Phoenixville, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/20/2010 -- An OPC Server is a software application that acts as an API (Application Programming Interface) or protocol converter. An OPC Server will connect to a device such as a PLC, DCS, RTU, or a data source such as a database or User interface, and translate the data into a standard-based OPC format. OPC compliant applications such as a HMI (Human Machine Interface), historian, spreadsheet, trending application, etc can connect to the OPC Server and use it to read and write device data. An OPC Server is analogous to the role a printer driver plays to enable a computer to communicate with an ink jet printer. An OPC Server is based on Server/Client architecture.
OPC is an industry standard created with the collaboration of a number of leading worldwide automation hardware and software suppliers. The standard defines methods for exchanging real-time automation data between PC-based clients. The organization that manages this standard is the OPC Foundation.
The application of the OPC standard interface makes possible interoperability between automation/control applications, field systems/devices and business/office applications. "Traditionally, each software or application developer was required to write a custom interface, or server/driver, to exchange data with hardware field devices. OPC eliminates this requirement by defining a common, high performance interface that permits this work to be done once, and then easily reused by HMI, SCADA, Control and custom applications.
An OPC Server is often referred to as an OPC Driver. The two terms are synonymous. INGEAR offers OPC Servers that support the following:
ALLEN-BRADLEY OPC
- ControlLogix / CompactLogix
- MicroLogix 1000 / 1200 / 1400 / 1500
- SLC Family
- PLC-5 Family
- Ethernet / Ethernet/IP
- ControlLogix Gateway
- Data Highway PLUS
- Data Highway 485
- Serial DF1
MODBUS OPC
. TCP/IP
- RTU (Serial)
- ASCII (Serial)
- MODBUS PLUS
GE-FANUC OPC
- SRTP Ethernet
- PAC System Rx7i
- PAC System Rx3i
- Series 90
- Series 30
- Versa Max
OMRON OPC
- CS / CJ / CM and CQ Family
- C200 Series Family
- C Series Family
- Ethernet
- Serial
The better the information plant personnel have regarding operations, the greater the ability to manage costs, output, quality, and ultimately – profitability. Some of the most valuable data lies within the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that automate assembly lines. Manufacturers typically deploy PLCs machine-by-machine, however, accessing that data can be a real challenge.
Recognizing the growing importance of this data, manufacturers are looking to integrate plant floor operations with enterprise applications; PLC vendors have been offering solutions to improve communications with their devices. Rockwell Automation, a world leading manufacturer of PLCs, offers its customers a software connectivity solution built on the Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) standard to enable connectivity between human machine interface (HMI) software packages and Allen Bradley PLCs. One OPC connectivity solution, which Rockwell Software offers is its RSLinx software. The RSLinx connector is an OPC Data Access 2.0 compliant server that provides communication services for Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley brand of PLCs.
The INGEAR.NET software from CimQuest is a set of runtime free class libraries that simplify building, developing, and deploying connected systems for manufacturing applications using Visual Basic or Visual Studio .NET. It uses only three primary classes of .NET code:
- one of which manages the PLC,
- one manages the data that are read from or written to that PLC,
- one manages groupings of methods, properties, and events to optimize read/write operations on a collection.
This simple programming model by CimQuest InGear contributes to faster response times and ease of use and ultimately – profitability.
CimQuest INGEAR
http://www.ingeardrivers.com
Chuck Karwoski
plc.net@ingeardrivers.com
Toll Free: 1.866.935.7979 | Telephone: 1.610.935.8282