|
|
The OPC Server bridges the gap between third-party Microsoft®
Windows®-based applications and process control hardware.
Using the latest standard in process data exchange —
OPC (OLE for Process Control), OPC Server users can easily
and automatically access dynamic process information, integrating
Emerson and third-party applications with the Ovation®
control system.
OPC is a real-time data interchange protocol that is based
on an open standard and a consistent method of accessing data
from plant devices. OPC, OLE (Microsoft's Object Linking and
Embedding) for Process Control, was designed by an open foundation
to meet the general needs of industry. These predefined standards
allow any OPC client software to communicate with any OPC
Server, regardless of the type of device.
The OPC standard enables users to easily integrate plant
data with any plant analysis applications, regardless of the
type and source of data. The OPC interface does not require
a custom interface or driver in order for an external application
to access a plant's process control device. OPC Server software
can be developed once, and then can be reused by any business,
SCADA, HMI, or custom software package. The OPC specification
provides for future developments in technology and functionality,
allowing OPC components to meet the emerging needs of industry.
OPC Server Features:
- Allows external OPC Client applications such as SmartProcess
to read current plant information for plant performance
analysis
- Provides the ability to use a third-party OPC compliant
software to send new point information on the DCS highway
- Provides continuous automatic update of information without
user request
- Transfers data to client application on an exception basis
to maximize throughput
- Time stamps and assigns a quality rating to data (good,
fair, poor, bad and timed-out) to inform the operator of
data reliability
- Interfaces between different types of distributed control
systems, enabling operators to see all process information
- Supports data access requests only, no historical, alarm,
or event information is accessible through the OPC Server
- Maintains a log of system errors and major operations
in a user-configured location. This log can be used to diagnose
problems and analyze plant performanc6/13/07
|
