Virtual Process Using LabVIEW in Combination with Modbus TCP for Fieldbus Control System

This paper presents a design and implementation of virtual process using LabVIEW in combination with Modbus TCP protocol for fieldbus control system (FCS). A level virtual process has been simulated in LabVIEW supported by NI input/output broad (NI - myDAQ), providing the 0-5V analog input and output signals. It is used to control actuators and to read data from sensors of the simulated process. Arduino broads incorporated with Ethernet shields are the Modbus TCP/voltage converter, communicating the data between programmable logic controller (PLC) that acts like a client and Arduino servers. Therefore, the virtual process can be controlled by the real PLC, and can be monitored by the real monitoring system over TCP/IP network. The experimental results show that the data communication among all devices works well. The mean absolute percentage error between both processes is less than 5.24%. In addition, the proposed model is very flexible and low cost. Hence, it is suitable for teaching and training.