Turtle Tough Integration Module (TT-ISO-DSS-DC)
The Turtle Tough Integration Module (TT-ISO-DSS-DC) is an electrically isolated, transparent Modbus RTU communication bridge between a Turtle Tough DSS smart sensor and your PLC, SCADA, DCS or other Modbus RTU device. It is Turtle Tough's recommended installation method for direct integration of DSS sensors.
The module provides galvanic isolation on the power supply and digital isolation on the RS-485 lines, eliminating ground-loop interference and improving signal stability. It also translates baud rate, parity and stop bits between your network and the sensor, so a DSS sensor can join an existing Modbus network without changing either side.
FAQ
Why do I need an isolated Modbus bridge?
When sensors and control systems are grounded at different points, ground loops and electrical noise can corrupt RS-485 communication or damage equipment. Isolating power and data between the sensor and the network prevents these problems and makes communication far more reliable in industrial environments.
Does the PLC need special programming for the module?
No. The module is transparent: it passes all Modbus messages unchanged, recalculating parity as required. Your PLC addresses and reads the sensor's registers exactly as it would with a direct connection.
What are the advantages of the Integration Module?
- Transparent Modbus RTU bridge – no additional PLC programming
- Galvanic isolation for power and digital isolation for RS-485
- Configurable node address, baud rate, parity and stop bits
- Compatible with Turtle Tough DSS sensors, ULTRA TOUGH analysers and third-party Modbus RTU devices
- TX/RX indicator LEDs for quick communication checks
- Wall-mount IP67 or DIN-rail enclosure
Specifications
- Input voltage: 9–36 V DC
- Output voltage: 9 V; max output current 170 mA; max current draw 200 mA
- RS-485 isolation: ±15 kV; power isolation: 1 kV; RS-485 bias: 50 mV failsafe
- Operating temperature: −40 to +85 °C; storage −40 to +125 °C
- Default communication: 19200 baud, 8 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit
- Supported baud rates: 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 56000 and 57600
- Parity: even, odd or none; stop bits: 1 or 2; node address: 1–255
- Enclosures: IP67 polycarbonate wall-mount (TT-ISO-DSS-DC-IP67) or ABS DIN-rail (TT-ISO-DSS-DC-DIN, IP44, mount in a protective cabinet)
How is the module configured?
The module is configured with a Turtle Tough PC Interface and the Turtle Tough Sensor Management Software (Windows 10/11), which also powers the module during setup. For the network-side RS-485 connection, Turtle Tough recommends Belden 8723 shielded twisted-pair cable, with the shield grounded at one end only.