Devices, Field Communication

Purpose and Key Concepts

The Device 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 on the sections: Protocols, Channels, Nodes, Points, and AccessType.

Protocols

Protocols are the rules governing the communication between devices. FactoryStudio supports a variety of communication protocols, both native and OPC-based. The selection of Protocols to use in your specific Project is on the Project Explorer, at Devices → Protocols.

Channels

The Device Module uses Channels to establish connections with field devices. Each channel is defined by a specific protocol driver and connection type, such as RS-232 or TCP/IP. Channels allow the module to access multiple devices (such as PLCs) using the defined protocol and interface. The configuration of Channels is on the Project Explorer, at Devices → Channels.

Nodes

Each device connected to the system through channels is called a Node. Nodes can be individual devices or groups of devices. Each node contains one or more Points. The configuration of Nodes is on the Project Explorer, at Devices → Nodes.

Points

Points are individual items that can be read or written from/to nodes. They can be registers, I/O values or variables residing in field devices (nodes). Each Point is bound to a specific Tag in the Project configuration.

AccessType

Each Point is associated with an AccessType, which defines the rules for reading and writing values for that Point, such as the polling rate, whether a read is performed on startup, and whether you write values to that Point. The AccessType allows users to configure how clients can access data points in the system.

Understanding the Device Module 

Features Highlights

•  Simplify your architecture by removing the needing for additional communication products (e.g. Kepware / Matrikon)
• Easily setup a communications hub to support comms and logic between practically any device, any database, any historian, anywhere.
• On-Premise, Edge or enterprise level, and to/from the cloud – we have you covered!
• MQTT Broker and OPC Server are both built-in!
• MQTT SparkPlug B and OPC-UA simulators expedite demos and prototyping.
• Driver Toolkit allows our team, or any third-party, to easily add new interfaces.

Organizing Devices in Channels and Nodes

To maintain an organized and efficient communication structure, devices are grouped into channels based on their communication protocol and settings, and further organized into nodes representing individual devices or stations.

Channels are responsible for managing communication protocols and drivers, while Nodes handle multiple threads pointing to the configured Channels. Understanding the relationship between Channels and Nodes is essential for efficient data exchange.

• Channels: Execute processes based on communication protocols and drivers, configuring the required protocol or driver for a specific device.
• Nodes: Perform multiple threads pointing to the Channels, ensuring efficient data exchange and minimizing latency.

Channels are created and configured to handle specific communication protocols and drivers. Nodes, in turn, manage multiple threads pointing to these Channels. This multi-threaded approach ensures efficient data exchange and reduces latency, allowing the system to scale and handle numerous devices simultaneously.

Nodes

Nodes are the devices or PLCs on the network that you communicate with. You can enter the settings for your nodes as usual through the Engineering Workspace. You can also import settings from an OPC server or from another data source.

For more information on importing PLC adresses, go to:  Importing PLC Addresses.

Organizing Data Blocks with AccessTypes

AccessTypes are used to group data points with similar communication requirements, optimizing the data exchange process between FactoryStudio and field devices.

Points are groups that point to Nodes and are responsible for transferring information between configured devices and FactoryStudio. AccessTypes are used to define the specific methods for reading and writing data point values at specific moments using polling. The number of data points you can configure is related to both the ProductModel that is configured for the project and your software license. This approach allows for optimized data exchange and minimizes latency.

• Points: Groups pointing to Nodes, responsible for transferring information between configured devices and FactoryStudio.
• AccessTypes: Define specific methods for reading and writing data point values at specific moments using polling

Handling Read and Write Events

In a SCADA system, handling read and write events is crucial for the efficient exchange of data between the HMI, PLCs, and other devices. FactoryStudio facilitates these events by allowing users to configure access types, which define the specific methods for reading and writing the values of each data point. The access types can be configured to determine the polling rate, specify whether a read is performed on startup, and decide whether unsolicited input is accepted.

The page Access Types Configuration. has a detailed explanation on the concepts of development and execution of communication drivers.

Device Module and TagProvider Distinctions

While both Device Module and TagProvider manage data points and their communication, the Device Module focuses on field device communication, whereas TagProvider focuses on the overall management of tags within the FactoryStudio environment.

In FactoryStudio, devices represent the physical equipment in the system, while TagProviders are the logical entities that store and manage tag information. Understanding the distinction between these two components is essential for effective system configuration and management. By clearly separating the responsibilities of these components, FactoryStudio promotes modularity, simplifies configuration, and enables users to build scalable and maintainable solutions.

Configuring the Device Module

Configuration Workflow

• Select a communication protocol

• Define device channels and their settings

• Define nodes and stations

• Add and edit device points

• Customize pre-defined AccessTypes (if necessary)

Communication Protocol Selection

Select the appropriate communication protocol for the devices you are integrating, ensuring compatibility and efficient communication.

FactoryStudio supports numerous communication protocols for HMI and industrial device interaction. When choosing a protocol, consider compatibility, data transfer speed, reliability, and security. Configure the chosen protocol in the Device Module to connect the HMI and devices. Using Native Protocols offers advantages over third-party OPC Servers, such as cost and maintenance savings. For more information, refer to the CommunicationProtocolSelection and Native Driver vs OPC Server page.

To learn more about Protocol Implementation Concepts, acess: Protocol Implementation Concepts.

Managing Channels, Nodes and Points

In FactoryStudio, managing channels, nodes, and points is crucial for establishing communication between the HMI and the system devices. This section briefly covers how to create and manage device channels, nodes, and points:

• Device Channels: Create and manage channels by navigating to Edit → Devices → Channels and providing the required information.
• Nodes: Configure nodes by going to Edit → Devices → Nodes and entering or selecting the necessary details. You can also import settings from an OPC server or another data source.
• Points: Configure data points by going to Devices → Points and entering or selecting the appropriate information.

For the Device Configuration, take a look at the Device Configuration page.

Creating and Managing Channels

In FactoryStudio, device channels facilitate communication between the HMI and system devices. To efficiently create and manage these channels, adhere to the following process:

• To create a new channel, navigate to Edit → Devices → Channels and click on "Create New." Fill in the necessary information in the "Create New Channel" window and confirm by clicking "OK." The new channel will appear as a row in the table.
• To edit existing channels, return to Edit → Devices → Channels. Customize the table by adding or removing columns through right-clicking the column heading area and selecting the desired columns. Modify the appropriate fields in the corresponding row to make adjustments to the channel.

To learn more about remote execution, acess: Remote Execution.

To learn more about Simulator Driver, acess:  TSimulator Auto Generated Values.

Defining Nodes and Stations

In FactoryStudio, configuring nodes involves defining devices or PLCs for network communication. To configure nodes, go to Edit → Devices → Nodes and input the required information. Columns can be added or removed by right-clicking the column heading area. Device node configuration properties include Name, Channel, PrimaryStation, BackupStation, SyncDate, SyncStation, SyncSettings, and Description, each serving a specific purpose. For protocol-specific settings, consult the documentation Creating Nodes.

Adding and Editing Device Points

Adding and editing points in FactoryStudio involves configuring data points linked to nodes, which are accessible through tags. To configure data points, navigate to Devices → Points and input the required information. Columns can be added or removed by right-clicking the column heading area. Key device points configuration properties include TagName, Node, Address, DataType, Modifiers, AccessType, Scaling, and Label. For protocol-specific settings, consult the documentation Adding and Editing Points.

Customizing Pre-defined AccessTypes

Customizing predefined AccessTypes in FactoryStudio allows users to optimize data exchange methods for reading and writing data point values. To configure AccessTypes, go to Devices → AccessTypes and either edit an existing access type by double-clicking a field or create a new one by clicking "Create New." Input the required information. The OnDisplayOrServer AccessType efficiently reads data when used by the application. For more information, visit the OnDisplayOrServer AccessType section.

Protocol Gateway Configuration

Configure Protocol Gateways to enable communication between different devices using different protocols, or to bridge between different networks.

Tutorials

The Device Configuration Tutorial provides a detailed guide to configuring the Modbus and OPC interfaces, along with the essential concepts that apply to all communication drivers. This tutorial demonstrates how to define multiple protocol interfaces using the abstraction layers, such as Channels and Nodes, provided by the FactoryStudio. You will learn the differences in syntax for the STATION and ADDRESS fields when using various protocols, as well as the configuration and testing procedures that remain consistent across all communication interfaces.

The tutorial includes an overview of device configuration features in FactoryStudio, which enable users to configure and manage industrial automation devices such as PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and others. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface for adding, removing, and configuring these devices in an automation project. You will also explore how to configure communication parameters and tags for each device, ensuring reliable and accurate communication between devices and the automation control system.

For the Device Configuration Tutorial, take a look at the Device Configuration Tutorials page.

The page covers various topics such as Modbus Master, Modbus with multi-serial interfaces, Modbus on TCP/IP networks, OPC Client, importing settings from an OPC Server, importing PLC addresses and external tag definitions, and using diagnostic tools like Property Watch, Trace Window, and Module Information. This comprehensive guide will help you to effectively configure devices in your industrial automation projects, resulting in safe and efficient operations.

Working with the Device Module

The Device Module in FactoryStudio is an essential component that enables seamless communication between the HMI and various devices in the industrial automation system, such as PLCs and other equipment. To maximize the potential of this module, it is crucial to understand its features and capabilities in-depth.

Runtime Execution

During runtime execution, the Device Module manages all aspects of communication between the HMI and the devices in the industrial automation system. This includes establishing and maintaining connections, handling read and write requests, and processing data quality and device status information. Proper configuration and optimization of the Device Module are critical for ensuring seamless data exchange, minimal latency, and optimal system performance. The Device Module supports a wide range of communication protocols, making it adaptable to diverse devices and systems.

Executable Process, ports, Diagram, data flow

Child Page: Device Module Execution

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OPC Server and Client Tools

(REVISAR ESSA PARTE SOBRE O OPC)

Utilize built-in OPC Server and Client tools to facilitate communication between FactoryStudio and OPC-compatible devices.

FactoryStudio, a comprehensive software platform for industrial automation and SCADA systems, features built-in support for OPC Server and Client Tools, facilitating seamless integration with various automation devices and software applications. OPC (OLE for Process Control) is a widely adopted industrial communication standard that enables interoperability among control systems, ensuring secure and reliable data exchange.

FactoryStudio's OPC Server component allows the software to act as an information hub, consolidating data from multiple sources, such as PLCs, RTUs, and other OPC servers. This centralized approach simplifies data management, reduces system complexity, and enhances overall performance. FactoryStudio's OPC Client Tools enable the platform to subscribe to data provided by other OPC servers, ensuring that real-time information is readily available for analysis, visualization, and decision-making.

Leveraging OPC Server and Client Tools within FactoryStudio provides users with a robust, flexible, and efficient solution for industrial automation and SCADA applications. By employing the OPC standard, FactoryStudio ensures interoperability with a vast array of devices and software, streamlining the integration process, and enabling users to create scalable and resilient control systems.

To learn more about the OPC, acess:

OPC UA Client Communication Driver

OPC HDA Client _Legacy

OPC HDA UA Client _Legacy

OPC UA Client _Legacy

OPC XML DA Client _Legacy

MQTT Tools

(REVISAR ESSA PARTE SOBRE O MQTT)

Leverage MQTT tools for efficient and lightweight messaging between devices in IoT applications.

FactoryStudio incorporates MQTT functionality within its Device module. This integration enables seamless communication between FactoryStudio applications and various IoT devices using the lightweight, publish-subscribe MQTT protocol.

To connect FactoryStudio with MQTT, the software relies on brokers like Mosquitto, HiveMQ, and EMQ X to manage connections and route messages between publishers and subscribers. In addition, FactoryStudio utilizes client libraries compatible with a variety of programming languages to send and receive messages according to the MQTT protocol. This ensures efficient data exchange between the application and connected devices.

The FactoryStudio Device module also benefits from monitoring tools such as MQTT.fx, MQTT Explorer, and MQTT Spy. These tools offer insight into the performance and health of the MQTT implementation, allowing users to manage subscriptions, visualize message flow, and troubleshoot potential issues. By leveraging MQTT tools within the Device module, FactoryStudio users can develop robust, scalable, and efficient IoT systems.

To learn more about the MQTT, acess:

MQTT

MQTT Broker Installation

Built-in MQTT Broker

MQTT SparkplugB Protocol

MQTT for Azure IoT Hub

MQTT and Unified Namespace

MQTT Message Queuing Telemetry Transport

Simulation Drivers

The TSimulator simulation driver is a communication protocol that allows users to generate random values in a variety of data types for testing and validation purposes. It is designed to be used with the FactoryStudio Device Module and provides a set of flexible options that allow users to create accurate and customized simulations for their systems. TSimulator supports multiple data types, including BOOL, INTEGER, FLOAT, STRING, RAMP, and SINE. For each data type, the user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach, as well as other options such as string length for the STRING type or ramp step for the RAMP type.

The TSimulator is an internal driver developed by Tatsoft, designed to work seamlessly with FactoryStudio. In addition to the TSimulator, there are three external simulators available for integration with the platform. This makes a total of four simulators at your disposal:

1. TSimulator (internal Tatsoft driver)
2. OPC UA Simulator (external simulator)
3. MQTTspB Simulator (external simulator)
4. Modbus Protocol Simulator (external simulator)

For more information about TSimulator, acess: TSimulator Auto Generated Values.

Using Data Quality on Displays

Monitor and visualize data quality on displays to ensure accurate and reliable information is being presented to operators.

Data quality is a critical aspect of any HMI/SCADA system, as it ensures that operators receive reliable and accurate information about the process. FactoryStudio allows users to incorporate data quality on displays to provide a visual representation of data reliability, enabling operators to make well-informed decisions. This allows operators to identify potential issues and take appropriate action to maintain system performance and safety. (Add dica to Tooltip options)

Security Module Attributes

Configure security attributes to protect critical data and ensure system integrity.

Device Module Runtime Attributes

The Device namespace is the entry point for all objects related to the device module.
For general information on namespace and object concepts, go to the section Objects and Attributes.

The Device.Channel object lists all of the configured channels and their runtime properties.

The Device.Node object lists all of the configured nodes and their runtime properties.

The Device.AccessType object lists the defined access types and has options to execute synchronous calls on reading and writing to the device. 

The following tag properties are updated based on the device module:

Programming reference on runtime objects

See Namespaces Reference for the complete list of properties and available methods.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Using the Built-In Diagnostics tools

The Platform has three Built-in Tools for diagnostics, PropertyWatch, TraceWindow and ModuleInformation. For information on those tools in general go to Diagnostics Tools  < acho que Execute Startup diagnostics), for specific information on levering its usage on Device Module diagnostics got o Using Diagnostics Tools with Devices <Chilld Tag Diagnostics)

Common #Issues and Solutions

#Issue ControlLogix PLC Type

In the PLC Address Import section under Devices > Points, it is important to ensure that the correct protocol option is selected when connecting ControlLogix PLCs. In some cases, the default option "Model OTHERS" may not work correctly, and it may be necessary to select a specific model, such as "Model 1756-L8X". If you encounter issues with a ControlLogix Channel not sending or receiving values, try changing the protocol option to the specific model and test the communication.

#issue Importing L5K from ControlLogix

In the PLC Address Import section under Devices > Points, it is important to ensure that the path and file name are correct when importing L5K files using the "From Filename" or "From Device" options. In some cases, the "From Device" option may fail, and it may be necessary to use the "From Filename" option with the L5K file to make it work correctly.

Best Practices and #Recommendations

#Recommendation - System Design

Plan and design your industrial automation system with scalability and maintainability in mind. Use a modular approach, separating responsibilities between devices, TagProviders, and other modules. This promotes efficient workflows and simplifies system management.

#Recommendation - Documentation

Keep thorough documentation of your system, including device configurations, communication settings, and customizations. This will help with troubleshooting, maintenance, and future system upgrades.

#Recommendation -Training

Ensure that operators and maintenance personnel are well-trained in using FactoryStudio and understand the specific configurations of your system. This will enable them to identify and resolve issues efficiently, minimizing system downtime.

#Recommendation - Regular Maintenance and Updates

Schedule regular maintenance for your system, including software updates, hardware inspections, and performance assessments. This proactive approach will help to identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the reliability and performance of your industrial automation system.

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