Modbus Protocol
Modbus is a serial communication protocol originally developed by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It has become a de facto standard communication protocol in industrial automation and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, enabling communication between electronic devices over various physical layers like RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet (Modbus TCP), and wireless networks. The protocol uses a simple master-slave architecture to read and write data to devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers.
Developers should learn Modbus when working in industrial automation, building IoT systems for manufacturing, energy management, or building automation, as it is widely supported by legacy and modern industrial equipment. It is essential for integrating PLCs, HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and other devices in SCADA systems, offering a straightforward, open protocol for real-time data exchange without complex licensing. Use cases include monitoring temperature sensors, controlling motors, or aggregating data from multiple devices in a factory setting.