Overview

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. 


On this page:


Configuring Device Channels

Device channels are the pathways for communication between the HMI and the devices in the system. The sections below describe how to create and edit device channels on the platform in more detail.

Creating A New Channel

To create a new channel, follow these steps:

  1. Access Devices → Channels.
  2. Click on the plus icon.
  3. Choose a Protocol and fill in the Channel Name and Description fields. The table at the end of this section describes each option available.
  4. Click OK.

The following table describes each available property you can configure when creating a channel:

Field

Description

Channel Name

Name for the channel.

Protocol

The protocol the channel will use.

Description

Description for the channel.

Configuring A Channel

To configure or edit an existing channel, follow these steps

  1. Access Devices → Channels.
  2. Double-click the property you wish to edit on the row corresponding to the channel you want to modify.
  3. Edit the property fields.

The following table describes each available property you can configure when editing a channel:

Field

Description

Protocol Options

Defines the options for this protocol. The options depend on the selected protocol. Check each protocol documentation to guide you.

Interface

Defines the interface type for this channel.

  • Serial: Use this option to configure the serial parameters for RS232/485 networks.
  • Multi Serial: Use this for configurations with multiple RS-232 ports.
  • TCPIP: Use for Ethernet or wireless networks. 

Settings

Defines the settings for this channel. The available values will depend on the interface the channel is using.

  • For a serial interface, typically keep the defaults.
  • For a Multi Serial interface, enter the number of RS-232 ports to use in the Ports field.
    • Node Connection: The number of parallel requests sent to each node (asynchronous communication).  
    • Accept Unsolicited: Allow to accept unsolicited input from the slave.
    • Listening Port: The TCP port where the slave device is connected (default is 502). 
    • Node Connection: The number of parallel requests sent to each node (asynchronous communication). 
    • Max Simultaneous Connections: The maximum number of concurrent connections. 
    • Share Node Same IP: Several slaves are connected to a single IP address. For example, RS485/Ethernet Converters. 
    • Use Single Thread: Use a single thread for the same IP nodes. 
    • Use Ping To Check Connection: Check for connection before sending a packet.  

The settings here must match the settings on the slave device.


Timeout

Defines the timeout options for this channel. Typically, keep the default value.

InitialState

Defines the initial state for this channel, the states can be as follows:

  • Enabled: The channel is loaded and execution starts when the project starts.
  • Disabled: The channel is loaded, but does not starts execution going the disabled state.
  • Remote: The channel is local in a remote Computer defined that the Remote Settings. See more information at Remote Channels.
  • Reserved: The channel is not loaded, it acts as the channel was temporarily deleted from the project.

Remote Settings

Defines the primary IP and backup IP to configure the remote computer where this channel will run.

Driver Version

Defines the version of the current driver being used.


Restarting channels

After creating a solution, you may face issues that compromise the communication with the field device. In such moments, instead of restarting the entire system, you may solve the problem by restarting the channel. You can perform such tasks using scripts, avoiding shutting down the entire system. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Access Scripts → Classes

  2. Create a new class using the C# code below, where "XXXX" refers to the name of the used channel.

    @Device.Channel.XXXX.Stop()
@Device.Channel.XXXX.Start()


You can create a Task or Expression to call this class when needed and also do it in other ways that don't use the class. You can also learn how to configure Remote Channels here.

In this section: