LumenRadio has recently introduced a Wireless Modbus (W-Modbus) module built around Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 SoC. The module can connect up to 100 nodes, integrates a power amplifier with 100mW transmission power, and supports Bluetooth LE for smartphone connectivity. These features simplify Modbus RTU installations by eliminating traditional control cables, making them ideal for building and industrial automation applications.
The company mentions two variants available for this module the ‘W-Modbus OEM Module’ which supports one Modbus client, and the ‘W-Modbus PRO OEM Module’ supporting up to sixteen Modbus clients. Both modules support self-healing, self-organizing mesh protocols that address the issues of network reliability and scalability in industrial environments. The module can also be used for remote monitoring and troubleshooting via smartphones.
LumenRadio’s Wireless Modbus module specification
- Module – LumenRadio W-Modbus module
- SoC – Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840
- CPU – 32-bit Cortex-M4 core with FPU @ 64 MHz
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.4 (BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, NFC, and Zigbee)
- Frequency band – 2.45 GHz, ISM band (2400-2483 MHz)
- Output (ERP) – Max 20 dBm
- Number of Servers
- 1 Server to 1 W-Modbus Module
- 100 Servers to 1 Client for the W-Modbus PRO module
- Antenna – U.FL/IPEX external antenna connector
- SoC – Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840
- Features
- Scalability – Connect up to 16 Modbus Clients (for W-Modbus PRO Module)
- Mesh network covers entire buildings, self-optimizing for best paths.
- Self-optimizing network
- Cognitive Coexistence
- U.FL/IPEX external antenna connector
- Firmware upgradeable via BLE
- Dimensions – 33.5 x 18.5 mm
Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) is a communication protocol used in industrial automation systems for transmitting data over serial communication lines. It is a version of the Modbus protocol that operates in a binary format, making it efficient and widely used in environments where devices need to communicate with each other. We can take the example of sensors, controllers, and monitoring systems. Modbus RTU is a widely used communication protocol in industrial automation, where a master device (PLC or SCADA) communicates with slave devices (sensors or actuators) using a compact binary format. It operates over RS-232 or RS-485 and is in operation to date for its simplicity, efficiency, and compatibility in applications like manufacturing, HVAC, and building management.
LumenRadio mentions that the W-Modbus products are built on their MiraOS and MiraMesh technology, which include patented features like fast installation, high reliability, and extended range. MiraOS is used in many installations globally, including building automation, HVAC control, lighting, and industrial sensor networks.
MiraOS is an embedded operating system designed for wireless devices. It supports self-healing and self-organizing mesh networks, which ensures reliable communication in tough environmental conditions. MiraOS is also optimized for low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered devices in applications like HVAC, lighting control, and industrial sensors. MiraMesh on the other hand is the mesh networking protocol built on top of MiraOS.
The company also has a development kit for the Wireless Modbus module that simplifies the evaluation and prototyping of the W-Modbus module. It includes two W-Modbus devices, a development board, a shield, five OEM modules, and three types of antennas (patch, dome, and omnidirectional) for different range needs. The development board is powered via USB or pin headers, comes with an RS485 interface, and can be managed using SPI and UART. The kit allows easy integration and testing of the W-Modbus module, providing all necessary components for prototyping. More information about the topic can be found on their documentation page and some more additional information is available on Nordic Semi’s press release.
At the time of writing the company does not mention any pricing information for the W-Modbus and W-Modbus PRO modules or its development kit, and you would need to contact sales for more information. A few more details may be found on the products page.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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