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Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU gateway

Anybus CAN to Modbus RTU data converter

Anybus Communicator CAN is a gateway and data converter enabling the exchange of data between a subnetwork, running CAN, and a Modbus RTU network. This allows devices with a CAN port to be integrated into a Modbus RTU network, without the need for hardware or software changes.
The gateway works as a Modbus RTU slave for the primary network and as a standard CAN node for the second network

The Communicator performs an intelligent data conversion and presents CAN data to a PLC/Controller in the Modbus RTU network as easy to process I/O data. With convenient configuration software basically every manufacturer-specific CAN data protocol can be exchanged to Modbus RTU, or vice versa.
Anybus Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU
CAN network
Modbus RTU network
Anybus Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU
Anybus Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU

Features and benefits

  • Saves machine builders and device manufacturers of integrating a Modbus RTU interface
  • Requires no hardware or software changes to be made to CAN-devices
  • Compatible with all PLC's and controllers with Modbus RTU support
  • Performs complete CAN protocol conversion, no PLC function blocks required
  • Flexible CAN frame building method for both Response/Request or Produce/Consume protocols
  • Intelligent I/O data mapping within the Communicator permits even devices with slow CAN communication can be integrated without any restrictions to Modbus RTU

Conversion of I/O-data

The Anybus Communicator maps data byte from CAN messages into I/O data in the Modbus RTU network, and vice versa. This mapping is highly flexible and can contain an arbitrary set of CAN Id’s and data. CAN communication is supported both by both producer /consumer or request/response protocol schemes, who are configured with a flexible CAN frame building method.

All data between Modbus RTU and the CAN network is transferred through an internal memory buffer inside the Communicator. This method of data exchange also permits CAN devices with slow communication to be integrated into high-speed Modbus RTU networks without any restrictions. The Communicator appears as a standard I/O module on the Modbus RTU side.

Easy configuration - No programming required!

The mapping of data between CAN and Modbus RTU is quickly set up in the Anybus Configuration Manager software, included with the Communicator CAN. No programming skills are needed to set up the Communicator.

CAN-configuration features

  • Graphical CAN frame building support using several ready-made CAN functions.
  • Can configure any CAN 2.0A or 2.0B based protocol (11 and 29 bit identifiers).
  • Configures upto 128 transactions containing a total of 256 CAN frames
  • Monitor/Modify function of process I/O data informing of CAN transaction status
  • Diagnostic transaction Live List in the network I/O informing of CAN transaction status
  • Handy Save/Load function allows for a completed configuration to be re-used for many other installations
  • Password protection prevents unauthorized upload and download of configurations 

Modbus RTU interface features

  • Complete Modbus RTU slave functionality
  • Max 512 bytes of Input and 512 bytes of Output data
  • Coil and Register access
  • Configuration via on-board DIP switches
  • Modbus RTU baudrate 12-57,6 kbit/s
Technical data
Dimensions 120 x 75 x 27mm
Weight 150g
Operating temperature -25 to +55 °C
Storage temperature -40 to +85 °C
Power supply 24 VDC
Current consumption Typical 150mA
Configuration port USB
CAN  
  Baudrate 20 kbit/s - 1 Mbit/s
  Protocol support CAN 2.0A and 2.0B (11 and 29 bit identifiers)
  Connector D-sub 9 Male
Modbus RTU  
  Connector 1x Sub-D99 female
Galvanic isolation On both CAN and Modbus RTU side
Protection class IP20
Mounting DIN-rail (EN 50022 standard)
Certifications CE, CULUS, ATEX/Haz.Loc, RoHS
Contents of delivery
- Anybus Communicator CAN-Modbus RTU
- Configuration cable (USB)
- D-sub9 connector with screw
- Anybus Configuration Manager (Windows™)
- Quick Reference Manual
- User Manual

Part number(s)

AB7316
Anybus Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU, 1x CAN, 1x Modbus RTU
Anybus Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU, 1x CAN, 1x Modbus RTU

Getting interested?

Are you interested in the Communicator CAN - Modbus RTU gateway? Please request, without any obligation, for a quote. Would you like more information? Please send an email to or visit our contact page.
You can call us if you like, we can be reached at +31-40-2301.922. We are pleased to help you and do offer you practical advice and support.

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