                                              |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa MB3170I-T positions itself as a highly flexible and robust industrial gateway, differentiating itself through advanced features that simplify integration and enhance operational efficiency. Its "Auto Device Routing" function is a significant advantage, automating the creation of slave ID routing tables and reducing configuration time and cost for engineers managing numerous Modbus devices. Furthermore, the "Priority Control for Urgent Commands" feature ensures that critical operations receive immediate responses, a crucial aspect for real-time industrial control systems. The gateway's ability to support simultaneous serial and Ethernet masters, along with its serial redirector function, allows for seamless integration of legacy serial devices into modern IP-based networks without altering existing SCADA systems or software. This capability makes the MB3170I-T a vital component for industries seeking to modernize their infrastructure while preserving existing investments.

Key Application Scenarios

The versatility of the Moxa MB3170I-T makes it suitable for a wide array of industrial applications. It excels in factory automation, enabling seamless communication between PLC controllers and distributed I/O devices on both Modbus TCP and serial networks. In the oil and gas sector, its rugged design and wide operating temperature range (-40 to 75°C) ensure reliable performance in harsh environments, facilitating data acquisition from remote sensors and equipment. The maritime industry benefits from its robust certifications and isolation capabilities, essential for data transfer in vessel monitoring and control systems. Additionally, it serves critical roles in building automation, power generation and distribution, and transportation systems where reliable Modbus communication is paramount.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa MB3170I-T into an industrial network is streamlined by its user-friendly design and comprehensive management tools. For Ethernet connectivity, the gateway features two 10/100BaseT(X) ports with built-in Ethernet cascading, allowing for simplified network wiring without the need for an additional switch. Serial port configuration is flexible, supporting RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 with softwareselectable settings and options for pull-high/low resistors and 120-ohm termination for RS-485. Installation is typically DIN-rail mounted, though wall mounting is also supported. Initial setup can be performed via a web console (HTTP/HTTPS), Telnet, or the dedicated Moxa MGate Manager software. The default IP address is 192.168.127.254, with default login credentials of "admin" and "moxa".

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operational reliability is a cornerstone of the MB3170I-T. The inclusion of redundant dual DC power inputs ensures continuous operation even if one power source fails, critical for uninterrupted industrial processes. The gateway also features a relay output for Ethernet link and power input status, providing an immediate visual alert for maintenance personnel in case of failure. For troubleshooting, an embedded Modbus traffic monitoring function aids in diagnosing communication issues. Electrical protection is enhanced by 2 kV isolation for serial ports and 1.5 kV magnetic isolation for Ethernet, mitigating risks associated with ground loops and electrical surges common in industrial settings.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa MB3170I-T offers significant long-term value through its inherent scalability and compatibility. Its ability to connect to up to 32 Modbus TCP servers and 62 serial slaves allows networks to grow without requiring immediate hardware upgrades. The gateway's support for multiple industrial protocols beyond Modbus, such as DNP3, CANopen, and PROFIBUS (in other Moxa gateway series), suggests a platform designed for evolving industrial communication needs. Integration with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions is facilitated by its robust IP-based networking capabilities and support for security protocols like HTTPS (TLS 1.2) and SNMPv3, enabling secure remote monitoring and management of industrial assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

  How do I connect multiple serial devices to the Moxa MB3170I-T?

    To integrate multiple serial devices, configure the MB3170I-T as a Modbus TCP-to-RTU gateway. Connect your serial devices to the gateway's RS-232/422/485 ports. Ensure each serial port is configured with the correct settings like baud rate, parity, and data bits to match your specific serial devices.

    This setup allows the gateway to translate Modbus TCP/IP communication to Modbus RTU/ASCII, enabling seamless interaction between your Ethernet network and serial devices. Proper configuration of these serial parameters is key for reliable communication.

    The gateway's flexibility in handling up to 31 or 62 serial slaves, depending on the model and configuration, ensures it can accommodate a growing number of connected devices over time. This makes it a scalable solution for expanding industrial networks.

  What are the benefits of using the Auto Device Routing feature on the Moxa MB3170I-T?

    The Auto Device Routing feature significantly simplifies the configuration process for engineers. It automates the creation of the slave ID routing table, which is typically a manual and time-consuming task.

    This intelligent function allows the gateway to automatically detect Modbus requests from a SCADA system. By eliminating the need for manual slave ID mapping, it drastically reduces setup time and potential for human error, leading to faster deployment and lower engineering costs.

    This feature is particularly valuable in large-scale industrial environments where numerous Modbus devices need to be integrated. It streamlines the process of bringing new devices online and managing existing ones within the network infrastructure.

  Can the Moxa MB3170I-T be used in environments with extreme temperatures?

    Yes, the Moxa MB3170I-T is available in models designed for wide operating temperature ranges. Specifically, the "-T" suffix indicates models that support operation from -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F).

    This extended temperature capability makes the gateway ideal for deployment in harsh industrial settings where standard electronics might fail. Such environments include outdoor substations, control cabinets in remote locations, or manufacturing floors with fluctuating temperatures.

    Ensuring the correct model with the "-T" designation is selected is crucial for applications requiring this extended thermal performance, guaranteeing reliable operation under extreme conditions.

  What industrial protocols does the Moxa MB3170I-T support besides Modbus TCP?

    While the MB3170I-T is primarily a Modbus TCP gateway, it natively supports various Modbus protocols, including Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, and Modbus TCP itself, functioning as both a master and a slave for these protocols.

    In addition to its core Modbus capabilities, Moxa's broader gateway solutions often support other industrial protocols like DNP3, CANopen, J1939, PROFIBUS, BACnet/IP, IEC 101/104, IEC 61850, and EtherCAT. These are typically found in other models within the Moxa MGate series, showcasing the company's comprehensive protocol conversion offerings.

    This wide protocol support across the product line ensures that users can find a Moxa solution for nearly any industrial communication requirement, enabling seamless integration between diverse automation systems.

  How does the 2 kV isolation protection benefit the Moxa MB3170I-T in industrial settings?

    The 2 kV isolation protection on serial ports significantly enhances the gateway's reliability and safety in industrial environments. It creates an electrical barrier that prevents high voltages or ground loop currents from damaging the gateway or connected devices.

    This protection is crucial in industrial settings where electrical noise and voltage fluctuations are common. It safeguards sensitive control systems from transient surges and electrical interference, reducing the risk of equipment failure and costly downtime.

    By isolating the serial communication interfaces, the MB3170I-T protects itself and the connected industrial devices, ensuring a more stable and robust network infrastructure.

  What are the advantages of using Ethernet cascading on the Moxa MB3170I-T?

    The MB3170I-T features built-in Ethernet cascading, which simplifies network wiring. This allows users to connect multiple Modbus gateways together in a daisy-chain fashion using standard Ethernet cables.

    This eliminates the need for an external Ethernet switch in many network topologies, reducing installation complexity, cabling costs, and the overall footprint of the control system infrastructure. It streamlines the deployment of devices in distributed architectures.

    The cascading feature contributes to a cleaner and more organized industrial network setup, making maintenance and troubleshooting more efficient.

  How does the priority control feature improve Modbus network performance?

    The Priority Control feature allows for urgent commands to be given immediate response, addressing potential lag times in large and complex Modbus networks. This ensures that critical control signals are processed without delay.

    Users can define specific commands or message types that should receive higher priority. This is essential for applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as emergency stop signals or critical process control adjustments.

    By enabling prioritized communication, the MB3170I-T helps maintain the efficiency and safety of industrial operations, especially when network traffic is high.

  What is the role of the serial redirector function in the Moxa MB3170I-T?

    The serial redirector function allows serial masters to maintain direct access to serial slave devices. This is achieved through a specially mapped serial port on the gateway.

    This capability is critical for integrating Modbus TCP masters without altering existing Modbus RTU/ASCII architectures or software. It enables simultaneous access by both serial and Ethernet masters to the same serial slave devices.

    The serial redirector function enhances integration flexibility, allowing for phased upgrades or coexistence of different communication protocols within a single industrial network.

  How do I reset the Moxa MB3170I-T to factory defaults?

    To reset the Moxa MB3170I-T to its factory default settings, locate the reset button on the unit. Use a pointed object, such as a straightened paper clip, to press and hold the reset button for approximately five seconds.

    Release the button when the Ready LED indicator begins to blink. This action will revert all configuration settings back to their original factory state. Ensure you have your network configuration details ready to reapply after the reset.

    This procedure is a useful troubleshooting step if the gateway becomes unresponsive or if configuration issues prevent proper operation. Always ensure proper power is supplied during the reset process.

  What are the typical troubleshooting steps if the Moxa MB3170I-T is not establishing a connection?

    First, verify physical connectivity. Ensure Ethernet cables are securely connected to both the MB3170I-T and the network device, and that serial cables are correctly attached to the slave devices.

    Next, check IP and port configurations. Confirm that the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway settings on the MB3170I-T and the Modbus TCP client match. Ensure that the correct TCP port (commonly port 502 for Modbus TCP) is open and configured on both ends.

    Additionally, examine serial communication settings (baud rate, parity, data bits) on both the gateway and the serial devices to ensure they are identical. Review the gateway's logs for any error messages, and consider using built-in diagnostic tools or an external Modbus testing utility to pinpoint the communication failure.