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HOW TO CONFIGURE AN INLINE MODBUS I/O TCP BUS COUPLER

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How to set up an Inline Modbus TCP bus coupler and its local I/O

In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure an inline Modbus TCP bus coupler along with its local I/O. To download Phoenix Contact's IP assignment tool, click here: https://www.phoenixcontact.com/IPassign.

Video Tutorial: How to set up an Inline Modbus TCP bus coupler and its local I/O

NOTE:
If you want to watch the video while following along with the text notes, then right click and open the video in a new split screen window and the video should appear on the right of the notes so that you can follow along.

1. Introduction (00:00–00:07)

The presenter explains the aim of the demonstration:

  • Configure a Modbus TCP Inline Bus Coupler

  • Assign an IP address

  • Acknowledge and store local I/O configuration

By default, the coupler ships without an IP address, so the first task is assigning one.

2. Assigning an IP Address Using IPAssign (00:07–00:38)

Step 1 — Install or launch IPAssign

A small freeware tool used to assign IP addresses to Phoenix Contact bus couplers.

Step 2 — IPAssign listens for BOOTP requests

Once open, IPAssign automatically listens for BOOTP packets on the network.

  • The bus coupler repeatedly broadcasts BOOTP requests until it receives an IP address.

Step 3 — Wait for the BOOTP request

When the entry appears from your BK:

  1. Highlight the request

  2. Click Next to configure an IP address

Step 4 — Assign the IP

In the example, the address assigned is:

192.168.1.10

Click Next to continue.

3. Plug and Play Mode (00:38–01:06)

After submitting the IP assignment:

  • Wait for the bus coupler to acknowledge and accept the IP settings.

  • The Inline modules’ LEDs turn solid green.

  • A new amber LED lights on the BK.

Amber LED = Plug and Play (PP) mode

In Plug and Play:

  • The bus coupler automatically scans the Inline bus

  • Detects all connected modules

  • Builds its temporary configuration

This mode is temporary until committed to memory.

4. Accessing the BK Webpage (01:06–01:22)

To store the configuration permanently:

  1. Open a web browser (Internet Explorer is used in the video).

  2. Enter the assigned IP address in the address bar:

http://192.168.1.10

This loads the integrated configuration webpage for the BK.

5. Inline Station Settings (01:22–01:37)

Once the page loads:

  1. Navigate to Inline Station.

  2. You will see that Plug and Play Mode is enabled.

  3. Change it to Disabled.

  4. Enter the default password:

private

  1. Click Apply to save the changes.

6. Committing Bus Configuration to Memory (01:37–01:54)

After clicking Apply:

  • The PP (Plug and Play) LED on the bus coupler switches OFF.

  • This confirms that the system has left Plug and Play mode.

  • The current module configuration is now saved into permanent memory.

7. Viewing Modbus Addresses (01:54–02:07)

Navigate to:

Bus Configuration Menu

This page provides:

✔ A full visual map of the local Inline I/O modules

✔ The Modbus addresses for every I/O point

This is essential for configuring any Modbus master to:

  • Read digital inputs

  • Write digital outputs

  • Access analog values

  • Map RTDs and other sensor data

8. Closing Remarks (02:07–02:15)

The presenter concludes by advising users to contact Phoenix Contact technical support for assistance if needed.

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