This function allows the user to obtain the ON/OFF status of logic coils used to control discrete outputs from the addressed Slave only. Broadcast mode is not supported with this function code. In addition to the Slave address and function fields, the message requires that the information field contain the initial coil address to be read (Starting Address) and the number of locations that will be interrogated to obtain status data. The addressing allows up to 2000 coils to be obtained at each request; however, the specific Slave device may have restrictions that lower the maximum quantity. The coils are numbered from zero; (coil number 1 = zero, coil number 2 = one, coil number 3 = two, and so on). The following table is a sample read output status request to read coils 0020 to 0056 from Slave device number 11.
An example response to Read Coil
Status is as shown in Figure C2. The data is packed one bit for each coil. The response includes the Slave address, function code, quantity of data characters, the data characters, and error checking. Data will be packed with one bit for each coil (1 = ON, 0 = OFF). The low order bit of the first character contains the addressed coil, and the remainder follow. For coil quantities that are not even multiples of eight, the last characters will be filled in with zeros at high order end. The quantity of data characters is always specified as quantity of RTU characters, that is, the number is the same whether RTU or ASCII is used. Because the Slave interface device is serviced at the end of a controller's scan, data will reflect coil status at the end of the scan. Some Slaves will limit the quantity of coils provided each scan; thus, for large coil quantities, multiple PC transactions must be made using coil status from sequential scans.
Read Input Status
This function allows the user to obtain the ON/OFF status of discrete inputs in the addressed Slave PC Broadcast mode is not supported with this function code. In addition to the Slave address and function fields, the message requires that the information field contain the initial input address to be read (Starting Address) and the number of locations that will be interrogated to obtain status data. The addressing allows up to 2000 inputs to be obtained at each request; however, the specific Slave device may have restrictions that lower the maximum quantity. The inputs are numbered form zero; (input 10001 = zero, input 10002 = one, input 10003 = two, and so on, for a 584).