TwinCAT OPC Server
The standard interface for automation
OPC stands for “Openness, Productivity & Collaboration” and describes an initiative for standardisation of data exchange in automation. Formerly, applications such as operating and monitoring software were forced to use the differing access procedures of each controller manufacturer. OPC is the specification for a uniform software interface, and permits access to the process data from any manufacturer.
OPC specifications
The TwinCAT OPC Server supports the following specifications: DataAccess (DA) and XML-DA. DataAccess (DA) is based on the established Microsoft COM technology and provides data for the client. The OPC XML-DA specification enables data exchange through XML via HTTP. The TwinCAT OPC Server XML-DA is implemented as plug-in for the Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Server) and provides TwinCAT variables for web-based visualisations or implementation under C++, .NET, and JavaScript. Data can be transmitted HTTP-compliant through firewalls.
The TwinCAT OPC Servers can be configured in the configurator or via XML. In addition to the namespace and the eventspace, other features of the Beckhoff OPC server can be defined with the configuration tool, or via XML: simulation signals allow the OPC client/server communication to be tested without accessing physical I/O.
The simulation algorithm allows sinusoidal, ramp and random signals, e.g. to configure in amplitude, slope and offset, etc. Also interesting is the facility for the online conversion of process values: configurable linear conversions allow process values in units of “degrees Celsius” to appear in the OPC client as “degrees Fahrenheit”, or “inch” as “centimetre”.
Features
- open concept, access to all the TwinCAT ADS devices:
- TwinCAT I/O
- TwinCAT CP
- TwinCAT CAM
- TwinCAT NC
- TwinCAT PLC run-time systems
- Bus Terminal Controller
- Fieldbus PLC Box
- Embedded PC
- access to TwinCAT variables
- project planning
- supports browsing of namespace
- automatic configuration via XML
- The server supports browsing of variables.
Further features
- Configurable simulation signals such as sine, ramp, random or none can be set for each variable in order to test OPC client/server communication without access to physical I/O by the OPC server.
- online conversion of process values, configurable conversion algorithm
TwinCAT OPC is tested as
“OPC compliant” product by the
OPC Compliance certification.
Since 1998 Beckhoff is member
of the OPC foundation.
| Ordering information | |
|---|---|
| TwinCAT OPC Server | Licence for using the OPC server for accessing TwinCAT. DataAccess and XML-DA are supported. |
| TwinCAT OPC Server CE | Licence for using the OPC server for accessing TwinCAT on Windows CE platforms. DataAccess and XML-DA are supported. |