Configure Inovance Serial over TCP Data Collection

How to Configure Inovance Serial over TCP Data Collection

1. Protocol Overview

  • Protocol Description: "Serial over TCP" is a communication method that transmits serial data (such as Modbus RTU) over a TCP/IP network. It allows devices that typically use serial communication (RS232/RS485) to communicate with the E2C Trinity gateway via an Ethernet network using a "Serial to Ethernet" converter.
  • Application Scenario: This protocol is typically used to connect Inovance PLCs or other serial devices to HMI, SCADA systems, or edge computing platforms like E2C Trinity, enabling remote data acquisition over a local area network (LAN).
  • E2C Trinity Support: E2C Trinity supports connecting to Inovance devices via TCP/IP as a client, allowing it to communicate with serial devices mapped to the network.

2. Prerequisites

Before starting the configuration, please ensure the following steps are completed:

  • Hardware Connection:
    • Ensure the gateway device running E2C Trinity and the serial-to-Ethernet converter (connected to the Inovance PLC) are connected to the same LAN and can communicate with each other.
    • Ensure your configuration computer is connected to the same LAN to access the E2C Trinity management interface.
  • Network Parameters:
    • Obtain the IP address and port number of the serial-to-Ethernet converter (or the device providing the TCP service).
    • Ensure the E2C Trinity gateway’s IP address is in the same subnet as the device and that there are no address conflicts.
  • Device Parameters:
    • Have the communication manual or register address table for the Inovance PLC ready.
    • Identify the following key parameters:
      • The register address(es) to be collected.
      • The data type for each register (e.g., boolean, 16-bit integer, 32-bit floating point, etc.).

3. Configuration Steps

Please follow these steps in the E2C Trinity web interface to complete the configuration.

Step 1: Create a Data Acquisition Device

  1. Log in to the E2C Trinity management interface. Go to [Data Acquisition] to enter the configuration page.


  1. Create a new device and configure the connection information. Click the "Add Device" button and fill in the device connection details in the pop-up window.

Parameter Name Description Example
Name The name of the device. PackagingLineA-Machine01
Driver Select the communication driver; select "Inovance - Serial over TCP". Inovance - Serial over TCP
IP Address The IP address of the serial-to-Ethernet converter. 192.168.0.10
Port The TCP port number. 502
Poll Interval The interval (in seconds) for data requests. 10
Description A description of the device. Packaging Line A - Machine 01
Collect Timeout The timeout limit (in milliseconds) for responses. 1000
Connect Timeout The timeout limit (in milliseconds) for establishing a connection. 10000
  1. After filling in the details, click "Save".

Step 2: Configure Tags

  1. In the device list on the left, select the PLC device you just created.
  2. Click the "Add" button on the right to add a single data point (also known as a tag) and fill in the information in the pop-up window.

Parameter Name Description Example
Name Custom name for the data point. Temperature, MotorSpeed
Tag Type Select: Device Tag or Virtual Tag. Device Tag
Address The register address in the PLC. 40001
Data Type The actual data type in the PLC. Int16
Read/Write Permission Access permission (Read Only or Read/Write). Read Only
Data Operation Mathematical processing (None, Offset/Scale, etc.). None
  1. After adding or modifying all tags, click the "Publish" button in the top right corner of the page to apply the configuration.

4.Common Troubleshooting (FAQ)

  • Issue: Device status displays "Offline" or connection fails?
  • Solution: Check the physical network connection, use the ping tool to test network connectivity, verify the IP address and port number, and ensure the serial-to-Ethernet converter is configured correctly.
  • Issue: Device is connected, but tag value is null or status is abnormal (red)?
  • Solution: Double-check the register address, verify the data type, and ensure the address is within the valid range of the PLC.
  • Issue: How to view logs?
  • Solution: Navigate to [Debug Logs] for real-time acquisition logs, or [System Settings] -> [System Logs] for underlying system runtime logs.

5. Appendix: Data Type Mapping

When configuring tags in E2C Trinity, use the following mapping:

E2C Trinity Data Type Length / Sign PLC Corresponding Type
bool 1 bit BOOL (bit)
ushort(uint16) 16 bit, Unsigned UINT, WORD
short(int16) 16 bit, Signed INT
uint(uint32) 32 bit, Unsigned UDINT, DWORD
int(int32) 32 bit, Signed DINT
ulong(uint64) 64 bit, Unsigned ULINT, LWORD
long(int64) 64 bit, Signed LINT
float(float32) 32 bit, IEEE 754 REAL
double(double64) 64 bit, IEEE 754 LREAL
string 1...n bytes STRING, ARRAY OF CHAR/BYTE

Revision History


Version Date Author Changes
1.0 2025-10-09 WX Initial document creation.