Key Concepts
Connection Target
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
Feature | Description |
---|
Mode | Client subscriber |
Updates | Real-time via subscription |
Export | Topics to tags |
See MQTT Tools (Reference) for details.
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
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 |