Regarding OPC Server!

[dodda]

Hi!
We are using Intellution iFix 2.5 for monitoring crane systems. The Crane is having following PLC configuration
1) PLC:- ABB MP200/1 (Master Piece)
2) Driver:- A.S.E- 6.0
3) Protocol:- Xcom- 25pin- RS232- Serial
4) PLC Card:- DSCA-114

We are able to read Analog Inputs, Analog Outputs, Digital Inputs, Digital Outputs. This is achieved only after configuring PLC.
We are unable to get Digital Alarms which are vital.

My Query is:- If I use OPC Server will I be able to read the data(All the signals from PLC) Without configuring the PLC.

Your Suggestions will be of great help.

Thank You in advance

Regards
Dodda.

 

[ctolbert]

The big thing about an OPC server is it has to have the driver written for the plc.

If I remember correctly, ABB has a OPC/DDE compliant server that coms with all of their equipment. I don't know about the fix software you are using.

If you already have a server, then the answer is most likely. It depends on the way the driver was written. If the access is limited, one can always move the data into a more accessable location. Speak with ABB about this.

Carl

 

[Macbeth]

First of all the protocall between the PLC and the SCADA system will still be the same, This part will allways be what ever the PLC is capable of doing. If you go to France they talk French.

Now once the data is in the computer how it gets to the aplication is another method it can do it through DLL (Dynamic Link Libary) witch is most direct but slower if you have more than one App wanting the data. Most common is DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) this is very slow but most widly used and dates back to the DOS days. The best for now days is OPC witch is (OLE for Process Control) this allows for much easer conection beetwen Apps. and is 32 bit although you need to pay attention to weather your OPC Complient Software is extended or standared complient.

So your answer is NO. The OPC software driver would still need to have the PLC configured. If it does not exist it can not be read, if it is not configured, it does not exist.