For ClearSCADA to communicate with 'Generic' Modbus controllers using the Modbus protocol, use either the 'Generic' Modbus database items with ClearSCADA’s Advanced Modbus driver, or the Simple Modbus driver. The Advanced Modbus driver supports additional functionality to the Simple Modbus driver, including:
- additional communication types
- multiple scanning intervals
- PSTN channel fallback
- support for extension drivers.
For certain types of Modbus controller, ClearSCADA uses an Advanced Modbus Extension Driver to provide vendor-specific functionality for those devices. For further information, see the relevant Advanced Modbus extension driver guide.
For information about the Simple Modbus driver, see the ClearSCADA Guide to the Simple Modbus Driver.
If both drivers provide the required functionality, consider using the Advanced Modbus driver rather than the Simple Modbus driver. Using the Advanced Modbus driver will give you more flexibility should your system requirements change in the future.