In applications such as industrial automation, IoT gateways, and data acquisition, multi-serial-to-Ethernet modules play a crucial role. As a bridge connecting traditional serial devices to modern networks, they enable remote monitoring, data transmission, and centralized management of equipment. With the rapid development of Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies, the demand for device connectivity is experiencing explosive growth, and the market size of multi-serial-to-Ethernet modules is continuously expanding.
According to the "2025 China Serial-to-Ethernet Module Data Monitoring and Research Report," the Chinese serial-to-Ethernet module market is projected to reach approximately RMB 7.5 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 12%. The industrial automation sector is the main driver of market growth, accounting for approximately 45% of the market.
For high-density serial-to-Ethernet conversion needs requiring five or more serial ports, the NS8 series 8-serial-to-Ethernet module provides an ideal solution. This 8-serial-to-Ethernet module supports high-speed communication up to 460800bps, features rich protocol support and industrial-grade reliability, and can meet the needs of various complex application scenarios.
I. Features of the 8-Port Serial Ethernet Module
The NS8-V2 serial-to-Ethernet module utilizes an advanced 8-channel serial-to-Ethernet chip, possessing the following outstanding characteristics:
* **High-Speed Communication Capability:** Supports baud rates from 2400 to 115200 bps, with a maximum of 460800 bps. This means it can rapidly transmit large amounts of data, meeting the high-speed data transmission requirements of applications such as industrial automation and video surveillance. For example, in industrial production lines, the large amounts of data generated by sensors need to be transmitted to the monitoring center for analysis and processing in a timely manner. The high-speed communication capability of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module ensures the real-time performance and accuracy of the data.
* **Multi-Protocol Support:** Supports multiple operating modes including TCP client, TCP server, UDP client, UDP server, MQTT client, and HTTP client. This enables it to communicate with various network devices and systems, achieving data interconnection. For example, in IoT gateway applications, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can upload device data to the cloud platform via the MQTT protocol for remote monitoring and management; and communicate with a web server via the HTTP protocol for data querying and display.
• High Concurrency Connections: Supports 8 servers running simultaneously, with 16 clients dynamically allocated, and a single server supporting 9 client connections. This means it can connect to multiple devices and systems simultaneously, enabling centralized data management and distribution. For example, in an intelligent building management system, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can simultaneously connect multiple sensors, controllers, and monitoring devices, achieving centralized monitoring and control of various devices within the building.
• Industrial-Grade Reliability: Supports timeout restart functionality with customizable timeouts and hardware factory reset capabilities. This allows it to operate stably in harsh industrial environments, ensuring reliable data transmission. For example, in industrial production sites with harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, humidity, and vibration, the industrial-grade reliability of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module ensures it operates normally in such environments without malfunctioning due to environmental factors.
II. Detailed Technical Parameters of Serial to Ethernet Modules
1. Serial Communication Parameter Configuration
The NS8 series serial to Ethernet modules offer flexible serial port parameter configuration options to meet the communication needs of different devices:
* **Baud Rate Range:** Supports 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400, and 460800bps. Baud rate refers to the data transmission rate in serial communication; different devices may require different baud rates. The NS8 series serial to Ethernet modules support multiple baud rates, enabling communication with various serial devices.
* **Data Bit Configuration:** 5, 6, 7, and 8 data bits are selectable. Data bits refer to the number of data bits contained in each data frame in serial communication; different devices may require different data bits. The NS8 series serial to Ethernet modules support multiple data bit configurations to meet the communication needs of different devices.
• Parity Check: Supports three parity check methods: None (no parity), Odd (odd parity), and Even (even parity). Parity check methods refer to the methods used to detect data transmission errors in serial communication; different devices may require different parity check methods. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet modules support multiple parity check methods to ensure the accuracy of data transmission.
• Stop Bit Setting: Settable range: 1, 1.5, or 2 bits. Stop bits are the flag bits indicating the end of each data frame in serial communication; different devices may require different stop bits. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet modules support multiple stop bit settings to meet the communication needs of different devices.
III. Advanced Features of the NS8 Serial-to-Ethernet Module
1. Modbus Gateway Function: The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet modules have powerful Modbus gateway functionality, enabling mutual conversion between Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP protocols, facilitating users to connect traditional Modbus RTU devices to Ethernet networks:
• Supports multiple Modbus gateways, enabling RTU devices to actively report data. This means it can actively collect data from Modbus RTU devices and upload it to an Ethernet network. For example, in industrial automation systems, many sensors and controllers communicate using the Modbus RTU protocol. The Modbus gateway function of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can collect data from these devices and upload it to the monitoring center for analysis and processing.
* Supports conversion between Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU protocols. This allows it to convert data between Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP devices, enabling communication between devices using different protocols. For example, in an industrial automation system, there are sensors and controllers using the Modbus RTU protocol, as well as monitoring devices and servers using the Modbus TCP protocol. The Modbus gateway function of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can enable communication between these devices, achieving data interconnection.
* Configurable for automatic data collection in storage mode. This means it can automatically collect data from Modbus RTU devices at user-defined time intervals and store the data locally or upload it to an Ethernet network. For example, in an environmental monitoring system, environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure need to be collected regularly. The storage mode of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can automatically collect this data and upload it to a cloud platform for analysis and display.
* Supports a multi-host, question-and-answer mode. This means it can simultaneously respond to requests from multiple hosts, enabling centralized data management and distribution. For example, in a smart building management system, multiple monitoring hosts need to access data from sensors and controllers simultaneously. The multi-host mode of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can meet this need, enabling data sharing and collaborative work.
2. MQTT Cloud Platform Access The module supports standard MQTT 3.1.1 server connections, allowing for quick access to mainstream cloud platforms such as Alibaba Cloud, OneNET, Baidu Cloud, and Huawei Cloud, enabling remote monitoring and management of devices:
* The MQTT protocol is a lightweight messaging protocol specifically designed for IoT devices. It features low bandwidth, low power consumption, and high reliability, making it ideal for the communication needs of IoT devices. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module supports standard MQTT 3.1.1 server connections, enabling communication with various mainstream cloud platforms for remote monitoring and management of devices. • By accessing the cloud platform, users can access device data anytime, anywhere via mobile phones, computers, and other terminal devices, enabling remote monitoring and control of the equipment. For example, in smart home applications, users can remotely control home lights, appliances, and other devices through a mobile app, achieving intelligent home management; in industrial automation applications, users can remotely monitor the operating status of industrial production lines through the cloud platform, promptly detect and handle faults, and improve production efficiency and equipment reliability.
IV. Recommended Application Scenarios for 8-Serial-to-Ethernet Modules
1. Industrial Automation Systems
In industrial automation systems, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet modules can be used in industrial scenarios requiring multi-serial communication, such as PLC data acquisition, equipment monitoring, and production line control:
• PLC Data Acquisition: PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) on industrial production lines typically use serial communication to interact with other devices. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet modules can convert PLC serial data into Ethernet data, enabling remote acquisition and monitoring of PLC data. For example, on an automobile manufacturing production line, multiple PLCs control different production stages. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can collect data from these PLCs and upload it to the monitoring center for analysis and processing, enabling real-time monitoring and management of the production line.
* Equipment Monitoring: Various devices in industrial settings, such as sensors, motors, and valves, typically use serial communication for data transmission. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can convert the serial data from these devices into Ethernet data, enabling remote monitoring and fault diagnosis. For example, in a power system, numerous sensors and controllers use serial communication for data transmission. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can collect this data and upload it to the monitoring center for analysis and processing, promptly detecting equipment faults and anomalies, and improving the reliability and stability of the power system.
* Production Line Control: Industrial production line control often requires the coordinated operation of multiple devices. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module enables communication and data sharing between these devices, achieving automated control of the production line. For example, on a food processing production line, multiple devices need to operate in a specific sequence and rhythm. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module enables communication and data sharing between these devices, achieving automated control of the production line and improving production efficiency and product quality.
2. IoT Gateway As an IoT edge gateway, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can achieve multi-device data aggregation and cloud transmission, building a complete IoT application system:
* Data Aggregation: IoT scenarios involve numerous sensors and smart devices, which typically use different communication protocols and interfaces. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can aggregate the data from these devices, enabling unified data management and distribution. For example, in a smart city application, numerous sensors and smart devices are distributed throughout the city. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can aggregate the data from these devices and upload it to a cloud platform for analysis and processing, enabling intelligent city management.
* Cloud Transmission: By supporting IoT protocols such as MQTT, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can upload the aggregated data to a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and management of devices. For example, in an agricultural IoT application, numerous sensors and smart devices are distributed across farmland. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can aggregate data from these devices and upload it to a cloud platform for analysis and processing, enabling intelligent management of farmland and improving agricultural production efficiency and product quality.
3. Data Acquisition System In data acquisition systems, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can be used for multi-sensor data acquisition, environmental monitoring, energy management, and other applications:
• Multi-sensor data acquisition: Scenarios such as environmental monitoring and energy management often require the simultaneous acquisition of data from multiple sensors. The multi-serial port design of the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can meet this requirement, enabling simultaneous acquisition and transmission of data from multiple sensors. For example, in an environmental monitoring system, multiple environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction need to be collected simultaneously. The NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can collect this sensor data and upload it to the monitoring center for analysis and processing, enabling real-time environmental monitoring and early warning.
• Environmental monitoring: By connecting various environmental sensors, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can achieve real-time monitoring and data uploading of environmental parameters. For example, in a meteorological monitoring station, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can connect to temperature and humidity sensors, barometric pressure sensors, wind speed sensors, and wind direction sensors to achieve real-time monitoring and data uploading of meteorological parameters, providing data support for weather forecasting and meteorological research.
* Energy Management: In energy management systems, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can achieve data acquisition and monitoring of energy equipment, enabling efficient energy utilization and management. For example, in a smart grid system, the NS8 series serial-to-Ethernet module can connect to energy metering devices such as electricity meters, water meters, and gas meters to achieve real-time acquisition and monitoring of energy consumption data, providing data support for energy management departments and achieving efficient energy utilization and management.
V. Selection Recommendations for Multi-Serial-to-Ethernet Modules
1. Port Quantity Requirements: Select a module with 8 or more serial ports based on the actual application. If your application requires connecting multiple serial devices, it is recommended to choose a module with a larger number of ports to meet the device connection requirements. For example, in an industrial automation system that requires connecting multiple PLCs, sensors, and controllers, it is recommended to choose a module with 8 or more serial ports to ensure that all devices can connect and communicate normally. 2. Communication Rate Requirements: Confirm that a maximum speed of 460800bps meets the high-speed data transmission requirements. If your application requires the transmission of large amounts of data or has high real-time requirements for data transmission, it is recommended to choose a module with a higher communication rate. For example, in a video surveillance system that requires the transmission of high-definition video data, it is recommended to choose a module with a higher communication rate to ensure real-time transmission and smooth playback of video data.
3. Protocol Compatibility: Ensure that the module supports the required communication protocols (Modbus, MQTT, etc.). Different application scenarios may require different communication protocols. It is recommended to choose a module that supports the required communication protocols to ensure normal communication between devices. For example, in an IoT application that requires the MQTT protocol to upload device data to the cloud platform, it is recommended to choose a module that supports the MQTT protocol; in an industrial automation application that requires the Modbus protocol to achieve communication between devices, it is recommended to choose a module that supports the Modbus protocol.
4. Environmental Adaptability: Consider the temperature, humidity, EMC, and other requirements of the industrial environment. If your application scenario is in a harsh industrial environment, such as high temperature, humidity, vibration, electromagnetic interference, etc., it is recommended to choose a module with industrial-grade design to ensure stable operation in such an environment. For example, in an industrial production site with harsh environmental conditions, it is recommended to choose a facility with wide...