Devices Module Overview

The Devices module enables real-time communication and data exchange with field devices and industrial systems through 100+ protocols including OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and vendor-specific interfaces like Rockwell and Siemens.

Devices Module links: How-to Guide, Reference 




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