The objective of OPC is the random combination of Windows standard products from the automation and process control area without customization, such as driver development or integration.

An OPC client accesses the data of an OPC-Server via the server tags. With data, which is assigned to these server tags from the process periphery. This technology works network-wide.

Today almost all automation and visualization systems are equipped with an integrated OPC-client-interface, allowing easy connection to a process periphery with OPC-Server technology.

This makes the development of special drivers or integration obsolete. Standard products can be combined arbitrarily.

The COMSOFT OPC-Server is based on the DF boards and the FNL and supports the protocols SINEC-L1 and PROFIBUS DP/DPV1.
The server was developed according to the latest specifications of the OPC foundation. It supports all interfaces of versions 1.0A and 2.0 and is implemented in the free threading / multi threading model, guaranteeing optimum performance.

A powerful configuration tool is included in the scope of delivery. It can be used for the setting in operation of the connected communication line and for definition of the required server tags.

The integrated test and diagnosis tools allow fast and efficient trouble shooting. Also included is an example of an OPC-client application, in order to test the actual server configuration with regards to functionality.

For the use of PROFIBUS DP/DPV1 in a continuously running system, like in process engineering applications, the COMSOFT server supports dynamic modifications of the current configuration under conditions of continuous data flow.

The PROFIBUS structure can be changed or extended at any time without interrupting the ongoing data transfer.

The communication directed via the OPC server is configured dynamicaly. The continuous operation is assured.

Transmission Protocols
PROFIBUS DP/DPV1 (master, slave)
SINEC-L1 (master, slave)

Opc Configurator
Process Data Routing
The configuration tool allows an assignment of process data to communication objects (tags) of the OPC-servers. Since the assignment is realized on a bit level, all data formats are possible (Bit, Byte, Int, Long, Float, BCD etc.). Therefore, the effort on the OPC-Client level for the encoding of special process data is reduced to a minimum.

Functions: Test and Start-up
The configuration tools feature complete functions for parameter setting and start-up, as well as for the testing of the connected communication line. If PROFIBUS DP/ DPV1 is used, the following additional functions are available:

• Automatic recognition and configuration of the connected bus units
• Interpretation of the respective GSD-files, parameterization and configuration of the DP-Slaves with the respective data
• Extensive test tools for data exchange with the connected DP-slaves. All DP/DPV1 services are supported. All parameters can be edited separately.