Category Archives: Communication Protocols

IEC 60870-5-104 Time Synchronization (CP56Time2a) — Complete Technical Guide

IEC 60870-5-104 is one of the most widely used SCADA communication protocols in power and industrial automation. One of its most critical yet misunderstood components is time synchronization, achieved using the CP56Time2a format. Accurate time coordination across remote terminal units (RTUs), intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and control centers ensures that every event, command, and alarm can be correctly… Read More »

Balanced and Unbalanced Transmission in IEC 60870-5-101

In the realm of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the IEC 60870-5 protocol suite is a fundamental standard for telecontrol and remote communication in power systems and industrial automation. One of the core technical distinctions within the IEC 60870-5-101 profile is between balanced and unbalanced transmission modes. These modes define how communication is initiated and managed… Read More »

What is DNP3 Protocol?

The DNP3 protocol — short for Distributed Network Protocol version 3 — is a robust and reliable communication standard primarily used in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. It was designed to enable efficient, secure, and interoperable communication between control systems (master stations) and remote field devices such as RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) and IEDs (Intelligent Electronic… Read More »

How We Can Convert Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP

In industrial automation, Modbus is one of the most common communication protocols used to connect devices such as sensors, controllers, meters, and SCADA systems.Over the years, two major versions of Modbus have been developed — Modbus RTU, which communicates over serial lines, and Modbus TCP, which communicates over Ethernet. As technology evolves, many industries face the challenge of… Read More »

Modbus RTU vs Modbus TCP/IP — Frame Structure and Key Differences

Modbus is one of the most widely used communication protocols in industrial automation and control systems. Originally designed for serial networks, Modbus evolved to work seamlessly over Ethernet and IP networks, creating two common variants — Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP/IP. Although both use the same core data model and function codes, they differ in frame structure, transmission… Read More »