Rockwell Automation 2711E PanelBuilder 1400e Modbus Communications - Manual (Page 13)

Chapter
1
Publication 2711E-6.12 – November 1997
Overview of
PanelBuilder 1400e with
Modbus Connectivity
This chapter provides an overview of PanelBuilder 1400e. It
describes these topics:
•
what PanelBuilder is
•
how PanelBuilder interacts with the PanelView terminal and the
controller or other Modbus slave device
•
important new PanelBuilder features
PanelBuilder 1400e is a software package that runs under Microsoft
Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. With it you create and design control
panel applications for PanelView operator terminals.
As human-machine interfaces, these control panel applications
enable an operator to monitor and control automated plant processes.
Important: To create applications for Modbus networks, you need
PanelBuilder Version 3 or later.
The relationship between PanelBuilder, the PanelView terminal, and
the controller or other Modbus slave device is as follows:
•
PanelBuilder—The Modbus application is created in
PanelBuilder on the personal computer, and downloaded to the
PanelView terminal.
•
Controller or other Modbus slave device—When
communicating over a Modbus network, the controller or other
Modbus slave device can respond to queries from the PanelView
terminal and other input or output devices.
•
PanelView terminal—The PanelView terminal displays the
process status information sent from the controller. This enables
the operator to make decisions about the process. The operator
provides input back to the controller. The PanelView terminal is a
master on the Modbus network, never a slave. In addition:
•
the PanelView 1200/1400e Transfer Utility is used to transfer
Modbus applications from the development computer to the
terminal.
•
the PanelView Serial Firmware Upgrade Utility is used to
install or upgrade firmware in the PanelView terminal. You
need to install Modbus-capable firmware in all PanelView
terminals you intend to connect to the Modbus network.
About PanelBuilder 1400e
PanelBuilder, PanelView
Terminals, and the
Controller or Other
Modbus Slave Device