Introduction
Devices module provides a range of features that allow users to connect to, configure, and monitor various devices, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), sensors, actuators, and other data acquisition devices. It supports multiple protocols for device communication, such as Modbus, OPC, and TCP/IP, ensuring seamless connectivity and interoperability between different devices and systems.
This module also provides a range of configuration and diagnostic tools to help users set up and manage the devices, including device discovery, network scanning, and real-time monitoring of device status and performance. It enables users to configure device parameters, such as data acquisition intervals, thresholds, and alarms, to optimize the performance and efficiency of the system.
Moreover, the devices module includes a simulation feature that allows users to simulate the behavior of devices in a virtual environment, enabling them to test and troubleshoot the system without the need for physical devices.
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Key Functionalities
Built-in Simulator Tools
Connect to any PLC to simulate data to expedite demos and prototyping. We also offer a DataExplorer tool for MQTT and OPC UA.
Over 60+ Native Communication Drivers
Connectivity is a key critical feature. We include FrameworX includes a wide variety range of industry-standard protocols and enable built-in , allowing integrated communications with PLCs, historians, databases, and other devices. We are adding new drivers continuouslyNew drivers are continually being added, and our SDK makes it easy to add any additional non-driver not included driver.
OPC Client and Server Support
The platform is in full compliance with the OPC Server and Client specifications. The OPC client provides all the necessary integrations for any protocol not included with the product.
Remote Data Servers
Drivers, native or OPC, and data acquisition can run on remote computers to perform tasks such as retrieving data from RS-232 devices or eliminating the requirement for DCOM OPC configuration.
OPC Data Server FactoryStudio Station
It is possible to deploy the platform as a stand-alone OPC Data Server that uses native protocols and provides data to other systems through its OPC Server interface.
Automatic Synchronization
We provide a Tag Import Wizard and automatic definition synchronization for OPC Servers, Rockwell ControlLogix L5K files, CSV files, Beckhoff TwinCAT, OSIsoftTM PI System, and PI AFTM; Also, we are adding new wizards continuously.
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| The platform performs real-time optimization, blocking addresses to maximize the use of the communication channel. |
MQTT Tools
We have a built-in MQTT Broker on the platform, which can be operated independently or linked to a specific project. Tied to a project, our MQTT Broker can also expose all project namespaces and properties.
Our broker supports Sparkplug B clients and original MQTT clients, which does not use Sparkplug B specification such as Mosquitto, as well as Azure IoT. We also offer a MQTT Client simulator (with Sparkplug) to make testing easier and faster.
HiveMQ Integration
As your applications expand, or if you want the benefits and support of an enterprise class MQTT Broker, you can buy a bundled HiveMQ subscription license with any product.
OPC-UA
Framework projects can act as an OPC-UA server automatically, as well as act as an OPC-UA client to other servers. OPC-DA Server, OPC-DA client, OPC-XML-DA and OPC-HDA are supported for easier compatibility with legacy systems.
Store-and-Forward
We added the Store-And-Forward functionality when our software platform publishes data to the Canary Historian or a MQTT Broker, which means we temporary store the data of a message for transmission to its destination later, in case the network is not accessible for any reason.
Process Isolation and Multi-threading
Process Isolation and Multi-threadingData communication runs in its own .NET domain, with a WCF layer to isolate the drivers from the main real-time database. For maximum performance, multiple Multiple threads are created for to each protocol and device node for maximum performance.
Diagnostics Tools
A complete set of testing, deployment and diagnostics tools provides fast and reliable application development and installation.
Built-in Performance Monitoring
Statistics on The platform generates statistics to help with troubleshooting and tuning of high-performance applications. Some of the performance-related statistics gathered include system messages, success and error messages, dynamic block creationblocks created, and cycle time and execution time on each block .
Dynamic Addressing
Everything in the driver configuration, from the station node IP to address and tag mapping, can be changed online using the project script. It is possible to create standard applications with runtime setup to specific conditions for where it is being deployed.
Extensive Communications Drivers Library
We provide an extensive Communications Drivers Library that allows users to connect to a wide range of industrial devices, PLCs, and other systems. The library includes hundreds of pre-built drivers for popular protocols and devices, such as Modbus, OPC, Allen Bradley, Siemens, and many othersare generated to allow the fine tuning of high performance applications. We have a complete set of testing, deployment and diagnostics tools provides fast and reliable application development and installation.
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Check Communication Drivers. |
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Learn more at Devices, Field Communication. |
In this section...
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