Introduction to the Runtime

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Runtime Module Overview

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Executing a Solution, or starting the Runtime, involves:

• Loading all functional modules for execution
• Acquiring and processing data and updating visual displays
• Performing all tasks based on the Solution's configuration

When the Runtime Environment loads the module's configuration. Some settings, such as network addresses and database connections, can be applied according to the execution profile. Profiles enable the same solution configuration to interface with various databases and devices, accommodating different phases of the solution life cycle, such as Development, Validation, or Production.

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• Runtime Module Overview
• Key Concepts
• What It Does
• Configuration Workflow
• Runtime Behavior
• Feature Highlights

Key Concepts

• TServer.exe: The core process that runs your solution
• Execution Profile: Different settings for Development vs Production
• Real-Time Database: Tags and data held in memory for fast access
• Online Changes: Modify the running solution without stopping
• Test Mode: Run and debug from within Designer
• Build & Publish: Create validated versions for deployment

What It Does

• Starts and stops solution execution
• Loads tags and templates into memory
• Runs all configured modules (Devices, Alarms, Scripts, etc.)
• Manages connections to databases and field devices
• Serves data to displays and clients
• Monitors performance and system health

Key Concepts and Terms

The purpose of the Runtime Environment is to actively operate configured solutions, executing real-time data acquisition, scripts, alarms, and all items from all modules. It represents the essential final phase of solution development, delivering the application's functionality. 

Runtime

The term "Runtime" or "Runtime Environment" refers to the execution environment when the solution is running, distinguishing it from the Configuration (or Engineering, or Development) phase. "Runtime" also denotes the software components and computer processes that are in execution when the solution is started. 

Execution Profile

An Execution Profile consists of settings that allow customization of database connections and device network addresses. This enables the management of different environments.

Online Configuration

This feature allows real-time modifications to a running solution without stopping its execution. Users can adapt the solution to changing requirements, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.

Hot Updates / Hot Reload

Hot Updates are a subset of online configurations that allow the application of offline solution changes without disrupting the runtime environment. They maintain solution stability and prevent downtime, ensuring the solution remains up-to-date with the latest changes.

Build and Publish

The Build process involves compiling the solution code. The Publish process creates a read-only version of the solution for distribution in regulated sites.

Understanding the Runtime Environment

Real-Time In-Memory Database

When the solution is in execution, variables like Tags, Templates, and Assets are loaded into the memory. These variables act as a central point of reference, allowing other functional modules to request or publish values as they perform their functions. The computer process and executable responsible for maintaining the real-time database is TServer.exe. This application can run as a Windows Service or be deployed to Linux and other supported operating systems.

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Runtime Fundamentals

Startup Procedure

→ For details on the startup procedure review the Runtime Startup Settings page.

→ For details on setting up the execution review the Solution Deployment (Reference) page.

Runtime in the Four Pillars (Concept)

Runtime Execution Overview

During Runtime, the Four Pillars transform from static configuration into an active system. Each pillar operates as an independent yet interconnected layer, with data flowing from field devices through the foundation layer, processed by business logic, and presented to users through visualization interfaces.

On this Page:

• Runtime Execution Overview
• Key Concepts
• What Happens at Runtime
• Pillar Interactions
• Execution Profiles
• Performance Characteristics

Key Concepts

• Pillar Activation: Each pillar becomes an active process or service during execution
• Data Flow Direction: Information moves upward through pillars, commands flow downward
• Module Independence: Each pillar's modules run as separate processes
• Memory-Based Operation: UNS maintains all real-time data in RAM
• Event-Driven Architecture: Changes propagate through publish-subscribe patterns
• Profile-Based Behavior: Same configuration runs differently in Dev vs Production

What Happens at Runtime

When a solution starts, each pillar activates in sequence:

1. Foundation loads - Tags and templates enter memory
2. Process modules connect - Field devices start communicating
3. Application logic initiates - Scripts and datasets begin processing
4. Interface serves - Displays become available to clients

Pillar Interactions

Data Flow Pattern

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1. Solution Load (< 5 seconds)
   ??? Read .dbsln configuration
   ??? Validate settings

2. Memory Initialization (5-10 seconds)
   ??? Load tags and templates
   ??? Create data structures
   ??? Initialize TServer.exe

3. Module Activation (10-30 seconds)
   ??? Start Device communications
   ??? Enable Alarm processing
   ??? Begin Historian collection
   ??? Initialize Scripts

4. Steady State (< 60 seconds)
   ??? All modules operational
   ??? Data flow active
   ??? Ready for clients

[Field Devices] ? [P2: Process] ? [P1: UNS] ? [P3: Application] ? [P4: UI]
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                    [Alarms]     [Historian]    [Datasets]       [Clients]

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Communication Methods

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• Enterprise SQL databases
• Optimized logging
• Configuration locked
• Live data sources
• Performance optimized

Runtime & Clients — Overview

The Runtime executes your solution (real-time tags, UNS, modules, utilities). Clients (desktop & web) visualize and interact with the running system. This page explains how execution works and how clients connect.

On this page

• Execution model (Runtime, services, UNS)

• Client types (desktop, web)

• Basic diagnostics you’ll use first

Runtime Components

Component Relationships

• TServer hosts the tag database
• Modules connect to TServer for data exchange
• Client Server retrieves data from TServer
• All components share the solution configuration

Execution Modes

Development Mode

• Full diagnostics enabled
• Detailed error messages
• Performance monitoring
• Online configuration changes

Production Mode

• Optimized performance
• Minimal logging
• Security enforced
• Stable operation

The same solution behaves differently based on the execution mode, controlled by the Execution Profile selected at startup.

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Mobile Client

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Basic Diagnostics

Three essential tools for monitoring Runtime:

1. Runtime Information

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2. Property Watch

• Function: Monitor tag values in real-time
• Details: See quality indicators and timestamps
• Usage: Debug data flow and values

3. Diagnostics Window

• Content: View logs and traces
• Analysis: Performance metrics
• Troubleshooting: Error identification

Monitoring Runtime

1. Runtime Information
   • Solution Center → Tools → Runtime Info
   • Shows module status, memory, connections
2. Property Watch
   • Monitor tag values in real-time
   • See quality and timestamps
3. Diagnostics
   • View logs and traces
   • Analyze performance

Runtime (Concept)

Runtime Module Overview

The Runtime Module executes your configured solution, transforming the static configuration into an active system. It loads tags into memory, processes real-time data, executes scripts and alarms, and serves information to clients - making your solution come alive.

On this Page:

• Runtime Module Overview
• Key Concepts
• What It Does
• Configuration Workflow
• Runtime Behavior
• Feature Highlights

Key Concepts

• TServer.exe: The core process that runs your solution
• Execution Profile: Different settings for Development vs Production
• Real-Time Database: Tags and data held in memory for fast access
• Online Changes: Modify the running solution without stopping
• Test Mode: Run and debug from within Designer
• Build & Publish: Create validated versions for deployment

What It Does

• Starts and stops solution execution
• Loads tags and templates into memory
• Runs all configured modules (Devices, Alarms, Scripts, etc.)
• Manages connections to databases and field devices
• Serves data to displays and clients
• Monitors performance and system health

Runtime Behavior

How Runtime Works

When you start the Runtime:

1. Solution loads - Configuration is read from the .dbsln file
2. Memory initialization - Tags and templates load into RAM
3. Modules start - Devices, Alarms, Historians begin operation
4. Data flows - Real-time values update across the system
5. Clients connect - Displays can now show live data

Development vs Production

Simple Monitoring

Access runtime information through:

• Solution Center - Start/stop and status
• Designer - Connect to running solution
• Property Watch - See tag values in real-time
• Diagnostics - View logs and performance

Feature Highlights

Easy Execution

• One-click start: Run button in Solution Center or Designer
• Windows Service: Auto-start with Windows
• Multiple profiles: Same solution, different environments
• Remote start: Launch from web interface

Real-Time Operation

• Fast data updates: Millisecond response times
• Event-driven: Changes trigger immediate actions
• Reliable communication: Store-and-forward for network issues
• Scalable performance: From embedded to enterprise

Development Features

• Test Mode: Run without leaving Designer
• Online changes: Modify tags while running
• Hot reload: Update displays instantly
• Property Watch: Monitor any value live

Production Ready

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• Module status: See what's running
• Performance metrics: CPU, memory usage
• Trace messages: Debug information
• Error logging: Automatic issue tracking

Performance Characteristics

Memory Usage by Pillar

Processing Distribution

Parallel Execution: Each pillar's modules run independently

• Device communications don't block displays
• Script calculations don't affect alarm processing
• Database operations isolated from real-time updates

Priority Management: Critical operations get precedence

• Alarm evaluation: Highest priority
• Control commands: High priority
• Historical archiving: Normal priority
• Report generation: Low priority

Startup Sequence

1. TServer.exe starts (< 5 seconds)

   • Loads tag database
   • Initializes memory structures

2. Module activation (5-30 seconds)

   • Process modules connect to devices
   • Application modules initialize
   • Interface prepares client services

3. Steady state (< 60 seconds)

   • All communications established
   • Full data flow active
   • Clients can connect

untime Behavior

Solution Management Process

The Solution Center maintains a real-time view of all available solutions through file system monitoring and server connections. Solution files (.dbsln) contain complete configurations as encrypted embedded SQL databases, enabling portability and backup.

Access Methods

Solution Center supports three primary access modes:

Local Access: Direct file system access to solutions on the local computer

• Immediate file operations
• Single-user exclusive mode available
• No network requirements

Server Connection: Remote access via TWebServices

• Multi-user collaboration support
• Centralized solution management
• Requires port 10108 open

Web UI Access: Browser-based interface

• URL format: http://<server>:10108/solutions
• No local installation required
• Click-Once Designer deployment

Solution Execution States

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