ASERCOM, the Association of European Refrigeration Component Manufacturers announces the release of the Modbus Electronic Data Sheets (EDS). This groundbreaking development aims to enhance the interoperability and integration of Modbus server devices within the automation industry, providing significant benefits specifically for the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) industry.
Marco Masini, President of ASERCOM, says: “The introduction of the Modbus EDS represents a significant milestone in our industry’s journey towards seamless integration and interoperability. By providing a common description language, we are enabling more efficient and error-free communication between devices, ultimately leading to better performance and reliability in our systems.”
Standardization and Interoperability for the RACHP Industry
The Modbus Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) offer a standardized method for describing device information, enabling uniform communication and integration. The EDS can be used with Modbus RTU as well as Modbus ASCII or Modbus TCP/IP. This promotes interoperability between different manufacturers and systems, which is particularly crucial for the RACHP industry, often dealing with a variety of different systems and protocols.
Simplified Integration and Reduced Development Costs
Utilizing the widely adopted JSON format, EDS files can be easily and automatically processed. This significantly simplifies the integration of new devices into existing systems, reducing the need for adjustments and configurations. For manufacturers of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, this leads to a considerable reduction in development time and costs.
Flexibility and Future-Proofing
The EDS document can be flexibly provided as a standalone data object within the device, on a central server, or as part of the documentation. This flexibility allows EDS to be used with existing devices without the need for firmware updates. Additionally, the document is continuously developed and adapted to the latest technical requirements, ensuring it remains future-proof.
Increased Reliability and Error Reduction
The detailed and standardized description of parameters and functions minimizes the risk of communication errors and enhances system reliability. This results in more stable and efficient operations within the RACHP industry, ultimately leading to improved performance and longevity of equipment.
Supporting Digital Transformation
The introduction of the EDS document supports the digital transformation of the RACHP industry by facilitating the adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) and connected devices. Through standardized data descriptions, RACHP systems can be better integrated into smart buildings and smart grids, resulting in higher energy efficiency and operational effectiveness.
A Common Language for Easier Integration
The fundamental idea behind the Modbus EDS is to create a common “description language” for exchanging data from a Modbus device. This common language ensures that integrating devices into Modbus clients is smoother, less error-prone, and ideally automatic. Without a unified language, it becomes exceedingly complicated to interpret the various documentations from different manufacturers and incorporate them accurately.
Free Download Available
“We have decided to make the document freely accessible to the entire market. We want to reach as many users and developers as quickly as possible and establish a new de facto standard”, says Matthias Kordon, who played a key role in driving the development of the Modbus EDS at ASERCOM. “Rapid market penetration makes everyone’s work easier and ensures good interoperability.”
