Devices Functionality

The Device Module collects data from the field and feeds that data into the solution's tags. 

Feature Highlights

• Simplify the solution architecture by removing the needing for additional communication products.

• Easily setup a communications hub to support comms and logic between practically any device, any database, any historian, anywhere.

• The Devices modules covers On-Premise, Edge or enterprise level, and to/from the cloud.

• MQTT Broker and OPC Server are both built-in in the Device module.

• 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.

Implementing Communication Protocols

The software supports numerous communication protocols for Human Machine Interface (HMI)  and industrial device interaction. The platform also supports open communication standards, like OPC, but there are various benefits in having the native protocol implementation. When using the platform, you don't need to understand the details of the protocol implementation because you can easily map the devices and the information you want to read or write from the device. However, if you want to have a deeper understanding of what a communication protocol is and how they are implemented in the system, you can refer to the page Protocols.

When using the Devices module, you can use multiple protocols simultaneously. The selection of the protocols is explained in Device Channels.

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. The platform 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 of the concepts of development and execution of communication drivers.

Devices Module And External Tags Distinctions

While both Devices module and External Tags manage data points and their communication, the Devices module focuses on field device communication, whereas External Tags focuses on the overall management of tags within the platform environment.

Devices represent the physical equipment in the system, while External Tags 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, the software promotes modularity, simplifies configuration, and enables users to build scalable and maintainable solutions.

You can see External Tag Providers for more information.

Purpose and Key Concepts

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 five levels:

Protocols

Protocols are the rules governing the communication between devices. Our software supports a variety of communication protocols.

Channels

Channels are created and configured to handle specific communication protocols and drivers. 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.

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.

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 solution configuration.

AccessType

Each Point is associated with an Access Type, which defines the rules for reading and/or writing values for that Point. The polling rate value, whether a read is performed on startup, and whether you write values to a specific Point are exemples of rules you can specify. The Access Type allows users to configure how clients can access data points in the system.

Configuring the Devices module

Add sequence and link to Configuring page.

More on the Devices Module

Use the Historian Module as base and do the same.

In this section: