Modbus (RS485) to NB‑IoT
The RS485 to the NB-IoT converter is designed for the efficient readings of any device with the RS485 communication, most commonly using the Modbus protocol – such as actuators, electricity meters and other measurement devices. It allows the integration of RS485 devices into the NB-IoT wireless network, facilitating the data collection and analysis at specified intervals.
The converter can be supplied with a power for the sensor or as a communication element without any external power. It is applicable in industrial automation, energy, agriculture or smart city projects.
How does it work?
Choose ACRIOS Systems converters. Here’s why
We have a full control over each part of the code in our devices. The hardware we produce can be maintained even many years after installation.
Our converters are manufactured in the Czech Republic with Czech subcontractors. Each unit undergoes final testing while focusing on the functionality of individual communication interfaces and device power consumption.
We pay close attention to the TCO - from using a coulomb counter to obtain an accurate battery life to the pre-configured units delivery with your settings.
Set the primary or the secondary addressing of meters over the LoRaWAN network, find out how many meters are connected or change the reading period directly from your system without the need for local configuration.
We can supply the converter with an external power for a sensor or probe, ranging from 3 to 30 V DC - allowing you to connect the external probes, level measurement devices or weather stations.
Good technical documentation is the foundation of quick integration. On our Wiki, you'll find integration manuals, communication protocol descriptions and videos explaining the usage.
We can read up to 96 connected devices with a single converter, giving you maximum flexibility during installation without the need to attach a converter to each meter, thus the reducing project costs.
Technical specifications
- Powering an external sensor or device is possible directly from the converter, ranging from 5 V DC to 24 V DC
- Readings with intervals of up to 15 minutes
- WAGO terminal block for a quick and secure installation
- Battery-powered or externally powered versions available
- Support for Modbus, IEC 62052 or DLMS protocols
- NB-IoT (Narrow Band) communication with the possibility to use any NB-IoT SIM card
- Default configuration with a device library Remote configuration capability over the NB-IoT network
- User-replaceable battery in battery-powered versions
- SMA standard antenna connector
- Dimensions: 145 x 90 x 55 mm
- Weight: 336 g with battery
- IP Rating: IP67Transmitter
- PowerSupply:D-Cell battery 19,000 mAh, 2x D-Cell batteries 38,000 mAh, or external power supply 85-305V AC
- Supported Protocols: Modbus, IEC 62056, DLMS, and others upon consultation
- Maximum Number of Devices: 128 UL
- Features: Time synchronization over the MAC layer, local history of unsent frames, remote configuration of the library + wake-up intervals +what sensor from library to read out
- NB-IoT: 3GPP rel. v.14
- Sensor Power Supply: 5V DC - 24V DC*
Note: *Under order code “R12”
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- ACR-CV-101N-R-D* / RS485 Modbus to NB-IoT, battery powered
- ACR-CV-101N-R-D2* / RS485 Modbus to NB-IoT, 2xD-cell battery powered
- ACR-CV-101N-R-EAC* / RS485 Modbus to NB-IoT, externally powered
- ACR-CV-101N-R12-D2* / RS485 Modbus to NB-IoT with a 5V - 24V DC AUX power supply, 2xD-cell battery powered
- ACR-CV-101N-R12-EAC* / RS485 Modbus to NB-IoT with a 5V - 24V DC AUX power supply, externally powered
*Under MOQ
- 1x RS485 to NB-IoT converter
- 1x Installation manual
- 1x Battery (for battery powered units)
- 1x NB-IoT antenna
From common issues to proven solutions
If you have ever looked for a solution for the Modbus communication over an NB-IoT network—such as with various sensors, probes, electricity meters, or meter converters—you have likely encountered the following situations:
Modbus is not standardised, and each manufacturer sends data differently, resulting in chaos.
The Modbus protocol exists, but the data format – registers, endianness, offsets, and structure – is defined differently by every manufacturer. This requires custom parsing logic for each device, making integration complex, error-prone, and slow.
We allow defining parsing libraries at the device level, which the converter automatically applies.
The converter unifies the data into a clear structure that can be easily integrated into your system.
You need to support different protocols in one installation – Modbus, DLMS, IEC 62052.
Each meter type uses a different protocol. Standard converters typically handle only one, which means installing multiple devices, increasing complexity and costs.
Our converter supports Modbus, DLMS, and IEC 62052 over RS485 or via an optical head.
This allows you to read different instruments with a single device.
Meter replacement requires on-site configuration of the converter.
After a few years, meters are replaced, and the converter must be reprogrammed locally, leading to service trips, extra costs, and potential errors.
We support remote configuration via LoRaWAN and NB-IoT.
After a meter replacement, register mapping or protocol can be changed remotely without visiting the site.
RS485 devices need power supply, such as optical heads or ultrasonic sensors, but no source is available.
External RS485 sensors often have no power supply, so extra wiring and electrical inspection are needed, adding cost and time.
The converter can power connected RS485 devices, such as optical heads, sensors, or electricity meters, directly from the unit.
Installation requires no external source and no electrical work.
Selected projects
We offer the ACRIOS remote reading solutions to all of our customers who want to comply with the EED decree. The solution is quick to install, requires no training and proves to be stable over time.
ACRIOS’ reliable products for remote readings and innovative, fully customizable solutions perfectly complement our expertise in value-added distribution of IoT products and solutions. We are proud to collaborate with a company that shares our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
"The remote gas meter reading devices from ACRIOS have proven their reliability and quality of workmanship. We appreciate that all our technical requirements were met and that we received all the necessary documentation and technical support for integration into our information system. We are very satisfied with the cooperation..“
ACRIOS was instrumental in our success on a large-scale European deployment of the wM-Bus concentrators, helped to solve all of the technical challenges and deliver results within the set deadlines.
“The ACRIOS scripting capabilities have provided Netmore with the required solution for solving integrations with MBUS/MODBUS units.”
We successfully integrated the ACRIOS Data Concentrator into our smart metering project, seamlessly connecting hundreds of meters. The device’s performance and stability have been outstanding, even in challenging environments. The LoRaWAN protocol used by the concentrator ensures strong, reliable signal coverage, even in hard-to-reach areas. We highly recommend the ACRIOS Data Concentrator to anyone looking to enhance their smart metering infrastructure.
“We were searching for a way that would allow us to connect existing M-Bus and MODBUS meters to our LoRaWAN network and found the solution provided by ACRIOS valuable for these use cases.“
Tell us what you need. We’ll find the best solution together.
