The MC0312 Ethernet-APL built-in module is a miniaturized module developed by Microcyber that complies with 10BASE-T1L (IEEE 802.3cg).
The module supports bus power supply, a communication rate of 10 Mbps, and a maximum communication distance of 1000 m. Its software protocol supports Modbus-RTU master and HART-IP slave functions. MC0312 can convert Modbus devices into HART-IP protocol devices that support the Ethernet-APL physical layer.
MC0312 Ethernet-APL Module Features
The MC0312 is part of Microcyber’s MC series built-in core modules.
The MC series uses the same module size and interface, with functions including easy upgrade and simple configuration.
Same Size
Microcyber MC series built-in core modules have a size of:
35 mm × 35 mm
Same Interface
The MC series built-in core modules use a 2.0 mm spacing double-row 14-pin connector, with functional compatibility between the modules.
Easy to Upgrade
Different Microcyber MC series built-in core modules can be replaced to implement devices with different protocols.
Simple Configuration
The MC0312 can be configured using Microcyber’s special configuration tool.
Ethernet-APL and HART-IP Conversion
The MC0312 is a built-in module that converts Modbus protocol devices into HART-IP protocol devices supporting the Ethernet-APL physical layer.
The module can be embedded in Modbus devices such as:
- Temperature instruments
- Pressure instruments
- Flow instruments
- Level instruments
- Actuators
The instrument communicates with the MC0312 through a TTL serial interface, and the communication protocol between the instrument and module is Modbus-RTU.
MC0312 supports both Modbus master station and HART-IP slave station functions. It can convert data from Modbus data registers, including input registers and holding registers, into dynamic variables corresponding to HART-IP commands.
The basic conversion logic is:
Modbus Device → MC0312 → HART-IP Dynamic Variables → HART-IP Master
For example, if a holding register with address 30000 in a flow meter stores the instantaneous flow value, the register can be configured to device variable 0 of the HART-IP module. Device variable 0 can then be assigned as the main variable, second variable, third variable or fourth variable.
10BASE-T1L and Ethernet-APL
MC0312 complies with 10BASE-T1L (IEEE 802.3cg) and uses the Ethernet-APL physical layer.
The module supports:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Layer | 10BASE-T1L |
| Standard | IEEE 802.3cg |
| Communication Rate | 10 Mbps |
| Maximum Communication Distance | 1000 m |
| Protocol Support | Modbus-RTU Master / HART-IP Slave |
These values are specified in the MC0312 product overview and technical specification.
Modbus Communication Configuration
The MC0312 communicates with the user’s Modbus instrument using Modbus-RTU.
The HART-IP MPT configuration software can be used to configure the Modbus communication parameters according to the characteristics of the connected Modbus device.
The configurable Modbus communication parameters include:
- Slave address
- Baud rate
- Data bits
- Parity
- Stop bit
- CRC byte order
The default parameters specified in the manual are:
| Parameter | Default |
|---|---|
| Slave Address | 1 |
| Baud Rate | 9600 bps |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Parity | EVEN |
| Stop Bit | 1 |
| CRC Byte Order | Low-High Order |
The manual states that normal communication requires the configured parameters to comply with the interface characteristics of the user’s Modbus device.
HART-IP Configuration
The MC0312 uses HART-IP MPT host computer configuration software for module configuration.
The HART-IP MPT software provides HART-IP master station functions and can communicate with and configure the MC0312 through the HART-IP protocol.
The software supports network settings including:
- TCP or UDP network protocol
- Device IP address
- Port number
The default port specified in the manual is 5094.
Device Variable Configuration
The MC0312 supports configuration of 6 device variables.
These variables can represent process data from the user’s Modbus instrument, including:
- Instantaneous flow
- Cumulative flow
- Flow rate
- Medium density
- Medium temperature
Users can configure six device variables through the HART-IP MPT configuration software.
The configuration parameters include:
- Type
- Unit
- Sensor range upper limit
- Sensor range lower limit
- Minimum span
- Upper measuring range limit
- Lower measuring range limit
- Default unit
- Modbus function code
- Register address
- Register data type
The manual specifies that the register address used in the configuration software is the address in the user’s equipment plus 1.
For example, when device variable 0 corresponds to register address 30000 in the user’s equipment, 30001 should be entered in the configuration software.
HART-IP Dynamic Variables
HART-IP supports four dynamic variables:
- PV — Primary Variable
- SV — Secondary Variable
- TV — Tertiary Variable
- QV — Quaternary Variable
The MC0312 allows any four of its six configured device variables to be mapped to these four HART-IP dynamic variables.
The data mapping can be represented as:
Modbus Register → Device Variable → HART-IP Dynamic Variable
This configuration allows the data from the Modbus device to be accessed by the HART-IP master through HART-IP commands.
Ethernet-APL Module Configuration
The MC0312 can be directly installed on the user’s equipment circuit board.
Externally, the module connects to the HART-IP master device through the Ethernet-APL physical layer. Internally, it connects to the Modbus device through the TTL interface.
The configuration system described in the manual uses a PC running the HART-IP MPT configuration software. The Ethernet-APL connection is connected to the APL equipment and provides power to the APL device.
Variable Monitoring
After configuring the Modbus communication parameters, device variables and HART-IP dynamic variables, the operating mode is changed to Operating Mode.
The MC0312 then cyclically sends Modbus request packets to the user’s device to obtain the values of the six configured device variables.
The HART-IP dynamic variables can be monitored through the Variable Monitoring interface of the configuration software.
PV Range Configuration
The HART-IP MPT configuration software provides a PV Range function.
Users can configure the source and read/write mode of the upper and lower limits of the primary variable range.
The PV range source can determine whether the upper and lower limits are:
- Configured manually through the software
- Read remotely from the user’s Modbus device
In remote mode, the range values can be configured for read and write operation or read-only operation.
Scaling Factor
The MC0312 provides a scaling factor parameter for each device variable.
The conversion formula is:
HART Device Variable n = Modbus Device Variable n × Scaling Factor
The factory default scaling factor is 1.0.
Debugging and Calibration
The configuration software provides a debugging and calibration area for initial configuration of the MC0312.
After the hardware connection and Modbus communication parameters have been configured, users can read and write data from the Modbus device through the Coil and Register functions.
If the returned and written data are correct, the manual states that the hardware connection and Modbus communication parameters between the MC0312 and the user device are correct. Otherwise, the hardware connection or software configuration should be checked.
Data Saving and Restoration
The MC0312 configuration software provides data saving and restoration functions.
The available operations include:
- Restore to factory default values
- Save to factory settings
- Restore to factory settings
Restoring the factory default values returns all configuration data to the initial system values, and the manual warns that all user-configured data will be lost after this operation.
Batch Download
The Batch Download function is provided for manufacturers configuring multiple MC0312 modules.
After one MC0312 has been configured, the configuration information can be saved to a file. The file can then be opened when configuring other MC0312 modules, and the saved configuration can be downloaded to the module.
Ethernet-APL Equipment Development
The manual describes MC0312 as a hardware embedded module for developing Ethernet-APL field devices.
The Ethernet-APL module provides the communication protocol interface and application software for configuration. The manual states that existing Modbus devices can be upgraded to Ethernet-APL devices without writing code.
MC0312 Application in Pressure Transmitters
The manual describes the application of the MC0312 module in pressure transmitter products.
The MC0312 can be used with instruments including temperature, pressure, flow, level and actuator instruments. The manual states that the module has been used in Bowei pressure transmitter products, enabling the pressure transmitter to support an Ethernet-APL communication interface and the HART-IP communication protocol.
MC0312 Application in Flow Meters
The manual also describes the use of MC0312 in flow meter products.
The manual states that the MC0312 has been used in OEM customer flow meter products. The customer’s flow meter supports the Ethernet-APL communication interface and HART-IP communication protocol.
Hardware Interface
The MC0312 uses a 2.0 mm spacing double-row 14-pin connector as part of the MC series built-in core module interface.
The interface includes:
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TDO | JTAG debugging interface |
| 2 | TDI | JTAG debugging interface |
| 3 | RESET | Reset |
| 4 | GND | Reference end |
| 6 | RXD | Serial receive |
| 7 | TXD | Serial send |
| 13 | VCC-3.3V | 3.3 V power output |
| 14 | VCC-5V | 5 V power output |
| 22 | I2CSCL | GPIO, I2C interface |
| 23 | I2CSDA | GPIO, I2C interface |
| 26 | GND | Reference end |
| 27 | APL+ | Bus power positive |
| 28 | APL- | Bus power negative |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Object | Modbus RTU slave device |
| Bus Power | 14–30 V |
| Modbus Interface | TTL |
| Modbus Protocol | Modbus RTU Master |
| Bus Protocol | HART-IP |
| Isolation | No isolation between bus and Modbus interface |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity Range | 5–95% RH |
| Start-up Time | ≤5 s |
| Weight | 16 g |
| Structural Material | Polyester epoxy resin coating |
Maintenance
The MC0312 provides a HART-IP communication indicator.
For an abnormal indicator condition, the manual identifies possible causes including:
- No HART-IP communication
- Power supply fault
- Internal fault
The recommended actions include checking the HART-IP host device, HART-IP interface device, power supply and connections. For an internal fault, the manual recommends contacting technical support.
Routine maintenance is limited to cleaning the unit. For a fault, the manual states that the unit should be returned to the factory for repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MC0312 Ethernet-APL built-in module?
MC0312 is a built-in module that complies with 10BASE-T1L and converts Modbus protocol devices into HART-IP protocol devices supporting the Ethernet-APL physical layer.
What protocol does MC0312 use on the Modbus side?
The module communicates with the instrument through a TTL serial port using Modbus-RTU.
What protocol does MC0312 use on the Ethernet-APL side?
The module supports HART-IP slave functionality and connects externally through the Ethernet-APL physical layer.
How many device variables does MC0312 support?
The MC0312 supports 6 device variable configurations.
How many HART-IP dynamic variables are supported?
HART-IP supports four dynamic variables: PV, SV, TV and QV. Any four of the six MC0312 device variables can be mapped to these dynamic variables.
What is the communication rate of MC0312?
The MC0312 supports a communication rate of 10 Mbps.
What is the maximum communication distance?
The maximum communication distance specified in the manual is 1000 m.
What is the operating temperature range?
The specified temperature range is -40°C to +85°C.
Can MC0312 be used for pressure transmitters and flow meters?
The manual describes applications of MC0312 in pressure transmitter and flow meter products. It states that the module has been used in a pressure transmitter product and in OEM customer flow meter products.
MC0312 User Manual
For detailed information about Ethernet-APL, HART-IP, Modbus-RTU configuration, device variables, dynamic variables, PV range, scaling, debugging, data restoration and batch download, refer to the MC0312 Ethernet-APL Built-in Core Module User Manual.
Download the MC0312 User Manual
Contact Microcyber
For information about the MC0312 Ethernet-APL built-in module, HART-IP configuration and Ethernet-APL field device development, please contact Microcyber.
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