Softstarters

Type PSTX
Fieldbus communication
Built-in Modbus RTU
1SFC132089M0201
June 2017

1SFC132089M0201 1
1 Modbus RTU
The Modbus protocol is a fieldbus protocol that provides full control and status information of the softstarter,
reading as well as writing of parameters. Through the fieldbus it is possible to start and stop the motor, read out
currents and frequency, get information about protections, warnings, faults and much more.
See chapter 8 in the Installation and commissioning manual, document 1SFC132081M0201, for fieldbus related
settings.

Before the Modbus RTU can be taken in operation following parameters must be set in the softstarter:
• Parameter FB interface connector set to Modbus RTU
• Parameter Fieldbus control set to On
• Parameter FB baud rate set to a value matching existing Modbus network
• Parameter FB parity set to a value matching existing Modbus network
• Parameter FB stop bits set to a value matching existing Modbus network
• Parameter Fieldbus address set to an available Modbus slave id
• Parameter Com3 function set to Modbus RTU slave

Note: If there is no message passed between the PSTX softstarter and the Modbus RTU master for more than
100ms, the PSTX softstarter will trip on fieldbus communication failure protection (P1E00) and with the default
configuration, the motor will be stopped. If the fieldbus communication system is setup in such a way that
commands/requests are not continuously passed between the PLC and softstarter, this protection function should
be disabled. The parameter 19.4 (Fieldbus failure op) can then be set to "Off".

Caution!
The motor may start unexpectedly if there is a start signal present when doing any of the actions listed below.
• Switching from one type of control to another (fieldbus control/hardwire control)
• Reset all Settings

1SFC132089M0201 2
2 Modbus Addressing
When talking about modbus addressing, there is often a misunderstanding about what an address really is. This
section will try to clarify the conventions in this document.

2.1 Protocol Address

The modbus standard specification uses one kind of address, a two byte unsigned integer (0-65535).
This is the address that is actually transmitted to the device.

2.2 Modicon Address

Modbus was originally developed by Modicon and the notation used then is still often used today, though
considered obsolete by present standards.
The Modicon notation combines two pieces of information in a single number:
1. The register type
2. The register number
A register number offset defines the type and makes it possible to translate between the two types of addresses.

Table 1 Register types and ranges

Prefix Register Type Range

0x Coil 00001-00001
1x Discrete Input 10001-19999
3x Input Register 30001-39999
4x Holding Register 40001-49999

2.3 Translating Modicon address to protocol address

An example:
Modicon address 40002 selects the holding register at protocol address 0001 (40002 – 40001 = 1). The protocol
address 0001 will be transmitted in the message packet.

1SFC132089M0201 3
3 PSTX Data
3.1 Digital input telegram
To PLC from the softstarter.
Use Modbus function code 01, Read Coil Status.

Protocol Modicon Bit Data Description

Address Address
0000h Address offset
1
0000h 00001 0 Auto Mode status 0 = softstarter control from fieldbus not
allowed
0001h 00002 1 Event status 0 = No active fault/warning/protection
0002h 00003 2 Ready To Start 0 = A start will probably cause a fault,
1 = A start will probably not cause a fault
0003h 00004 3 FBT Response 0 See Fieldbus Tasks
0004h 00005 4 FBT Response 1 See Fieldbus Tasks
0005h 00006 5 FBT Toggle Bit See Fieldbus Tasks
0006h 00007 6 Programmable Digital Input 1 Function of programmable digital input, see
0007h 00008 7 Programmable Digital Input 2 table 1.2
0008h 00009 8 Programmable Digital Input 3
0009h 00010 9 Programmable Digital Input 4
000Ah 00011 10 Programmable Digital Input 5
000Bh 00012 11 Programmable Digital Input 6
000Ch 00013 12 Programmable Digital Input 7
000Dh 00014 13 Programmable Digital Input 8
000Eh 00015 14 Programmable Digital Input 9
000Fh 00016 15 Programmable Digital Input
10

1) Auto mode reflects the control state of the Softstarter. This is affected by a combination of:
• The Auto mode input signal from the PLC (Digital output telegram).
• The state of the Local/Remote switch on the Fieldbus Plug Accessory.
• The state of the Local/Remote switch on the HMI.
• The parameter ‘Fieldbus control’.
• The digital input ‘Fieldbus disable’.

1SFC132089M0201 4
3.2 Programmable Digital Inputs
The functions of the programmable Digital inputs are controlled by the parameters Fieldbus DI 1 through Fieldbus
DI 10. The following functions are available for selection:

Function Data
None Value is set to 0.
Start feedback Status of Start signal.
Stop feedback Status of Stop signal.
Fault reset feedback Status of Reset signal.
Slow speed reverse feedback Status of Slow speed reverse signal.
Slow speed forward feedback Status of Slow speed forward signal.
Start 1 feedback Status of Start 1 signal.
Start 2 feedback Status of Start 2 signal.
Start 3 feedback Status of Start 3 signal.
Motor heating feedback Status Motor heating signal.
User defined feedback Status of User defined protection signal.
Stand still brake feedback Status of Stand still brake signal.
Emergency mode feedback Status of Emergency mode signal.
Start reverse feedback Status of Start reverse signal.
Run status 1 = Indicates when the softstarter gives voltage to the motor.
TOR status Top of Ramp. 1 = Indicates that motor runs on full voltage.
Line or Inside Delta Connection 0 = Line, 1 = Delta.
Phase sequence 0 = L1, L2, L3; 1 = L1, L3, L2.
Event group 0 status 0 = No active events present in group 0.
Event group 1 status 0 = No active events present in group 1.
Event group 2 status 0 = No active events present in group 2.
Event group 3 status 0 = No active events present in group 3.
Event group 4 status 0 = No active events present in group 4.
Event group 5 status 0 = No active events present in group 5.
Event group 6 status 0 = No active events present in group 6.
Sequence 1 Run status Run status of sequence connected motor 1.
Sequence 2 Run status Run status of sequence connected motor 2.
Sequence 3 Run status Run status of sequence connected motor 3.
Sequence 1 TOR status Top of Ramp status of sequence connected motor 1.
Sequence 2 TOR status Top of Ramp status of sequence connected motor 2.
Sequence 3 TOR status Top of Ramp status of sequence connected motor 3.
Run reverse status 1 = Indicates when the softstarter gives voltage to the motor
after a reverse start.
Enable feedback Status of Enable signal.
In0 status Status of Internal IO In0.
In1 status Status of Internal IO In1.
In2 status Status of Internal IO In2.
Local control status 0 = Remote control, 1 = Local control (HMI).
Cancel brake feedback Status of Cancel brake signal.
Pump cleaning auto status Status of automatic pump cleaning.
Pump cleaning forward status Status of forward pump cleaning.
Pump cleaning reverse status Status of reverse pump cleaning.

1SFC132089M0201 5
3.3 Analog input telegram
To PLC from the softstarter.
All analog data values are represented as 16-bit values.
Use Modbus function code 04, Read Input Registers.

A protocol for Fieldbus tasks is used to read and write parameters. It is applicable for all Fieldbuses.

Protocol Modicon Data Representation

Address Address
0200h Address offset
0200h 30513 FBT Return Value See Fieldbus Tasks
0201h 30514 Programmable Analog Input 1 Function of programmable analog
0202h 30515 Programmable Analog Input 2 input, see table 1.4.
0203h 30516 Programmable Analog Input 3
0204h 30517 Programmable Analog Input 4
0205h 30518 Programmable Analog Input 5
0206h 30519 Programmable Analog Input 6
0207h 30520 Programmable Analog Input 7
0208h 30521 Programmable Analog Input 8
0209h 30522 Programmable Analog Input 9
020Ah 30523 Programmable Analog Input 10

1SFC132089M0201 6
3.4 Programmable Analog Inputs
The functions of the programmable analog inputs are controlled by the parameters Fieldbus AI 1 through Fieldbus
AI 10. The following functions are available for selection:

Function Representation
None Value is set to 0
Phase L1 current1 Value = 1000 ⇒ 100A
Phase L2 current1 Value = 1000 ⇒ 100A
Phase L3 current1 Value = 1000 ⇒ 100A
Active power (HP) Value = 1000 ⇒ 10hp
Active power Value = 1000 ⇒ 10kW
Apparent power Value = 1000 ⇒ 10VA
Mains voltage Value = 1000 ⇒ 100V
Power factor Value = 100 ⇒ 1
Example: 87 ⇒ 0.87
Motor voltage Value = 100 ⇒ 100%
Active energy (resettable) Value = 1000 ⇒ 10kWh
EOL time to trip Value = 100 ⇒ 100s
Value = 65535 ⇒ No overload
Value = 0 ⇒ Trip already occurred
Mains frequency Value = 1000 ⇒ 100Hz
Max phase current1 Value = 1000 ⇒ 100A
Motor current Value = 1000 ⇒ 100A
Motor run time (resettable) Value = 100 ⇒ 1000h
Motor temperature Value = 100 ⇒ 100℃
Motor temperature percent Value = 100 ⇒ 100%
Number of starts (resettable) Value = 1 ⇒ 100
Phase sequence Value = 0 ⇒ L1->L2->L3
Value = 1 ⇒ L1->L3->L2
Value = 2 ⇒ No sequence detected
PT100 temperature Value = n ⇒ n/10 – 50℃
Example: 750 ⇒ 25℃
PTC resistance Value = 100 ⇒ 100Ω
Reactive energy (resettable) Value = 1000 ⇒ 10kVAr
Reactive power Value = 1000 ⇒ 100VAr
Remaining time to start Value = 100 ⇒ 100s
Thyristor temperature Value = 100 ⇒ 100℃
Thyristor temperature percent Value = 100 ⇒ 100%
EOL time to cool Value = 100 ⇒ 100s
Top event code Value = 1000 ⇒ 1000
Motor current in percent of IE. Value = 100 ⇒ 100%
Thyristor run time (resettable) Value = 1 ⇒ 10h

1SFC132089M0201 7
 Function Representation
Motor connection Value = 0 ⇒ auto
Value = 1 ⇒ In-line
Value = 2 ⇒ Inside delta – UI
Value = 3 ⇒ Inside delta – IU
Value = 4 ⇒ 2-phase L1 shorted
Value = 5 ⇒ 2-phase L2 shorted
Value = 6 ⇒ 2-phase L3 shorted
Phase L1 current high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100A
Phase L2 current high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100A
Phase L3 current high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100A
Active power (HP) high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100 HP
Active power high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100kW
Apparent power high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100VA
Reactive power high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100VAr
Max phase current high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100A
Max motor current high range2 Value = 100 ⇒ 100A
Active energy high range2 Value = 1 ⇒ 10000kWh
Reactive energy high range2 Value = 1 ⇒ 10000kVAr

1) Phase current L1, L2 and L3 indicate the current through the softstarter, while the Max phase current is always
the line current.
2) High Range alternatives are available for a few signals where there is a possibility for the values to wrap. The
values are 16-bit so the maximum value for each signal is 65535. The High Range alternatives have different
scaling and will never wrap around but instead have lower precision.

1SFC132089M0201 8
3.5 Digital output telegram
From PLC to the softstarter.
Use Modbus function code 15 (0Fh), Force Multiple Coils.

Protocol Modicon Bit Data Description

Address Address
0100h Address offset
0100h 257 0 Start Commence a start when signal is set.
0101h 258 1 Stop Commence a stop when signal is negated.
0102h 259 2 Fault reset Reset signal for possible events.
0103h 260 3 Auto mode This must be set for controlling the motor.
0104h 261 4 Slow speed reverse Perform slow speed reverse when signal is set.
0105h 262 5 Slow speed forward Perform slow speed when signal is set.
0106h 263 6 Spare
0107h 264 7 Start1 Start1 if sequence start.
0108h 265 8 Start2 Start2 if sequence start.
0109h 266 9 Start3 Start3 if sequence start.
010Ah 267 10 Motor heating Perform motor heating when signal is set.
010Bh 268 11 Stand still brake Perform stand still brake when signal is set.
010Ch 269 12 Start reverse Commence a reverse start when signal is set.
010Dh 270 13 Spare
010Eh 271 14 Emergency mode Set to “1” to enable emergency mode.
010Fh 272 15 FBT Toggle Bit See Fieldbus Tasks.
0110h 273 16 User defined trip Set to “1” to trigger user defined protection.
0111h 274 17 Switch to remote control Switch to remote control when signal is set (rising
edge triggered).
0112h 275 18 Pump cleaning automatic Perform automatic pump cleaning when signal is
set.
0113h 276 19 Pump cleaning forward Perform forward pump cleaning when signal is set.
0114h 277 20 Pump cleaning reverse Perform reverse pump cleaning when signal is set.
0115h 278 21 Spare
0116h 279 22 Spare
0117h 280 23 Spare
0118h 281 24 Spare
0119h 282 25 Spare
011Ah 283 26 Spare
011Bh 284 27 Spare
011Ch 285 28 Spare
011Dh 286 29 Spare
011Eh 287 30 Spare
011Fh 288 31 Spare

3.6 Analog output telegram

From PLC to the softstarter.
All analog data values are represented as 16-bit values.
Use Modbus function code 16 (10h), Preset Multiple Registers.

Protocol Modicon Data Representation

Address Address
0300h Address offset
0300h 40769 FBT Control Word See Fieldbus Tasks
0301h 40770 FBT Argument 2 See Fieldbus Tasks
0302h 40771 FBT Argument 3 See Fieldbus Tasks

1SFC132089M0201 9
4 Modbus RTU - A set-up example

4.1 Softstarter PSTX Modbus RTU communication

This document describes an application example between a Modbus RTU master (PLC CPU, PC, etc.) and the
ABB softstarter PSTX using the built-in Modbus RTU interface.

Please always use the actual softstarter manuals. In this particular example following documents has been used:
• Softstarter PSTX Installation and commissioning manual, document 1SFC132081M0201

4.2 Settings
1. Set the softstarter address and field bus communication
Change the address of the softstarter to 47 (Fieldbus Address) and
enable fieldbus control (Fieldbus control = On).

2. Set the communication parameters

Change the communication parameters baud rate, parity, stop bits to match the Modbus network settings.

3. Select Com3 function

Change parameter Com3 function to Modbus RTU Slave to make the Modbus RTU interface available.

4. Select the Modbus RTU interface

The previous changes are taken in effect when the fieldbus interface is changed. Change parameter FB
interface connector to Modbus RTU.

1SFC132089M0201 10
4.3 Read digital input telegram

FC =1
Protocol Address: 0000H

Modbus-RTU: Slave NR.47

Modbus
Master Request

RS485 / Modbus RTU Softstarter

Response

E.g: Read 16 bit starting at the address: 0000H

Request:

2F 01 00 00 00 10 3B 88
16 bit
Address

CRC
Slave 47
FC = 01

Response:

2F 01 02 00 00 51 FA
CRC
Slave 47
FC = 01
0 Byte
1 Byte
2 Byte

1SFC132089M0201 11
4.4 Write digital output telegram

FC =15
Protocol Address: 0100H

Modbus-RTU: Slave NR.47

Modbus
Master Request

RS485 / Modbus RTU Softstarter

Response

E.g: Write 16 bit starting at the address: 0100H

Request:

2F 0F 01 00 00 10 02 00 00 27 41
16 bit
Address

CRC
Slave 47
FC = 15

2 byte
Output

Response:

2F 0F 01 00 00 10 53 B5
16 bit
Address

CRC
Slave 47
FC = 15

1SFC132089M0201 12
4.5 Read analog input telegram

FC =4
Protocol Address with offset: 0200H

Modbus-RTU: Slave NR.47

Modbus
Master Request

RS485 / Modbus RTU Softstarter

Response

E.g: Read analog output words 2 & 3. Phase L1 current and Phase L2 current with default settings.

Request:

2F 04 02 01 00 02 27 FD
FC =4
Address

2 words

CRC
Slave 47

Response:

2F 04 04 00 00 00 00 35 86
4 Byte
W0

W1

CRC
Slave 47
FC = 04

W0: Phase L1 current

W1: Phase L2 current

1SFC132089M0201 13
4.6 Write analog output telegram

FC =16
Protocol Address with offset: 0300H

Modbus-RTU: Slave NR.47

Modbus
Master Request

RS485 / Modbus RTU Softstarter

Response

E.g: Write analog output words 1 & 2. FBT Control Word and FBT Argument 2.

Request:

2F 10 03 00 00 02 04 00 00 00 00 78 77
W0

W1
Address

2 Words
4 Byte

CRC
Slave 47
FC = 16

Response:

2F 10 03 00 00 02 47 C2
FC =16
Address

2 words

CRC
Slave 47

W0: FBT Control Word

W1: FBT Argument 2

1SFC132089M0201 14
5 Fieldbus Tasks
By using Fieldbus Tasks it is possible to read/write parameters and set the real-time clock.
Which task to execute is selected by filling in the FBT Control Word. There are three signals for arguments to the
task:
• FBT Argument 1 is packed together with the Task ID in the FBT Control Word.
• There are two additional 16-bit arguments in separate analog output signals, FBT Argument 2 and FBT
Argument 3.
To control when the task is executed, the digital output signal FBT Toggle Bit shall be changed. The softstarter
will detect the change, execute the task, fill in the return values, and toggle the digital input signal FBT Toggle Bit
as acknowledgement. Thus, the return values must be disregarded if the two toggle bits have different value.

5.1 FBT Control Word

The control word is a 16-bit analog output value sent from the PLC to the softstarter. It consists of a Task ID and
an 11-bit argument packed together.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Task ID Argument 1

5.2 Task ID
The task identifier controls which function should be performed.
Response ID
Task ID Task Positive Negative
0 No task 0 -
1 Request parameter value, lower word 1 2
2 Change parameter value 1 2
3 Set date and time 1 2
4 Request parameter value, upper word 1 2

5.3 Response ID
The response ID is the softstarter response to a task. It tells whether a task was executed successfully. If there was
an error, an additional error code is returned in the FBT Return Value analog input. The Response ID is
transmitted as two digital input signals, FBT Response 0 and FBT Response 1.

Response ID FBT Response 1 FBT Response 0 Explanation

0 0 0 No response
1 0 1 Task executed
2 1 0 Task cannot be executed (with error number)
3 1 1 Reserved.

5.4 Error codes

The following error codes are sent when a task cannot be executed.

Error code Explanation

0 Illegal parameter number
1 Parameter value cannot be changed
3 Lower or upper limit violated
4 Invalid argument
5 No error
6 Invalid task number

1SFC132089M0201 15
5.5 Request parameter value, lower word
This task reads the lower 16 bits of the specified parameter. See chapter 5.9 for parameter number and value
scaling information.

5.5.1 Arguments

• FBT Argument 1: parameter number.

5.5.2 Return Value

• Response ID 1 and parameter value in FBT Return Value on success.

• Response ID 2 and error number in FBT Return Value on failure.

5.6 Change parameter value

This task writes a specified value to a parameter. See chapter 5.9 for parameter number and value scaling
information.

5.6.1 Arguments

• FBT Argument 1: parameter number.

• FBT Argument 2: parameter value
5.6.2 Return Value

• Response ID 1 on success.
• Response ID 2 and error number in FBT Return Value on failure.

5.7 Set date and time

This task updates the real-time clock on the softstarter. The date and time fields have the following limits:
• Year: 0-63 (2000-2063)
• Month: 1-12
• Day: 1-31
• Hour:0-23
• Minute:0-59
• Second:0-59
5.7.1 Arguments

• FBT Argument 2: year, month, day and least significant bit of seconds
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
s0 year month day
• FBT Argument 3: hour, minute, seconds, bit 1-5
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Hour minute seconds, bit 1-5

5.7.2 Return Value

• Response ID 1 on success.
• Response ID 2 and error number in FBT Return Value on failure. In case the supplied time didn’t differ from
the set time, error code 5 (no error) is used.

1SFC132089M0201 16
5.8 Request parameter value, upper word
This task reads the upper 16 bits of the specified parameter. See chapter 5.9 for parameter number and value
scaling information.

5.8.1 Arguments

• FBT Argument 1: parameter number.

5.8.2 Return Value

• Response ID 1 and parameter value in FBT Return Value on success.

• Response ID 2 and error number in FBT Return Value on failure.

5.9 Parameter numbers and values

To access parameters from the fieldbus a unique parameter number is needed, this can be found in document
1SFC132081M0201, Chapter 7.19 Complete parameter list, Table 5.
Since the parameter values need to be represented as integers on the fieldbus while, the parameter values with
greater precision need to be scaled. In document 1SFC132081M0201, Chapter 7.19 Complete parameter list,
Table 5, there is a column specifying the number of decimals for each parameter.
• Parameter values that are read from the fieldbus needs to be divided by 10number of decimals.
• Parameters values that are written from the fieldbus needs to be multiplied by 10number of decimals.
For example:
The parameter Kick start time has parameter number 24 and 2 decimals. To read this parameter:
1. Set FBT Task ID to 1.
2. Set FBT Argument 1 to 24.
3. Toggle FBT Toggle Bit output and wait for the FBT Toggle Bit input to update.
4. Response ID 1 should now contain value 1, indicating success.
5. FBT Return Value contains the value 50 (this is an example and depends on the actual set value).
6. The return value should be interpreted as 50/102 = 0.5s.

To change the Kick start time parameter to 1s:

1. Set FBT Task ID to 2.
2. Set FBT Argument 1 to 24.
3. Set FBT Argument 2 to 1*102 = 100.
4. Toggle FBT Toggle Bit output and wait for the FBT Toggle Bit input to update.
5. Response ID 1 should now contain value 1, indicating success.

ABB AB
Control Products
S-721 61 Västerås, SWEDEN

www.abb.com/lowvoltage

1SFC132089M0201 17