Opc server
Encyclopedia
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 an 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 a Server/Client architecture.
OPC (originally OLE for process control
) is an industry standard created with the collaboration of a number of leading worldwide automation hardware and software suppliers, working in cooperation with Microsoft. The standard defines methods for exchanging realtime automation data between PC-based clients using Microsoft operating systems. The organization that manages this standard is the OPC Foundation
.
"The OPC Specification is a non-proprietary technical specification that defines a set of standard interfaces based upon Microsoft’s OLE/COM/DCOM platform and .NET technology. 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.
Programmable logic controller
A programmable logic controller or programmable controller is a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or light fixtures. PLCs are used in many industries and machines...
, DCS
Distributed control system
A distributed control system refers to a control system usually of a manufacturing system, process or any kind of dynamic system, in which the controller elements are not central in location but are distributed throughout the system with each component sub-system controlled by one or more...
, RTU, or a data source such as a database or User interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
, and translate the data into a standard-based OPC format. OPC compliant applications such as an 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 a Server/Client architecture.
OPC
Based on Microsoft Windows technology, OPC now stands for Open Process Control. Previously it stood for OLE Process Control but today the OLE technology has been replaced by Active X.OPC (originally OLE for process control
OLE for process control
OLE for Process Control , which stands for Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control, is the original name for a standards specification developed in 1996 by an industrial automation industry task force...
) is an industry standard created with the collaboration of a number of leading worldwide automation hardware and software suppliers, working in cooperation with Microsoft. The standard defines methods for exchanging realtime automation data between PC-based clients using Microsoft operating systems. The organization that manages this standard is the OPC Foundation
OPC Foundation
The Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control Foundation is an industry consortium that creates and maintains standards for open connectivity of industrial automation devices and systems, such as industrial control systems and process control generally...
.
"The OPC Specification is a non-proprietary technical specification that defines a set of standard interfaces based upon Microsoft’s OLE/COM/DCOM platform and .NET technology. 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
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
, SCADA
SCADA
SCADA generally refers to industrial control systems : computer systems that monitor and control industrial, infrastructure, or facility-based processes, as described below:...
, Control and custom applications."
An OPC Server is often referred to as an OPC Driver. The two terms are synonymous.