AD-4408A

Weighing Indicator
for Modbus-RTU Interface

AX-ABCC-MODBUS

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1WMPD4001975
WARNING DEFINITIONS
The warnings described in this manual have the following meanings:

A potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in

death or serious injury.

A potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in

minor or moderate injury or damage to the instrument.

This symbol indicates caution against electrical shock. Do not touch

the part where the symbol is placed.

This symbol indicates the ground terminal.

This symbol indicates that an operation is prohibited.

NOTE Information or cautions to use the device correctly.

© 2009 A&D Company, Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or translated into any
language in any form by any means without the written permission of A&D Company, Limited.

The contents of this manual and the specifications of the instrument covered by this manual are
subject to change for improvement without notice.

Modbus is a registered trademark of Modicon, Incorporated.

Anybus-CompactCom is a registered trademark of HMS Industrial Networks.
TORX is a registered trademark of Textron Inc.
 Contents

1. Introduction...................................................................................................................2

2. Description of Each Part ...............................................................................................3

2.1. Status LEDs ........................................................................................................3
2.2. Communication Connector..................................................................................4

3. Installation ....................................................................................................................5
3.1. Interface Module Installation ...............................................................................5
3.2. Connections and Functions.................................................................................6
3.2.1. Cable Connections..........................................................................................6
3.2.2. Setting the Functions ......................................................................................7

4. Modbus Memory...........................................................................................................9
4.1. Memory Map .......................................................................................................9
4.2. Handling Bits Directly ........................................................................................13
4.2.1. Handling Command Bits ...............................................................................13
4.2.2. Command bit execution procedure ...............................................................13

5. Timing Chart ...............................................................................................................14

6. Errors..........................................................................................................................15
6.1. Error Types .......................................................................................................15

7. Check Mode ...............................................................................................................16

7.1. Checking the Modbus-RTU Communication Status ..........................................16
7.1.1. Entering the Check Mode..............................................................................16

1
 1. Introduction

The AD-4408A functions as a slave device of Modbus (RTU) when the Modbus-RTU
interface module (AX-ABCC-MODBUS) is installed.

A signal level can be selected either for RS-232 or RS-485.

Data communication using Modbus can be performed by pre-mapped memory

operation. Thus, programming communication protocol is not required.

NOTE: Memory map and check modes vary with the interface module installed.
This manual describes performances when the Modbus-RTU interface
module is installed.
When other modules are installed, refer to the relevant instruction manual.
Instruction manuals for each interface module are available on our
website.

2
 2. Description of Each Part
NOTE 2
Ground
Communication Locking
connector catch

Device status LED Locking

NOTE 1 catch
Retaining
screw Communication LED

Fig.1 Interface module part names

NOTE: 1. A TORX® driver (size T9) to fasten the retaining screws is not provided
with the interface module.
2. A connector for the cable side (D-Sub 9-pin male) is not provided with
the interface module.

2.1. Status LEDs

NOTE: The illustration below shows how the interface module is positioned when
installed to the AD-4408A.

6 9

Device status LED Communication LED

1 5

Fig.2 Position of status LEDs

Table 1 Device status LED (DS)

LED state Description
OFF Initializing / No power
Green ON Normal
Red ON Hardware malfunction
Red, single flash Communication error / Setting error
Red, double flash Recoverable error
3
 Table 2 Communication LED (COM)
LED state Description
OFF Offline / No power
Yellow ON Online (Normal)
Red ON Communication error

2.2. Communication Connector

NOTE: The illustration below shows how the interface module is positioned when
installed to the AD-4408A.

6 9
Communication
connector
1 5

Fig.3 Connector pin assignment

Functions for each pin are as follows.

Table 3 Communication connector

Pin No. Signal Description
Housing SHIELD Shield (Connected to the AD-4408A FG terminal)
1 SG Signal ground
2 5V Not used
Selects the signal level.
3 PMC RS-232: Connect to pin 2.
RS-485: Leave pin 3 disconnected
4 __ __
5 B (+) RS-485 B line (Positive side)
6 __ __
7 RX RS-232 RxD
8 TX RS-232 TxD
9 A (-) RS-485 A line (Negative side)

By pin connections, a signal level can be selected either for RS-232 or RS-485.

4
 3. Installation
3.1. Interface Module Installation

Be sure to disconnect the AD-4408A from the power source before

installing the interface module.

Install the interface module as follows:

Blank panel

Step 1 Using a Phillips screwdriver,

Step 1
loosen the screws that secure Option slot
the blank panel to the
AD-4408A rear panel, and Retaining screw
Step 2
remove the blank panel.

Step 2 Insert the interface module

into the option slot as shown
to the right. Interface module

Step 3 Insert the interface module PC board

until it mates with the terminals in the option slot Step 3
of the PC board connector
located in the option slot.

Step 4 Using a TORX® driver (size

T9), fasten the retaining Tightening torque
0.25 Nm
screws with a tightening
torque of 0.25 Nm in the Step 4
clockwise direction to secure
the interface module.

Fig.4 Interface module installation

NOTE: A TORX® driver is not provided with the interface module.

5
3.2 . Connections and Functions
3.2.1. Cable Connections

By connector pin connections, a signal level can be selected either for RS-232 or
RS-485.

When the signal level is RS-485, add a terminator to both ends of the network. Place
a terminator between A and B as shown in the figure below.

The A-B terminals of the host device may be reversed, depending on the device
type.

When the host device has no SG terminal, an SG connection is not necessary.

When the cable is to be shielded, connect the cable shield to the connector housing.

Terminator Some host devices may have a

100-120Ω 1/2W terminator built in.

Host device
A
B
SG The A-B terminals of the host device
FG may be reversed, depending on the
device type.

AD-4408A A
No.1 B
SG
Housing (FG) Use a twisted pair cable for a signal
line.
Use a shielded cable as necessary.
AD-4408A A
No.2 B
SG
Housing (FG)

Place a terminator on the

AD-4408A A device located furthest from
No.31 B the host device.
SG
Housing (FG) Terminator
100Ω 1/2W

Fig.5 Example of RS-485 multidrop connection

6
3.2.2. Setting the Functions
The functions described here are general functions.
General functions are divided into groups per function and are indicated by the group
name followed with the function number, FXX.
NOTE: General functions determine the AD-4408A performance and all of the
settings are stored in the FRAM.

Setting Procedure
Step 1 While pressing and holding the ENTER key, press the F key.
fnc is displayed to indicate that the indicator will enter the general function
mode.

Step 2 Press the ENTER key. The indicator enters the general function mode.
To go back to the weighing mode without entering the general function mode,
press the ESC key.

Step 3 Press the ∧ or ∨ key to select the function group to be set.

Display Group name
rtuf Modbus-related functions

Press the ENTER key. The function number will be displayed.

Function No. Function Description Default value
rtuf01 Station No. 1 to 247: Station No. 1
1: 1200 bps
2: 2400 bps
3: 4800 bps
4: 9600 bps
rtuf02 Baud rate 5: 19200 bps 5
6: 38400 bps
7: 57600 bps
8: 76800 bps
9: 115200 bps
0: None
rtuf03 Parity 1: Odd 2
2: Even
NOTE: Data bits are fixed to 8 bits and stop bit is fixed to 1 bit.

Step 4 Press the ∧ or ∨ key to select the function number to be set.

Press the ENTER key. The current setting value will be displayed.

7
Step 5 Change the setting value using either one of the methods below.
Method Description
Only the parameter number to be selected is
Selecting a parameter displayed and blinks.
Press the ∧ or ∨ key to select a parameter.
All the digits are displayed and a digit to be changed
blinks.
Inputting the value
Press the < or > key to select a digit and
press the ∧ or ∨ key to change the value.

After setting, press the ENTER key. The next function number is displayed.
When the parameter is not to be changed, press the ESC key to return to the
function number display.

Step 6 Press the ESC key. The function number disappears and the indicator returns to
the state of step 3.
Press the ESC key to store the setting values in the FRAM and go back to the
weighing mode.

NOTE: The blinking decimal point indicates that the current value is not the weight
value.
If a value exceeding the settable range is entered, err dt is displayed and
the input is canceled.

8
 4. Modbus Memory
4.1. Memory Map
Modbus uses reference numbers and addresses to control the AD-4408A or to read data.
The AD-4408A uses Holding Registers and Input Registers.
Data types and reference numbers are as shown below.
Table 4 Data types
Reference
Data type Description
No.
Read and write bit data
Output Coil 0 Corresponds to the input of the control I/O.
Not used for the AD-4408A.
Read only bit data
Input Status 1 Corresponds to the output of the control I/O.
Not used for the AD-4408A.
Read only Word data
Input Register 3
Used to read weight values and command responses.
Read and write Word data
Holding Register 4
Used to send commands.
NOTE: Do not access the memory area that the AD-4408A is not using.

Table 5 Holding Register memory map

Holding Register (Read and write Word data Reference No. 4)

Zero
Clear the zero value
Tare
Clear the tare value
Error reset
Hold*
Manual print command

Net display
Gross display
Bits 9-15 are
internally reserved.
Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
First word
of Holding Register Command bits

*Hold at the rising edge, release at the falling edge

9
 Table 6 Input Register memory map

Input Register (Read only Word data Reference No. 3)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
First word Unit Decimal point position
of Input Register Setting value Setting value

Unit Decimal point position

0: None 0: None 123456
1: g 1: 101 12345.6
2: kg 2: 102
1234.56
3: t 3: 103
123.456
4: lb (USA version) 4: 104 12.3456
5: 10 5
1.23456

Net over
Net under
Gross over
Gross under
Input (A/D) over
Input (A/D) under
Reserved internally
Reserved internally
Checksum error
Input (A/D) error
FRAM error
Calibration error
Mode error
Zero error
Tare error
Net display error

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Second word
of Input Register Status bits

10
 Zero
Clear the zero value
Tare
Clear the tare value
Error reset
Hold*
Manual print command

Net display
Gross display
Bits 9-15 are
internally reserved.
Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Third word
of Input Register Command response

*Hold at the rising edge, release at the falling edge

Slave normal operation

Slave ready
Error status flag
Stable
Net center of zero
Gross center of zero
Capacity exceeded
Tare in progress
Net display
Gross display
Hold in progress
In sync with …
Weighing failure
Reserved internally
Reserved internally
Reserved internally

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Fourth word
of Input Register Status bits

11
 Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Fifth word Net weight
of Input Register Weight value (Low order word)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Sixth word Net weight
of Input Register Weight value (High order word)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Seventh word Gross weight
of Input Register Weight value (Low order word)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Eighth word Gross weight
of Input Register Weight value (High order word)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Ninth word Tare
of Input Register Weight value (Low order word)

Bit 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Tenth word Tare
of Input Register Weight value (High order word)

12
4.2. Handling Bits Directly
4.2.1. Handling Command Bits

A command bit is in the first word of the Holding Register.

A command response is in the third word of the Input Register.

To execute, turn the corresponding command bit ON.

The command bit will be effective at the rising edge.

The signal level must be maintained for 30 msec minimum.

Table 7 Command bits

Command bit and action
Bit 0 Zero
Bit 1 Clear the zero value
Bit 2 Tare
First word of Holding Register Bit 3 Clear the tare value
and Bit 4 Error reset
third word of Input Register Bit 5 Hold
Bit 6 Manual print command
Bit 7 Net display
Bit 8 Gross display

4.2.2. Command bit execution procedure

Step 1 The master device turns OFF all the command bits.

Step 2 The master device turns ON the command bit to be executed.

Step 3 The AD-4408A executes the command and turns ON the corresponding
command response.

Step 4 The master device confirms the command response and turns OFF all the
command bits.

13
 5. Timing Chart

Slave Normal Operation

Slave normal operation is a signal to confirm that the AD-4408A is connected to the power
and is in normal operating conditions. During normal operation, the signal is reversed at a
0.5 to 1 second interval.

Slave normal operation 0.5 to 1 sec

Fig.6 Slave normal operation signal

Error status flag

If an AD-4408A error has occurred, the slave ready bit will be turned OFF and the error
status flag will be turned ON to convey to the master device that an error has occurred.
The master device will turn the error reset flag ON to request resetting the error status
flag.

Error status flag

Error reset flag
Slave ready

Fig.7 Resetting the error status flag

Table 8 Command bits / Status bits

Memory Description
First word of Holding Register Bit 4 Error reset flag
Bit 0 Slave normal operation
Fourth word of Input Register Bit 1 Slave ready
Bit 2 Error status flag

14
 6. Errors
6.1. Error Types

Error Status Flag

This conveys to the master device that an error has occurred.
Turn the error reset flag ON to request resetting the error status flag.
Table 9 Error status flag
Error type Causes
Checksum error Program checksum does not match.
Input (A/D) error Data can not be acquired from the A/D converter.
FRAM error Data can not be written into the FRAM.
Calibration error Calibration data is not correct.
Mode error Moved to a mode other than the weighing mode.

Weighing Failure
This conveys a weighing failure to the master device.
This will be reset when normal weighing has resumed.
Table 10 Weighing failure
Error type Causes
Zero error Zero adjustment is not performed.
Tare error Tare is not performed.
Net display error A net value is not displayed.
Capacity exceeded The weighing capacity has been exceeded.

Capacity Exceeded
This conveys to the master device that the weighing capacity has been exceeded.
This will be reset when all the errors are cleared.

Table 11 Capacity exceeded

Error type Causes
Net over The net weight is over the net weight range.
Net under The net weight is below the net weight range.
Gross over The gross weight is over the gross weight range.
Gross under The gross weight is below the gross weight range.
A/D over A/D value is over the A/D value range.
A/D under A/D value is below the A/D value range.

15
 7. Check Mode
7.1. Checking the Modbus-RTU Communication Status
7.1.1. Entering the Check Mode

Step 1 While pressing and holding the ENTER key, press the F key.
fnc is displayed to indicate that the indicator will enter the general function
mode.
To go back to the weighing mode, press the ESC key.

Step 2 While pressing and holding the ZERO key, press the ENTER key.
1Chc is displayed to indicate that the indicator will enter the check mode.
Press the ENTER key again to display an item to be checked.

Step 3 Press the ∧ or ∨ key to select Chcrtu (Modbus check mode) and press the
ENTER key to enter the Modbus check mode.
To exit from the check mode, press the ESC key.

Table 12 Check mode list

Display Checking item
Chckey Key switches
Chc Cl Standard serial output
Chc∗∗∗ Interfaces
Chcrtu Modbus-RTU
Chc∗∗∗
Chc r5 Testing terminal
Chc ad A/D (Load cell)
Chc in Internal count
Chcpr9 Program version
Chc 5n Serial number
C5 pr9 Program checksum
C5 fra Memory (FRAM) checksum
Calfdt Calibration-related functions

16
Checking the Communication Status

Press the ∧ or ∨ key to change addresses.

Two digits: address (01, 11 to 1A)

Four digits: data (0000 to FFFF)

８ ８.８ ８ ８ ８

□ □ □ □ □ □

Slave error
Slave ready
ブ
Slave normal デ
operation
Interface error
Interface wait
Interface active

Address Data type Word

01 Holding Register 1
11 to 1A Input Register 1 to 10

17
MEMO

18
MEMO

19
MEMO

20