OPC Server

[getzen007]

I've recently been handed the task of communicating to our temperature controllers and polling the adresses for data. Unfortunately cost constraints don't allow for communicating through a PLC.

Does anyone know anything about OPC servers? A demo program that comes with the temperature controllers uses this server to communicate with the instruments. I'm thinkking that might be a cheaper route.

 

[rush]

This is a possibility. OPC is supposed to be a standard method of transmitting process data. If there is good documentation available with their OPC server then you have a shot. I have some limited documentation on OPC server standards. However, I am just getting started in it myself. So all I know at this point is that it should be workable.

How are you going to communicate with it. Using your own software or do you have and existing MMI like Citect, or Genesis? Do a search for the OPC foundation or check Microsofts's web site for more information.