Using standard Ethernet and serial connections, any 5000 Series recorder with the Master Communications feature will be able to read/write, log and display data from up to 16 slave instruments.

This type of master digital data communications feature will open up many new application areas. Master Comms will, for instance, allow full control system integration in heat treatment systems based on interconnected PID temperature controllers, new control functionality to be added to existing 'legacy' systems without extensive modification, or more generally, increased system I/O without heavy investment or downtime. In addition, the 5000 Series are designed for compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and the unit can be used as a Master device to assist in the FDA validation of plant legacy equipment.

While the Master Comms feature is able to communicate with almost any 3rd party slave device capable of using Modbus protocols, it does have a 'in-built' data base covering a wide range of Eurotherm instruments. These include all other data acquisition instruments within the 5000 Series family, 4000 Series recorders (paper and graphical) and 2000 Series temperature and process control products such as the models 2216e/08e/04e, 2416/08/04, 2500 and 26/2704.