OPC Server Architecture Sample Clauses
The OPC Server Architecture clause defines the technical framework and requirements for how an OPC (OLE for Process Control) server is structured and operates within a system. It typically outlines the necessary components, communication protocols, and data exchange mechanisms that the server must support to ensure interoperability with client applications and other industrial automation systems. By specifying these architectural standards, the clause ensures reliable data flow, system compatibility, and efficient integration, thereby reducing the risk of miscommunication or system failures in automated environments.
OPC Server Architecture. The OPC specifications describe three different OPC servers, where each of the servers can work on their own. • Data Access • Alarms and Events • Historical Data Access OPC Data Access [2,3] defines interfaces for reading and writing information to and from the control system and it makes it possible to browse the system for information. Alarm and Events contains functions for handling alarms and events in the system. An alarm is an abnormal condition in the system and an event is some kind of system change or system error. Historical Data Access is used for handling historical process data, e.g. saving process states in a database. The OPC standard specifies two sets of interfaces for communication between a client application and a server; Custom interfaces and Automation interfaces. All interfaces specified by OPC are COM interfaces. The Custom interface is designed for high throughput applications and is used by applications developed in C++. The Automation interface is provided primarily for Visual Basic applications.