Kepware is a softwa

Description

KEPServerEX is the latest generation of KEPware’s OPC server technology. Building upon the original KEPserver, KEPServerEX has incorporated many of the features requested by KEPware’s customers. In addition to customer driven enhancements, many technological changes have occurred.

These features and enhancements have all been made with the goal of providing an OPC server that demonstrates unparalleled compatibility and performance. A few of the enhancements are transparent to the user, but there are a number of new features that are readily apparent and directly available to the user. The following sections will describe the primary features of KEPServerEX.

Application Connectivity

KEPServerEX supports the following client server technologies: OPC Data Access Version 1.0a & 2.0

DDE Format CF_Text, XL_Table & AdvancedDDE

Device Connectivity

KEPServerEX allows you to use a number of communications drivers concurrently.

Runs as NT Service

KEPServerEX supports running as a service under Windows NT/2000. Service operation is completely user configurable from the Tools|Options menu and can be changed at any time allowing you to move from normal stand alone program operation to NT service mode.

Data Scaling

KEPServerEX now supports direct scaling of device data. Scaling allows raw device data to be converted to engineering units for OPC client applications. KEPServerEX provides a number of unique scaling features that make it easy to implement scaling in your application.

re development business focused on communications for automation, known for its KEPServerEX product, a connectivity platform that allows for efficient and scalable industrial data transfer. When discussing the ControlLogix Ethernet driver in the context of Kepware and its application for Data Highway (DH) networks, it’s important to understand how these components interact in an industrial setting.

ControlLogix Ethernet Driver in Kepware

1. Purpose: The ControlLogix Ethernet driver in Kepware is designed to facilitate communication between ControlLogix PLCs (and other compatible Allen-Bradley PLCs) and various applications, such as HMI (Human-Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and other data management systems.
2. Functionality: This driver uses Ethernet/IP (Industrial Protocol) to communicate with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs. Ethernet/IP is a widely used industrial network protocol, built on standard Ethernet technologies.
3. Benefits: Using Ethernet/IP for communication provides high-speed data transfer and integration capabilities with modern industrial networks, making it suitable for complex automation environments.

Integrating with Data Highway (DH)

1. Legacy Networks: Data Highway (DH+/DH-485) is a legacy Allen-Bradley network protocol used in older PLC systems like the PLC-5 and SLC 500 series.
2. Integration Challenges: Direct communication between ControlLogix (Ethernet/IP) and legacy DH networks requires a bridging or gateway solution, as these networks use different communication protocols.
3. Gateway Solutions: Kepware might be used in conjunction with gateway devices that bridge Ethernet/IP and DH networks. For instance, an Allen-Bradley 1756-DHRIO module can be used in a ControlLogix chassis to interface with a DH network. Kepware can then communicate with the ControlLogix system over Ethernet/IP, while the system interacts with the DH network through the gateway module.
4. Application Scenarios: This setup is particularly useful in transitional phases where older and newer systems coexist in an industrial environment, allowing for data exchange and operational continuity between different generations of automation technology.

Conclusion

• Kepware’s Role: Kepware provides a robust and flexible platform for connecting modern ControlLogix systems with various industrial applications over Ethernet/IP.
• DH Integration: For integrating with legacy DH networks, additional hardware (like gateways or bridge modules) is often required to translate between Ethernet/IP and DH protocols.
• System Upgrades: In environments where legacy systems are being upgraded to newer technologies, such solutions are vital for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining operational efficiency.