What products are involved?
SRV – Inline Viscosity Meter | SRD – Inline Density & Viscosity Meter | SME Electronics (All variants)
What is the purpose of this article?
This article explains the default and additional communication options available on Rheonics SME electronics, and how to choose the right one for your application or industry.
| Short answer: Every SME ships with 4-20 mA (C1) and Modbus RTU over RS-485 (C2) as standard, plus USB (C3) and RJ-45 (C4) for local service. If your plant runs on Ethernet-based SCADA/DCS or a specific fieldbus, add one of the optional protocols (C5–C10) at order time. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Default communication options
Rheonics SME is pre-configured with the following communication options out of the box. No additional ordering code is required to use these.
| Code | Option | Description |
|---|
| C1 | 4-20 mA | 3 channels of analog output signals. A universal compatible connection to any PLC or DCS with an analog input card. |
| C2 | Modbus RTU (RS-485) | Digital, multi-drop capable, and works with most PLCs and SCADA systems without extra hardware. |
| C3 | USB Port | USB 2.0-compliant service and data acquisition port used for configuration and diagnostics with the RCP. |
| C4 | RJ-45 Port | Alternative service and data acquisition port with the RCP only. |
| → See: C3 (USB) and C4 (RJ-45) are local service ports, not field-integration protocols. For connecting to a control system, choose between C1, C2, or one of the additional fieldbus options below. |
2. Additional fieldbus communication options
Beyond the default options, Rheonics electronics can be ordered with one of the following additional fieldbus communication options.
| Code | Option | Description |
|---|
| C5 | Bluetooth LE 4.0 | Short-range wireless module for local configuration/monitoring via mobile app. |
| C6 | Modbus TCP | Ethernet-based Modbus, for integration with SCADA/DCS systems on the plant Ethernet network. |
| C7 | Ethernet/IP | Common in discrete/factory automation environments. Best fit for Rockwell Automation devices. |
| C8 | HART | Digital protocol superimposed on the 4-20 mA loop, adding diagnostics and configuration without extra wiring. |
| C9 | Profinet | Ethernet-based fieldbus widely used in Siemens-based automation environments. |
| C10 | Wireless HART | Wireless variant of HART, for installations where running a wired loop is impractical or costly. |
⚠ Important:- C5 (Bluetooth LE 4.0) is available only on the E1 electronics variant. Confirm your electronics variant before specifying this option.
|
3. How to choose by industry and application
The right protocol depends mainly on what your plant's control system already speaks, and on wiring constraints at the installation site. Use the guidance below as a starting point. C3 (USB) and C4 (RJ-45) remain available for local setup with Rheonics software, and C5 (Bluetooth LE) can be added to E1 electronics for short-range wireless configuration via a mobile app.
3.1 Oil & gas, refining, asphalt/bitumen storage
These environments commonly run legacy 4-20 mA/HART loops and are often in hazardous areas with long cable runs. C1 (4-20 mA) or C8 (HART) are the default fit, since they reuse existing wiring and instrumentation practices. For remote tank farms or unmanned sites where running new wiring is costly, C10 (Wireless HART) is a strong alternative.
3.2 Chemical processing, adhesives, and blending applications
These plants typically integrate with a DCS over an Ethernet backbone. C6 (Modbus TCP) is a common, low-friction choice. C2 (Modbus RTU) remains a good default when the DCS interfaces over RS-485.
3.3 Discrete manufacturing and packaging
Discrete lines are more likely to run Rockwell or Siemens automation stacks. Choose C7 (Ethernet/IP) for Allen-Bradley/Rockwell environments, or C9 (Profinet) for Siemens-based lines.
Further information
Default options (C1–C4)
Additional fieldbus options (C5–C10)
- Display & Bluetooth / DISP-BT (C5) — configuring Bluetooth LE via the SensorView app (E1 only).
- Modbus TCP (C6) — connecting outputs, troubleshooting, input registers, and data types.
- EtherNet/IP (C7) — getting started, fundamentals, PLC compatibility, and integration software.
- HART (C8) — getting started, fundamentals, offered variables, and troubleshooting.
- PROFINET (C9) — getting started, fundamentals, and integration software.
- Wireless HART (C10) — getting started, ordering, and a real-world lithium brine extraction case.
