In a MODBUS RTU over RS485 communication, we connect a MASTER device [in this case the Home Assistant PC or Raspberry Pi] to one or more slave devices [MODBUS enabled solar inverters, electric meters, sensors etc.]
Each device [MASTER or SLAVE] has a connection port with 2 terminals that are used to communicate with that particular device over MODBUS RTU – RS485. These terminals are mostly marked as A [or DATA +] and B [or DATA -]. The cabling is done such that all these devices are connected in parallel. This means that all the A terminals should be connected together and all the B terminals should be connected together.
In order to avoid this problem, it is recommended that the cable of same color should be used to connect all A terminals together and similarly cable of same color [but different that the color used for A] to be used to connect all B terminals together.
The easiest and the best way to connect the devices in a MODBUS RTU – RS485 communication is using DAISY CHAIN method. It is shown below. Any other way of connecting the devices together is not recommended as it might cause communication issues or damage to the overall system.
The maximum length of the communication cable should be no longer than 800m [recommended].The maximum number of devices that can be connected over this network can be 32[for Modbus RTU], including the master device [TrackSo data logger in our case]
*apart from the network, No. of slaves also depend on the data logger specification.
In order to avoid signal reflections, it is required to turn on the 120 ohm terminal resistance at ends of the communication cable. In our case, we are required to turn ON the terminal resister of the last device [inverter or meter]. In some cases, it is also required to turn ON the terminal resister of the first device [inverter or meter].
For MODBUS communications, Properly grounding your instrument is important, especially when working close to high voltage sources such as PV arrays. An instrument that is not appropriately grounded can give false readings, fail completely or turn into a safety hazard
QUICK TIP - If you are encountering noise or irregular or abnormal problems with a Modbus serial link, the problem is likely related to grounding, incorrect shielding, or wiring power wires next to Modbus wiring.
For MODBUS communications, a shielded and twisted pair cable is used. One example of such cable is Belden 3105A (or alternative FSC 2201PODGH-E00 or 2170204). But any cable with similar characteristics can be used to connect all the devices together. The shielding can be of 2 types: braided [like a mesh of thin conducting wires] or like a foil [consiting of a thin sheet of metal covering the twisted wires]. Both types of shielding are OK.
QUICK TIP - This arrangement improves immunity to electromagnetic disturbances because the cable forms a series of successive coils, each of which faces in the opposite direction to the next one: in this manner any magnetic field in the environment traverses each pair of coils in opposite directions and its effect is thus very reduced (theoretically, the effect on each coil is exactly the opposite of the effect on the next one and thus the effect is cancelled).
Wiring characteristics
0.22–0.5 mm2 for runs up to 300 meters
0.5–0.75 mm2 for runs up to 1200 meters
Characteristic impedance: 120 Ohm +/- 10%;
Use Shielded twisted-pair cable if the bus cable exceeds 3m.
Each shield must be grounded at one side only
Overvoltage/overcurrent transient protection should be provided
Can we run the RS485 cable adjacent to or in the same conduit with mains wires? No, There may be interference from the high voltages and currents present on the mains wires, and if there is any insulation fault, arcing, etc. on the mains wires, it could put dangerous voltages on the low-voltage RS485 network cable.
Can I use Cat 5e-UTP instead of Shielded cables?
No. Cat 5e-UTP (unshielded twisted pair) which may work over shorter distances in less demanding applications with low EMI noise levels. Due to the small #24 AWG solid wires, which are typically used in Cat 5 cables, can break easily and leave system unmonitored.