Modbus-IDA and the Instrumentation Technology and Economy Institute (ITEI) are sponsoring a four-city tour of China. Organised over the summer months, the tour begins in Beijing on 21st October 2005, and moves to Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, where it completes its circuit on 28th October. Eleven worldwide Modbus device suppliers are participating.

Audiences in each city include participants from local universities, manufacturers and government officials from the industrial sector.

At each city, Modbus-IDA will be introduced by Feng Xiaosheng, Head of ITEI and Modbus-IDA Board Director.

Other presentations include an introduction to the ITEI Modbus Conformance Test Laboratory by Test Engineer, Mei Ke, and an introduction to basic Modbus technology by Dr Sun Xin of Northern Jiaotong University.

A press conference is also planned on the tour's opening day in Beijing.

Each of the touring companies will also field a table-top demonstration of its products.

In addition, Modbus-IDA member companies will offer several presentations including 'Extend your Modbus communication connectivity', 'Connecting Modbus and other industrial networks through Anybus, the future Ethernet technology', and 'Design and document Modbus networks in one step'.

Ken Crater, President of Modbus-IDA, commented: 'China represents a major market for our members'.

'The opportunity to work with ITEI, introducing Modbus device suppliers to Chinese manufacturing firms and universities, is an important step in supporting the use of Modbus in this market'.

'Modbus-IDA looks forward to helping its members develop lasting relationships with Chinese manufacturers and universities and continuing its work with the ITEI over the coming years'.

The companies participating on the tour include Comtrol Corporation, Danfoss, Data-Linc, ECT International, Harting, Hirschmann, HMS Industrial Networks, Phoenix Digital Corporation, Prosoft Technology, Schneider Electric and UGS Corp.

A Chinese language publication was produced specially for the tour; it includes information from past Modbus-IDA newsletters, as well as introductions to each of the companies on tour.