Detailed Explanation of AT Command Set for Serial to Ethernet Converter: A Guide to Custom Message Formatting and Trigger Rule Configuration
In industrial IoT scenarios, the serial to Ethernet converter serves as the core hub connecting traditional serial port devices to Ethernet networks, with its data transmission flexibility and reliability directly impacting system operational efficiency. However, most users face two major pain points during actual deployment: difficulties in data format conversion due to incompatible protocols of traditional devices, and the inability of fixed trigger rules to adapt to complex business scenarios. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the application of the AT command set for serial to Ethernet converter in custom message formatting and trigger rule configuration, incorporating practical cases from industrial-grade devices such as the USR-TCP232-410s to offer enterprises actionable solutions.
Traditional serial to Ethernet converter typically only support standard protocols like Modbus RTU/TCP. When dealing with non-standard devices (e.g., PLCs with custom protocols or sensors with proprietary protocols), additional protocol conversion gateways are required, increasing system complexity and cost. For example, a chemical enterprise had to install a protocol conversion module at the backend of its existing serial to Ethernet converter due to the use of non-standard weighing instruments, resulting in a 30% increase in system latency.
Most devices only support fixed-length data frames or simple delimiters, unable to handle complex formats such as variable-length messages or nested structures. A logistics enterprise attempting to upload data from sorting line barcode scanners to the cloud via a serial to Ethernet converter found that the original data, containing multiple fields like timestamps, device IDs, and barcode values, could not be automatically parsed by traditional devices, leading to a significant increase in data cleaning workload.
Fixed time intervals or simple level-triggered data collection methods struggle to cope with scenarios such as emergency event monitoring and dynamic threshold alarms. A power monitoring system employing a timed collection strategy experienced delayed reporting of a short-circuit fault due to the collection cycle not being reached, resulting in further equipment damage.
New-generation devices like the USR-TCP232-410s achieve full protocol stack openness through the AT command set, supporting user-defined data encapsulation formats. Taking Modbus gateway functionality as an example, the AT+MODCMDEDIT command allows pre-storage of up to eight standard Modbus instructions and automatic protocol conversion from RTU to TCP. A water utility group seamlessly integrated 200 legacy flow meters into an IoT platform using this feature, reducing the transformation period from three months to two weeks.
The built-in JSON/XML parsing module in the device can be dynamically configured with field mapping rules via AT commands. For instance, after executing the AT+HTPHEAD=1,ADD,{"deviceId":"%s","value":%d} command, raw serial port data like "01,25.3" is automatically converted into the standard JSON format {"deviceId":"01","value":25.3}, significantly reducing cloud-side parsing pressure. A smart manufacturing enterprise adopting this technology saw a 40% improvement in data transmission efficiency.
The USR-TCP232-410s supports setting composite trigger conditions via AT commands, including:
Threshold Trigger: AT+KEEPALIVE=1,1,TEMP,>85 (Report when temperature exceeds 85℃)
Change Trigger: AT+SWITCHOUT=1,DIFF,0.5 (Report when value change exceeds 0.5)
Combination Logic Trigger: AT+MODBUS=1,AND,0103000A0001,>100,0103000B0001,<20 (Trigger when both register conditions are met)
A photovoltaic power plant achieved precise positioning of inverter faults using this functionality, reducing false alarm rates from 15% to 0.3%.
Among numerous serial to Ethernet converter, the USR-TCP232-410s stands out with its unique hardware architecture and software features:
Dual Serial Ports Operating Independently: RS232 + RS485 dual-channel design supports simultaneous connection of devices with different protocols, avoiding channel conflicts.
Edge Computing Capabilities: Built-in Cortex-M7 processor enables edge computing tasks such as data preprocessing and local storage.
Multi-Layer Security Protection: Supports SSL/TLS encrypted transmission and MAC address binding, meeting information security requirements in industries like power and energy.
Extreme Environment Adaptability: Operates in a wide temperature range of -40℃ to 85℃ and is certified by CE/FCC/ROHS, ensuring 7x24-hour stable operation.
A automobile manufacturing enterprise adopted the USR-TCP232-410s to build a welding workshop equipment networking system, achieving:
32 welding robots connected via RS485 bus with data collection latency <50ms
Custom message formatting reducing PLC control instruction transmission error rates to 0.02%
Intelligent trigger rules shortening equipment fault response time from minutes to seconds
An agricultural park needed real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO₂ concentration in 20 greenhouse sheds. The existing system faced issues including:
Sensors using non-standard protocols requiring dedicated collectors
Fixed data reporting intervals of 5 minutes unable to capture sudden climate changes
Manual setting of alarm thresholds with delayed responses
A new monitoring system was constructed using the USR-TCP232-410s:
Protocol Adaptation Layer: Serial port parameters set via AT+UARTCFG=9600,8,1,0, and non-standard protocol parsing achieved with AT+MODCMDEDIT instructions.
Dynamic Message Configuration: Standardized data reporting interfaces built using AT+HTPURL=1,/api/v1/sensor and AT+HTPHEAD=1,ADD,{"sensorId":"%s","type":"%s","value":%f} commands.
Intelligent Trigger Rules: Alarms triggered by AT+KEEPALIVE=1,1,TEMP,<10|>35 (when temperature falls below 10℃ or rises above 35℃), with alarm topics subscribed via AT+MQTTSUB=1,/alert.
After system launch, the following outcomes were achieved:
65% reduction in device access costs
Dynamic adjustment of data collection frequency (normal: 10 minutes/time; abnormal: 1 minute/time)
Extension of frost warning lead time from 2 hours to 8 hours
It is recommended to adopt a "three-step method" for device configuration:
Basic Parameter Settings:
AT+IPCONFIG=0,192.168.1.100,192.168.1.1,255.255.255.0,8.8.8.8
AT+UARTCFG=115200,8,1,0
Protocol Adaptation Configuration:
AT+MODCMDEDIT=1,ADD,010300000002
AT+HTPURL=1,/api/modbus
Trigger Rule Definition:
AT+KEEPALIVE=1,1,REG0,>500
AT+MQTTPRDKEY=your_product_key
Common issues and solutions:
Command execution failure: Check if the command ends with \r\n; some devices require entering configuration mode via +++ first.
Data parsing errors: Enable debug mode using AT+HTPHEAD=1,DEBUG to view raw messages.
Unstable connections: Set TCP keep-alive period via AT+DSCTIME=180 to prevent NAT timeout.
When selecting a device, focus on the following indicators:
Processor Performance: Cortex-M7 or higher architectures support complex edge computing tasks.
Serial Port Quantity: Choose single/dual/multi-serial port models based on device connection requirements.
Operating Temperature Range: Industrial scenarios require wide-temperature devices (-40℃ to 85℃).
Security Features: Prioritize products supporting SSL/TLS encryption and firewall traversal.
The USR-TCP232-410s excels in the above dimensions, with its dual-serial port design, edge computing capabilities, and industrial-grade protection making it particularly suitable for demanding scenarios in power, transportation, manufacturing, and other industries with stringent reliability and real-time requirements.
By mastering the customization capabilities of the AT command set, enterprises can break free from the functional constraints of traditional serial to Ethernet converter and build IoT systems truly adapted to business needs. The USR-TCP232-410s, as a new-generation industrial-grade serial to Ethernet converter, is helping an increasing number of enterprises achieve intelligent upgrades in device networking with its powerful protocol adaptation capabilities, flexible trigger rule system, and exceptional environmental adaptability.
Contact Us Now: Click to obtain detailed technical specifications and customized solutions for the USR-TCP232-410s, making your device connections smarter and more efficient!
