Introduction to the Devices Module 
The Devices module facilitates seamless Devices Module (Concept) enables real-time communication and data exchange with
field equipment.
The Device Module provides direct protocol implementation for:
- Real-time Monitoring - Live process values from PLCs and sensors
- Control Commands - Write setpoints and triggers to devices
- Data Collection - Gather production metrics and equipment status
- System Integration - Connect diverse equipment brands and protocols
- Edge Computing - Process data locally before cloud transmission
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Key Concepts
- *Channel*: Protocol instance with specific configuration settings (IP, port, timeout)
- *Node*: Physical device or external system connected through a channel
- *Point*: Individual data item (tag) mapped to a device address
- *AccessType*: Read/write permissions and scan rates for points
- *Protocol*: Communication driver for specific device types or standards
What It Does
- Communicates with PLCs, RTUs, and field devices using native protocols
- Manages real-time data exchange without external OPC servers
- Provides automatic tag synchronization with device addresses
- Handles multiple simultaneous protocol connections
- Monitors communication health and diagnostics
- Supports both polling and event-driven communication
Configuration Workflow
Device Module Configuration Workflow | ||
|---|---|---|
Step | Action | Description |
Create Channels | Select protocol from library | Configure connection parameters (IP, port, timeout) |
Create Nodes | Add devices to channels | Set device addresses and station IDs |
Map Points | Link tags to device addresses | Use import tools for bulk configuration |
Set AccessTypes | Define data flow | Configure read/write permissions and scan rates |
Runtime Behavior
Communication Processing
The module maintains background connections to all configured devices. Write-enabled points subscribe to tag changes and update devices automatically. Read points update based on their configured scan rates.
Diagnostics and Monitoring
- *PropertyWatch*: Verify tag values are updating correctly
- *TraceWindow*: View raw protocol communication data
- *ModuleInformation*: Monitor connection status and statistics
Features Highlights
- Built-in MQTT Broker and OPC UA Server included
- MQTT Sparkplug B simulator for testing
- No middleware required - direct protocol implementation
- Supports edge, on-premise, and cloud deployments
- Driver Toolkit for custom protocol development
- Automatic failover and redundancy support
In this section...
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Key Concepts and Terms
The Devices module facilitates seamless communication and data exchange with various field devices and industrial protocols, simplifying system architecture and enhancing connectivity. The configuration of the Devices module is performed in the following sections:
- Protocols: list the various connectors available to the Device Module
- Device Channel: Add a protocol to use by Device Module, definition configuration settings as needed.
- Device Node: a physical device, or external system, the Device Module will communicate using the Channel configuration for the protocol
- Device Point: individual items that are read from or written tp address in the Nodes, bound to a specific tag.
- Device AccessType: to each Point, the AccessType define it that address is read only, write only, or read-write.:
To Do: Add diagram