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Data Explorer (Reference):
DataExplorer provides unified data discovery and monitoring across multiple protocols
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Introduction to the DataExplorer
:
- MQTT Brokers
- OPC-UA Servers
- PLCs (ControlLogix, others)
- SQL Databases
Parent Page:Designer (Reference)
On this page:
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Key Concepts
and TermsConnection Target
The connection target configuration sets up the location of the data source to be used. Typically, you can select from three types of locations:
Local: This option connects automatically to some data connections defined in the solution configuration.
TagProvider: This option connects with TagProvider, which are dynamic data sources created in the solution configuration.
Remote: This option allows you to connect with a remote source, not necessarily used by the solution.
Connection Status
To browse data, the first step is to connect with the data source. After the connection is established, the Data Browser tree will regularly update with data from the sources.
Note: For SQL queries, the DataGrid results view will only update after you execute a query, but the connection is established automatically.
Data Browser Window
For field devices (MQTT, OPC-UA, PLCs), after the connection is established, a hierarchical tree with the data structure and values is displayed. For SQL queries, the results are shown in a DataGrid.
Export Settings to the Solution
When connecting with a remote data source not used by the solution, there are options to incorporate that data source into your application with one click. For SQL queries, you can export your customization of DataGrid columns to be used in operator displays.
Understanding the DataExplorer Tools
Overview
The DataExplorer tools are typically used in the following phases of project development:
- Data Discovery: Whether using MQTT, OPC-UA, ControlLogix PLCs, or SQL Databases, the DataExplorer tools provide a user-friendly and easy way to verify the consistency of the data you intend to work with.
- DataTemplates and Tags Definition: DataTemplates, local Tag, and TagProviders can be easily created in the project configuration using the data displayed in the Data Browser window.
- Testing and Validation: When used in conjunction with connections already defined in the project configuration, these tools can be used to validate and monitor the results of data acquisition.
Typical Workflow
- Start Servers or Simulators: When using MQTT or OPC, you have the option to use the built-in OPC-UA server, the local MQTT broker, or run data simulators.
- Select the Option for Connection Target: Select the connection, either from the project or remote sources. For ControlLogix PLCs, you can also search for devices in the network automatically.
- Browse the Data Structure and Values: View the values in the TreeView explorer (for OPC, MQTT, and PLCs) or in the DataGrid (for SQL queries).
- Add Connections, DataTemplates, or DevicesPoints to the Unified Namespace: Export server connections, data structures, or specific topics to be used by the application.
Working with the DataExplorer Tools
Each data source has its own procedure to execute data acquisition.
MQTT Tools
With MQTT, the Data Browser will act as a client application to the broker, subscribing to the data visible on the user interface.
Follow the link MQTT Tools (Reference) for further information.
OPC Tools
With OPC-UA, the Data Browser will act as a client application to the OPC server, reading the data visible on the user interface by polling every second.
Follow the link OPC Tools (Reference) for further information.
PLC Finder
With PLCs, the Data Browser will send protocol request to the PLC, reading the data visible on the user interface by polling every second.
Follow the link PLC Finder (Reference) for further information.
SQL Queries
With SQL Databases, the DataGrid is only updated when the Execute Query command is executed.
Follow the link SQL Queries (Reference) for further information.
Three connection types available:
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Local | Solution-defined connections | Testing existing configuration |
| TagProvider | Dynamic data sources | Connected tag providers |
| Remote | External sources | Discovery and exploration |
Connection Status
- Automatic connection establishment for field devices
- Real-time updates in Data Browser tree
- Manual query execution for SQL sources
Data Browser Window
| Protocol | Display Type | Update Method |
|---|---|---|
| MQTT | Hierarchical tree | Subscribe (real-time) |
| OPC-UA | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| PLCs | Hierarchical tree | Poll (1 second) |
| SQL | DataGrid table | On query execution |
Typical Workflow
1. Data Discovery
Verify data consistency across:
- MQTT topics
- OPC-UA nodes
- PLC tags
- Database tables
2. Configuration
Create from discovered data:
- DataTemplates
- Local tags
- TagProviders
- Device connections
3. Validation
Monitor and test:
- Connection stability
- Data quality
- Update rates
- Value accuracy
Tool-Specific Features
MQTT Tools
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Client subscriber |
| Updates | Real-time via subscription |
| Export | Topics to tags |
See MQTT Tools (Reference) for details.
OPC Tools
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | OPC-UA client |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Nodes to tags |
See OPC Tools (Reference) for details.
PLC Finder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Network scan |
| Updates | 1-second polling |
| Export | Controller tags |
See PLC Finder (Reference) for details.
SQL Queries
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode | Query executor |
| Updates | Manual execution |
| Export | Column configurations |
See SQL Queries (Reference) for details.
Export Options
To Solution Configuration
| Source | Export Target | Result |
|---|---|---|
| MQTT | TagProvider | Dynamic connection |
| OPC | Device Channel | Communication setup |
| PLC | Device Points | Mapped addresses |
| SQL | Dataset | Query definitions |
Quick Actions
- Create Tags: Single-click tag creation
- Build Templates: Structure to DataTemplate
- Add Connection: Remote to solution
- Configure Points: Bulk mapping
Performance Considerations
Explorer Limitations
| Aspect | Explorer | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Update Rate | 1 second fixed | Configurable |
| Parallel Requests | Single | Multiple |
| Method | Polling only | Poll/Subscribe |
| Volume | Limited display | Unlimited |
Runtime Capabilities
- Parallel request processing
- Subscribe mode (where supported)
- AccessType prioritization
- High-volume data handling
Best Practices
Discovery Phase
- Start local servers/simulators
- Verify network connectivity
- Test with small data sets
- Document findings
Configuration Phase
- Create templates before tags
- Use bulk import for large sets
- Organize with categories
- Test incrementally
Validation Phase
- Compare explorer vs runtime
- Monitor communication logs
- Verify data types
- Check update rates
Common Tasks
| Task | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Find PLCs | PLC Finder | Network scan |
| Browse OPC | OPC Tools | Connect and explore |
| Monitor MQTT | MQTT Tools | Subscribe to topics |
| Test queries | SQL Queries | Execute and review |
| Create tags | Any tool | Right-click export |
| Build templates | Any tool | Structure export |
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Can't connect | Wrong address | Verify endpoint |
| No data shown | Security | Check credentials |
| Slow updates | Network | Test connectivity |
| Missing nodes | Permissions | Check server config |
Export Problems
| Issue | Check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tags not created | Name conflicts | Use unique names |
| Template incomplete | Selection | Select all levels |
| Connection fails | Settings | Verify parameters |
Child Pages
See Also
- Devices Module (Reference) - Device configuration
- Unified Namespace (Reference) - Tag management
- Datasets Module (Reference) - Database connections
In this section...
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Performance Considerations
As this is only a DataExplorer interface, the default update cycle is one second. However, this does not reflect the performance you will experience at runtime, which can be much higher depending on your configuration.
For all field protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA, PLC native protocols), you can define parallel requests, subscribe instead of poll (if the protocol allows), and use the AccessType concept to group your data according to its priority, usage in the application, or process requirements. The volume of data and performance the project can manage at runtime is significantly higher than that of the DataExplorer tools.