What is the difference between M-Bus and MODBUS communication outputs?

What is the difference between M-Bus and MODBUS communication outputs?

We have summarised the differences between M-Bus and MODBUS (Wired and Wireless)

M-Bus Communication

M-Bus is a communication protocol used between meters and the central data collection system or Pre-Payment unit. Widely used on new projects where the building infrastructure can be designed accordingly.

M-Bus is available on a wide variety of gas, heat, electricity, and cold/hot water meters.

•       Transfer of energy or consumption data

•       2-Wire hard-wired system or Wireless

•       Max. 250 meters per network master (multiple masters possible)

•       Up to 2000m cable (2km) per master

Main advantage:

More flexible then MODBUS (EU standard)

with multiple manufacturers meters

interchangeable within the network.  

Wireless capability. 

Advantages

•       Simple principle - easy to install

•       Bi-directional communication for setup and updates

•       Robust data collection

Disadvantages

•       Costly to change if not installed correctly from the design phase

•       Sensitive on electromagnetic interference

•       More difficult/costly in retrofit applications

MODBUS/BACnet Communication

BACnet or MODBUS RS485 is a communication protocol used between mainly electricity meters but also widely used on heat systems involving a central building management services (BMS)

MODBUS is widely available on electricity meters which is where the communication protocol was developed. It is now being developed on other metering devices involving heat networks.

•       Transfer of kWh data, kV factors, Single Phase, Three Phase

•       2-Wire / 3-Wire hard-wired system Max. 250 meters per network master (multiple masters possible)

•       Long distance cable capability

Main advantage:

Speed of data collection, with large

volumes of data collectable remotely

within a matter of seconds.

Advantages

•       BMS Standard so everyone has knowledge

•       Fast Data Transfer for instant profiles

•       Robust data collection

•       Can be mixed with different devices on the same network

Disadvantages

•       Costly due to certain equipment required

•       More stable if fewer devices are on multiple MODBUS controllers

•       Difficult to set up if no past knowledge

BACnet or MODBUS RS485 is a communication protocol used between mainly electricity meters but also widely used on heat systems involving a central building management services (BMS)

Wireless M-Bus is starting to be widely used on new build systems but mainly on retrofit systems that can’t have a wired network as this would become expensive

•       Wireless OMS output that can talk to all OMS data collectors

•       Mixed meter manufacturers on the same networks

•       Up to 800 meters on one network

Main advantage:

No wires installed, installation remote

No disruption to tenants

If you would like to know more about the options for remote reading and data collection, give our team a call.

View our data collection range here. 

DMS Metering Solutions / 01773 534555 / www.dmsltd.com / sales@dmsltd.com

Related questions - What is m bus protocol? What is M-bus? What is wireless M-Bus?