Tag Management

The server's user-defined tag management features can create a tag database structure to fit each application's specific nature. Users can define multiple tag groups to separate tag data on a device-by-device basis and can also add large numbers of tags through drag and drop editing. CSV import and export also allow tag editing in any application. Like all other server features, new tags can be added to the application at any time.

 

Automatic Tag Database Generation

The OPC server's ability to automatically generate tags for select communication drivers brings OPC technology one step closer to Plug and Play operation. Tag information can be read directly from a device, and tags can also be generated from stored tag data. In either case, users no longer need to manually enter OPC tags into the server.

 

System Tags

System tags provide general error feedback to client applications, allow the operation control over when a device is actively collecting data, and permit a channel or device's standard properties to be changed from an OPC client application. The number of System tags available at the channel or device level depends on the nature of the driver being used.

 

Property Tags

Property tags are additional tags that can be accessed by any Data Access client by appending the property name to any fully qualified tag address. When using an OPC client that supports item browsing, users can browse tag properties by turning on Include tag properties when a client browses the server under OPC DA settings. For more information, refer to Project Properties — OPC DA.

 

Statistics Tags

Statistics tags provide feedback to client applications regarding the operation of the channel communications in the server. When diagnostics are enabled, seven built-in Statistics tags are available. For more information, refer to OPC Diagnostic Viewer.

 

Modem Tags

Modem tags configure modem properties and monitor modem status. They are only available when the Connection Type in Channel Properties is set to Modem. For more information, refer to Channel Properties — Serial Communications.

 

Communication Serialization Tags

Driver communications normally occur simultaneously across multiple channels, yielding higher data throughput. In some applications, however, it is required that only one channel be allowed to communicate at a time. Communication Serialization provides this support. Communication Serialization tags are used to configure and monitor a channel's serialization status. Both the feature and its tags are only available to specific drivers. For more information, refer to the driver's help documentation.