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Reference → Solution →  Designer → Data Explorer | Concept | Reference

Data Explorer (Reference): 

DataExplorer provides unified data discovery and monitoring across multiple protocols:

  • MQTT Brokers
  • OPC-UA Servers
  • PLCs (ControlLogix, others)
  • SQL Databases

Key Concepts

Connection Target

Three connection types available:

TypeDescriptionUse Case
LocalSolution-defined connectionsTesting existing configuration
TagProviderDynamic data sourcesConnected tag providers
RemoteExternal sourcesDiscovery and exploration

Connection Status

  • Automatic connection establishment for field devices
  • Real-time updates in Data Browser tree
  • Manual query execution for SQL sources

Data Browser Window

ProtocolDisplay TypeUpdate Method
MQTTHierarchical treeSubscribe (real-time)
OPC-UAHierarchical treePoll (1 second)
PLCsHierarchical treePoll (1 second)
SQLDataGrid tableOn query execution

Typical Workflow

1. Data Discovery

Verify data consistency across:

  • MQTT topics
  • OPC-UA nodes
  • PLC tags
  • Database tables

2. Configuration

Create from discovered data:

  • DataTemplates
  • Local tags
  • TagProviders
  • Device connections

3. Validation

Monitor and test:

  • Connection stability
  • Data quality
  • Update rates
  • Value accuracy

Tool-Specific Features

MQTT Tools

FeatureDescription
ModeClient subscriber
UpdatesReal-time via subscription
ExportTopics to tags

See MQTT Tools (Reference) for details.

OPC Tools

FeatureDescription
ModeOPC-UA client
Updates1-second polling
ExportNodes to tags

See OPC Tools (Reference) for details.

PLC Finder

FeatureDescription
DiscoveryNetwork scan
Updates1-second polling
ExportController tags

See PLC Finder (Reference) for details.

SQL Queries

FeatureDescription
ModeQuery executor
UpdatesManual execution
ExportColumn configurations

See SQL Queries (Reference) for details.

Export Options

To Solution Configuration

SourceExport TargetResult
MQTTTagProviderDynamic connection
OPCDevice ChannelCommunication setup
PLCDevice PointsMapped addresses
SQLDatasetQuery definitions

Quick Actions

  • Create Tags: Single-click tag creation
  • Build Templates: Structure to DataTemplate
  • Add Connection: Remote to solution
  • Configure Points: Bulk mapping

Performance Considerations

Explorer Limitations

AspectExplorerRuntime
Update Rate1 second fixedConfigurable
Parallel RequestsSingleMultiple
MethodPolling onlyPoll/Subscribe
VolumeLimited displayUnlimited

Runtime Capabilities

  • Parallel request processing
  • Subscribe mode (where supported)
  • AccessType prioritization
  • High-volume data handling

Best Practices

Discovery Phase

  • Start local servers/simulators
  • Verify network connectivity
  • Test with small data sets
  • Document findings

Configuration Phase

  • Create templates before tags
  • Use bulk import for large sets
  • Organize with categories
  • Test incrementally

Validation Phase

  • Compare explorer vs runtime
  • Monitor communication logs
  • Verify data types
  • Check update rates

Common Tasks

TaskToolAction
Find PLCsPLC FinderNetwork scan
Browse OPCOPC ToolsConnect and explore
Monitor MQTTMQTT ToolsSubscribe to topics
Test queriesSQL QueriesExecute and review
Create tagsAny toolRight-click export
Build templatesAny toolStructure export

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

ProblemCauseSolution
Can't connectWrong addressVerify endpoint
No data shownSecurityCheck credentials
Slow updatesNetworkTest connectivity
Missing nodesPermissionsCheck server config

Export Problems

IssueCheckAction
Tags not createdName conflictsUse unique names
Template incompleteSelectionSelect all levels
Connection failsSettingsVerify parameters


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