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Modbus DC/DC Converter Tutorial: Connecting the DCP48M to a Windows PC

Modbus DC/DC Converter Tutorial: Connecting the DCP48M to a Windows PC

Dr. Michael Heidinger
Dr. Michael Heidinger
CEO, Digital Power Systems

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for establishing a Modbus connection between the DCP48M DC/DC converter and a Windows PC using a USB-to-RS485 adapter.

Required Material

  • DCP48M DC/DC converter
  • Windows PC
  • USB-to-RS485 adapter (recommended: Waveshare FTDI USB-to-RS485). A programming kit is also available directly from DPS.

Hardware Wiring

DCP48M connected to a Windows PC
DCP48M connected to a Windows PC via USB-to-RS485 adapter.
Modbus wiring diagram
Connect terminal A to A and B to B. Optional ground via the "-" terminal on the 2-pin connector.

Establishing the Modbus Connection

We use the Radizio! Modbus Master Simulator (RMMS) software for this tutorial.

Step 0: Ensure Power and Connection

Make sure the DCP48M is powered on and the USB-to-RS485 adapter is connected to both the PC and the DCP48M.

Step 1: Open RMMS

Launch the RMMS.exe application.

Step 2: Load Configuration

Go to File → Open configuration file and load the DCP48M configuration file.

Step 3: Connection Settings

RMMS Connection menu
Navigate to Connection → Settings.

Go to Connection → Settings.

Step 4: Configure COM Port

RMMS connection settings
Match the connection settings. Find the COM port via Windows Device Manager.

Match the recommended connection values. Find your COM port number via Windows Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT).

Step 5: Connect

RMMS connection established with live data
Successful connection: the Systick counter should increment by approximately 10 per second.

Go to Connection → Connect. If the connection is successful, the Systick counter should increment by approximately 10 per second.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I check if the DCP48M is powered? The RGB LED on the board should be illuminated.
  • How do I verify the connection? The Systick counter in RMMS should be counting up.
  • How do I save parameter changes? After modifying parameters, trigger a save command via the Modbus registers.
  • How do I perform a factory reset? Consult the DCP48M datasheet for the factory reset procedure via Modbus.

Modifying Control Parameters

⚠ Warning: Modifying control parameters may void the warranty. Proceed with caution.

Basic Parameters

  • Output Voltage (Uset): Value in mV
  • Output Current (Iset): Value in mA
  • On/Off: 1 = On, 0 = Off

Modbus Parameters

  • Modbus ID: Device address on the bus
  • Baud Rate: Communication speed (changing this saves all parameters)

Control Loop Parameters

  • Voltage Control: KUp (proportional), KUi (integral), Deadband
  • Current Control: KIp (proportional), KIi (integral), Deadband