OPC

User’s Guide
Famic Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.©

Automation Studio™ - OPC User’s Guide

Document Reference: DASOPENFTP62U_021

REPRODUCTION

Reproduction or re-transmission of this manual or software, in whole or in part, by any

means is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Famic
Technologies Inc.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Automation Studio™ is a registered trademark of Famic Technologies®
 Table of Contents

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1-1

2 OPC Client ..................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Interfaces ............................................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Managing Servers .................................................................................... 2-4
2.1.2 Managing Variable Groups .................................................................... 2-10
2.1.3 Managing Links ..................................................................................... 2-15
2.1.4 Managing Items ..................................................................................... 2-21
2.2 Example of an OPC Communication ................................................................... 2-23
2.2.1 Looking for a Server .............................................................................. 2-24
2.2.2 Configuring a Variable Group ............................................................... 2-27
2.2.3 Assigning External Variables ................................................................ 2-28
2.2.4 Simulation.............................................................................................. 2-30
3 OPC Server ....................................................................................................................... 1
3.1 Management ............................................................................................................. 1
3.1.1 Settings and Status ...................................................................................... 1
3.1.2 Filter ........................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Example of an OPC Server ....................................................................................... 6
3.3 Options List ............................................................................................................ 10
4 CAN J1939 ...................................................................................................................... 13
A Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 14
B Component and Document Compatibility ...................................................................... 1
C Index .................................................................................................................................. 1

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1 Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to introduce the user to Automation Studio™ interfaces
related to the functionality of OPC client and OPC server modules. We will provide
examples of standard usage.

The acronym OPC stands for “OLE for Process Control”. The OPC standards allow Process
Control data communication. Its creation is the result of collaboration between
automation leaders and Microsoft.

The standard’s specifications explicit to objects, interfaces and methods used in

automation and control fields are based on Microsoft’s OLE COM (“Component Object
Model”) and DCOM (“Distributed Component Object Model”) technologies. The
COM/DCOM technology dictates the software product architecture to develop. At the
present time, there are plenty of OPC Client and Server software that are compatible with
this architecture.

There are actually seven OPC standards involving different aspects of process control.
Automation Studio™ is compatible with the data access standard, the advantages are:
● A large variety of equipments supporting this standard;
● The communication protocols between the server and the equipment are red so
the client application does not need to know the nature of the links between
them. The access is then made easier because of the accessible resources
through the OPC Server.

 DECIMAL variables are not supported in the Automation Studio ™ OPC module.

This guide is divided into the following sections:

Chapter 2 OPC Client: This chapter will introduce features used by the Automation Studio™
OPC client which allows access to API and databases configured on any compatible OPC
server.

Chapter 3 OPC Server: This chapter will demonstrate how to use Automation Studio as an
OPC server. In this case, the variables listed in the variables manager can be read or
written to through an OPC client application.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

The wiring and the configurations of the equipment and the OPC Server are not within
the scope of this document. Please refer to the equipment’s manufacturer and the OPC
server referenced documents for further details.

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2 OPC Client
The OPC module allows the user to build links between different Automation Studio™
elements (components, variables and SFC elements) and PLCs (Programmable Logic
Controller) through an OPC server.

 All following functions are now accessible from the “Communication Manager”
instead of from the “Variable Manager”.

Here are some key features:

● Controls for realtime simulation: The user can command through Automation
Studio™ CAD tools and simulation tools real PLCs. The control sequences can be
set through the SFC or LADDER logic modules. Then the signals are sent out
through an input/output interface cable;
● Test control PLC sequences : Tests can be performed through SFC and LADDER
logic modules;
● Supervisor mode: Automation Studio™ can be use for monitoring and analysis of
real-time data.

Here are additional features:

● Automation Studio™ allows to link variables (read/write mode) to external
equipments;
● The OPC server can reside on the Automation Studio ™ machine or on a remote
machine.
● During installation, if the “OPC Server” option is selected, firewall rules will be
added to allow OPC protocol communications. At the first AS launch, the user will
be asked by Windows to authorize the process to open necessary communication
channels between OPC and AS.
● In simulation mode, reading and writing to an OPC item is done in real-time;
● The OPC DA versions 2.x and 3.0 are being supported.

This section introduces configuration features of the Automation Studio ™ OPC client
allowing the configuration of items accessible from the OPC server.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

The setup and configuration of the OPC server are not covered in this document. Please
refer to the equipment manufacturers and documentation produced by the OPC server
developers.

 Many trial and free versions of OPC servers can be found through the internet. The
PLC manufacturers will recommend the most suitable options on the market.

2.1 Interfaces
This section covers the configurations necessary in order to setup a communication
between Automation Studio™ and one or multiple OPC servers.

Different interfaces allow the configuration of settings needed for an OPC client:
● Servers;
● Groups;
● Liens;
● Items.

These interfaces are accessible through the “OPC Client” Tab from the “Variables
Manager”..

The variable manager must be first open. You access it from the ribbon “Tools” Tab ->
“Management” Group.

Figure 2-1 Variable Manager from the "Tools" Tab

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 OPC Client

 Please refer to the Automation Studio™ User’s Guide for more details about the
variable manager.
To access all commands related to the servors, groups and OPC items, you first have to
configure the variable manager’s display by clicking the “Options…” command .

Figure 2-2 Options Command from the Variable Manager

In this window, you can personnalize the display by adding the commands you need.

Figure 2-3 Variable Manager Configuration

Select “Commands displayed in the toolbar” , choose the commands you need and
displace these commands with the arrow from the “Available” to the “Selected” group.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Click Apply. You will then be able to see these commands displayed in the toolbar.

Figure 2-4 Variable Manager Toolbar after Adding Commands

Figure 2-5 : “OPC Client” Tab of the Variable Manager

 If your license does not include the OPC module then this tab will be greyed out.
For more details about your licenses, click on the “Tools” tab, “Administration”
Group then “Licenses”.

2.1.1 Managing Servers

Automation Studio™ can connect to one or multiple servers simultaneously. The sub
“Servers” tab of the “OPC Client” tab allows managing the servers list of the current
project.

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 OPC Client

Figure 2-6: “Variable Manager” Dialog Box, “OPC Client” tab and “ Servers” sub tab.

Commands of the variable manager toolbar:

Icon Command Description

Add OPC Server Adds an OPC server to the list.

Remove OPC Removes an OPC server from the list.

Server

Columns displayed in the servers list:

Column Description

Status Icons providing the status of the server:

● OPC Server Connected;
● Server Connection in progress;
● OPC Server connection error;
● Configuration error at the child level of the OPC server (the
child level represents groups and links of groups);
● OPC Server Not Connected.

A popup appears when the cursor is placed on top of the icon. A

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Column Description
detailed status will appear when the cursor is placed on the server’s
tree icon.

 The servers used during the simulation must be enabled and

the status is “Active” (green icon).

Name Name of server.

Address IP address of server.

 The address 127.0.0.1 means that the server is located on the

same machine as Automation Studio™.

DA Version “Data Access” version compatible with the server.

Server Status Indicates the server status.

Info OPC Server Application Information

Version Version of the OPC server application.

Starting Time Date and time when the server started.

Current Time Date and time of the last communication between the server and
Automation Studio™.

Failure Detailed server errors.

Details zone commands for selected server:

Icon Command Description

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 OPC Client

Icon Command Description

Connect OPC Server Enables the OPC connection to the server.

 Ensure that the OPC server has been started

before enabling the connection

Disconnect From Deactivates the server connection.

OPC Server

Alias Text field to modify the server name.

The alias is shown in the left panel.

Item Below are the options when Automation Studio

Synchronization updates the OPC items list:
● “Every Time”: On every new connection;
● “Never”;
● “First Time”: Only on the first established
connection.

Enable If checked, a reconnection attempt is made when the

Reconnection server disconnects.

Reconnection Reconnection time (ms) to the server if it disconnects.

Period

2.1.1.1 Adding a Local OPC Server

OPC servers can be installed on the same computer as Automation Studio™. You must
perform a search on the local machine in order to identify all available OPC servers and
select one that will be added to the list of servers within your project.

To perform a local search:

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Click on “Add OPC Server” in the variable manager toolbar. The “Add OPC Server”
dialog box opens:

Figure 2-7 : Dialog box « Add OPC Server » for a local search

Choose the desired server type (v2.x, v3.x or both) and radio button “Local”;

Click on “Search” button ;

Select the server that appears under “Found OPC Servers” then click on .

“Add OPC Server” dialog box areas and commands:

Icon Zone Description

Interfaces Checkboxes in order to select the server type.

The options are OPC DA V2.x and OPC DA V3.x.

Server Radio buttons allow you to specify if the server

is located on the local computer or on a remote
machine.

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 OPC Client

Icon Zone Description

 The local machine is the computer which

has Automation Studio™ installed on.

Remote This field allows specifying the IP address of the

remote machine where the OPC server resides.

 This field is accessible only when the

“Remote” radio button is selected.

Search This button launches the servers search.

Found OPC servers This area displays the results of the server
search. To select a server, click on the
corresponding row in the list.

2.1.1.2 Adding a Remote Server

The OPC server can be installed on a remote computer but needs access to the same
network as the computer which has Automation Studio™ installed on. The remote
computer needs to be configured with proper DCOM settings and communicate through a
TCP/IP network. To properly configure those computers, please refer to the Microsoft
online help (MSDN).

From the “Add OPC Server” dialog box, you must perform a search on the remote
computer to identify all OPC servers and select one to be added in to the project.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Figure 2-8 : Dialog Box “Add OPC server” for a search on a remote machine

Once the “Remote” radio button is selected then the IP address field becomes editable.

Input the IP address or server name then click on .

Once the search completed, select the server that appears in the “Found OPC servers” list

then click on .

Ensure that the selected server is available. If the server is not responding or there is a
connection issue, the message “Server Busy” will appear. Wait a few seconds then retry
again. Also make sure that the DCOM permissions are configured properly.

2.1.2 Managing Variable Groups

Through variable groups, you can configure settings that influence data access. Accesses
to different variables can all be referred to the same group if you want them to have the
same access settings.

Several groups of access can be also defined, each with specific parameters.

 Each link between OPC items and Automation Studio™ variables must belong to a
group.

The “Groups” sub tab from the “OPC Client” tab allows management of the access

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 OPC Client

groups.

Figure 2-9: “Groups” Sub Tab,“Client OPC” Tab

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Commands of the variable manager toolbar:

Icon Command Description

Add OPC Group This button allows creating a new group.

Remove OPC Group This button allows removing a group from the
list.

Group List Columns:

Column Description

Status Icons indicating the group status:

OPC Group linked to a connected OPC Server;

OPC Group linked to a OPC Server not connected or group

not linked to an OPC server;
The group configuration on OPC server is incomplete or is not
completely supported and/or an error occurred on OPC link;
OPC Server connection error or the OPC group has not been
configured on the OPC server.

A tooltip details the status of the group when the mouse cursor is
placed over the icon. A detailed status is also given when the
cursor is over the icon in the server tree en the left pane.

 It is essential the groups used by the project are fully

configured and that their status is “Active” (represented by a
green icon ).

Name Group name as entered within the panel. This name must be
unique among all OPC groups of the project.

Server OPC server identifier used by the group.

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 OPC Client

Column Description

 A group can be assigned to only one OPC server.

Items Identification of the list of items used with the group.

Activation Group status as configured by user.

 It is essential that the status of groups is “Active”.

Failure Displays information about the status of the group.

Detailed panel of the selected group:

Icon Command Description

Receive notification This button activates the notification mechanism for

from connected the connected server.
server

Stop receiving This button disables the notification mechanism for

notification from the connected server.
server

Name Group identification to be entered by the user.

 Two different groups cannot have similar

names.

Server Field allowing selecting servers which are available

to the project. Refer to section 2.1.1 Managing
Servers for detailed information.

Items Field allowing selecting the items list used for the
group.

Multiple Notification Lets you set how Automation Studio™ handles

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Icon Command Description

Handling notifications from the OPC server. Here are the
options :
● “Last”;
● “First and Last”;
● “All”.

Deadband Lets you set the threshold required for the OPC server
or the API considers a data update.

This setting can also be displayed in the groups list.

 It is essential comprehend the OPC server in

order to properly set this field.

Read Access Access type assigned by Automation Studio™ while

reading the variables. here are the options :
● “Notification”: The OPC server send the value
of modified variables to OPC client
Automation Studio™ according to specified
refresh rate and deadband ;
● “Synchronous”: Client application Automation
Studio™ reads synchronously variables in all
cycles of simulation.

This setting can also be displayed in the groups list.

Refresh Rate Allows you to set the refresh rate of the data read
from the server or written to the server.

This setting can also be displayed in the groups list.

 Automation Studio™ must be in simulation

mode in order to have these variables value
refreshed.

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 OPC Client

Icon Command Description

 The minimum refresh period of Automation

Studio™ is approximately 100 ms. The latency
of the network must also be taken in
consideration.

Keep Alive Allows you to set the period during which the group
remains connected even if the server is not
responding.

This setting can also be displayed in the groups list.

Comment Allows the user to add text relevant to the group.

It is essential to add at least one group to the list. To do this, click on “Add group”
and enter the parameters of the new group in the detailed panel

2.1.3 Managing Links

Once the OPC servers are discovered, added to the list and the access groups are created,
the last step is to link the Automation Studio™ variables to the items available on the OPC
server.

This is accomplished through the “OPC Client” tab  “Links” sub tab of Variables
Manager:

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Figure 2-10: “OPC Client” sub tab,“Links” tab

Configuration Panel Fields:

Field Description

Group Allows the configuration the selected group.

This will automatically fill in the “Server” and “Items” fields.

Server Indicates the server associated to the group.

Items Indicates the OPC items associated with the group.

“AS Variable” Commands:

Icon Command Description

Filter

Allows filtering the Automation Studio™ variables.

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 OPC Client

Icon Command Description

Variable
list

This list allows selecting read/write mode of the

variable.

Address

This field indicates the full address of the variable.

Allows you to modify the display of “AS Variables” list

and “OPC items” list differently.

“OPC Items” Commands:

Icon Command Description

Filter

Allows you to filter the OPC items list.

Cumulative When this box is checked, the filter criteria for the
Filter OPC items will stack. The search results must meet
all these criteria.

When this box is unchecked, the existing filters are

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Icon Command Description

cancelled. The next filter criteria will not stack.

Reconnect Button allows you to disconnect and reconnect to

the selected OPC server.

This will update the list of OPC items according the

most recent settings.

OPC items This tree list allows you to set the read/write mode
list of any Automation Studio™ variable.

 It is important to be familiar with the I/O

configuration of the PLCs which are
connected to the OPC server. Refer to the
OPC server user’s guide for more details.

Link type Radio buttons (read-only, write-only and

read/write) to select or indicate the type of link.

 The component internal variables can be

assigned the read-only and write only mode.

Create Link Button used to bind an Automation Studio™ variable

to an OPC item in read or write mode.

Delete Link .Buttons used to unbind an Automation Studio™

variable to an OPC item.

List of links The list of links is displayed at the bottom of the

dialog box. Detailed properties of those links are
displayed and also the current value of the variable.

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 OPC Client

2.1.3.1 Creating Links

To create a link between Automation Studio™ variables and OPC items:

1. Select the access group then the server and items list will automatically propagate.

Figure 2-11: Group Selection Panel

 The configuration panel can be hidden. In order to have a better display of the
configuration group, extend the display area.

 The group used must be “Active”. Refer to section 2.1.2 Managing Variable Groups
for further details.
2. If necessary, set a filter to facilitate the selection of variables and OPC items.

Figure 2-12: Example of a Boolean type filter for AS variables

3. Select the Automation Studio™ variable and the OPC item to be linked. Ensure that
the variable types (Boolean, Integer, Real, etc) are compatible.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Figure 2-13: Linking AS variables to OPC items

 Representations of the selected variables are displayed at the bottom of the list. A
bound variable cannot be linked again.

Select the type of link (Read or Write) through the radio buttons.

 The component variables can only be set in read/write mode.

Figure 2-14 : Button allowing selecting a link type: “Read-only”, “Write-only” or

“Read/Write”

1. Click on in order to create the link. The link will be added to link’s list as
displayed below.

Figure 2-15: OPC link creation completed

2. Repeat these steps until all desired links have been created.

The “Variables” tab from the variable manager displays the OPC links created in the
project.

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 OPC Client

Figure 2-16: OPC read link shown in the variable manager

2.1.3.2 Removing Links

To remove a link, select the link from the OPC client tab then click on the “Delete Link”

button .

Figure 2-17 : Removing a selected OPC link

 Note that the filters do not affect the list of links.

2.1.4 Managing Items

The list of OPC items are read when Automation Studio™ connects to the server. If the
OPC server is reconfigured then the OPC link list will also change.

The “OPC Client” tab  “Items” sub tab allows you to view added or deleted Items. .

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Figure 2-18: “Items” Dialog box

Toolbar of the Variables Manager:

Icon Command Description

Remove OPC Item Allows you to delete an OPC item.

“Items” tab areas and commands:

Icon Area/Command Description

List of OPC items List of all group of items within the project.
list

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 OPC Client

Icon Area/Command Description

Filter

Allows you to filter the OPC items list.

Cumulative Filter When this box is checked, the filter criteria for the OPC
items will stack. The search results must meet all these
criteria.

When this box is unchecked, the existing filters are

cancelled. The next filter criteria will not stack.

Reconnect Button allows you to disconnect and reconnect to the

selected OPC server.

This will update the list of OPC items according the most
recent settings.

OPC Items List This tree list allows you to view the OPC items belonging
to a set of items selected within the top of the dialog
box.

2.2 Example of an OPC Communication

This section provides an example of using Automation Studio ™ to show, step by step how
to perform OPC links from a blank project. The following topics will be detailed:
● Searching for a server on the local machine;
● Defining a group of variables;
● Assigning a variable from a component (hydraulic sensor) to a project variable.

Note that for the following example you may use any OPC DA server. The name of the
server will vary depending on your network.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

2.2.1 Looking for a Server

1. Configure your OPC server with at least one item of Boolean type with write access
and one item of Real type with read access;

 Refer to the OPC server user’s guide.

2. Start the OPC server application;

 In our example the server is launched on the same machine as Automation

Studio™.
3. Launch the Automation Studio™ application;
4. Create a project then add a proximity sensor in a hydraulic diagram and name the
mnemonic of the component VAR_PROX;

Figure 2-19: Creating “VAR_PROX” variable

 Since this component is a transmitter, only a write access mode is possible.

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 OPC Client

5. Click on the button of the “Tools” ribbon bar in order to access the Variable
Manager;

Figure 2-20 : « Variable Manager » showing boolean variable « VAR_PROX »

6. Create a project variable of Real type named VAR_PROJECT by clicking on the button

Figure 2-21 : New global variable « VAR_PROJECT »

7. In the Variable Manager, select the “OPC Client” tab then “Servers” sub tab.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Figure 2-22: “OPC Client”tab, “Servers” sub tab

8. Click on the button in order to open “Add OPC Server” dialog box (Figure 2-7 :
Dialog box « Add OPC Server » for a local search) ;

9. Click on the button in order to search for local servers;

10. Select a server;

 By default, the application searches for OPC servers available locally on the
computer but it is possible to search for an OPC server located on a remote
computer. Refer to section 2.1.1.2 Adding a Remote Server for further details.

11. Click on the button , the dialog box OPC Servers is refreshed.;

Figure 2-23: Active server within the list

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 OPC Client

2.2.2 Configuring a Variable Group

In order to configure a variable group:

1. Click the “Groups” tab to open the dialog box in order to define the OPC items group;

Figure 2-24: “OPC Client” tab, “Groups” sub tab

2. Click on the button to create a new group of OPC items;

Figure 2-25: A group is added to the current list

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

3. Enter the appropriate settings in each field of the group;

Figure 2-26: Typical settings of a group

2.2.3 Assigning External Variables

To create a link between Automation Studio™ variables and external items:

1. Click on the “Links” tab to open the dialog box for creating links;

Figure 2-27: “OPC Client” tab, “Links” sub tab

2. Choose the group created earlier in the upper panel. The “Servers” field, “Items” field
and “OPC items” zone are updated automatically;

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 OPC Client

Figure 2-28: “OPC Items” of the selected server

3. Click on the Automation Studio™ variable “VAR_PROX”;

 Since the variable “VAR_PROX” is transmitted to other variables, the “read” radio
button is greyed out.
4. Choose the OPC item to which variable you wish to link it.

 Ensure that both selected variable and items have the same access type (Boolean,
Integer, Real, etc).

5. Click on the link button . The link is created and appears in the list of links.
6. Click on the Automation Studio™ variable “VAR_PROJECT”;

 Since “VAR_PROJECT” is a global variable then the radio buttons “Read”, “Write”
and “Read/Write” are selectable.
7. Select the “Read” radio button and the OPC item to which you want to link the
variable;

8. Click on the link button . Then the link is created;

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

2.2.4 Simulation

Automation Studio™ must be launched in order to communicate with the OPC server and
update its variables. The schematic will simulate accordingly to the refreshed OPC items
values. Similarly, the equipment connected through the PLC to the OPC server and
controlled with Automation Studio™ will act accordingly.

 Automation Studio™ sends the AS variables to the OPC server every 10 ms.

Automation Studio™ receives data from a PLC or any other device connected to the OPC
server following 2 operating modes:

● “Synchronous” Read Access : when this mode is

selected Automation Studio™ will read values from the OPC items in the server every
10 ms (simulation time);

● “Notification” Read Access : when this mode is

selected Automation Studio™ will read values from the OPC items in the server
following the value entered in the “Refresh Rate”.

Automation Studio™ propagates the received values from the OPC server to the AS
variables every 10 ms of simulation time.

 The simulated time is displayed in the lower right corner and can be lower then
the real time if the computational load of the project is too high.

Figure 2-29: Simulation time

In our example, the sensor status “VAR_PROX” within the hydraulic circuit and the
variable “VAR_PROJECT” assigned to a vumeter will be used with OPC resources.

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 Figure 2-30: Simulated circuit with external variables linked to internal variables

There are no limits to the number of external links. Automation Studio™ allows you to
create a multitude of variables in order to link them to components from ladder logic
diagrams and SFC diagrams.

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3 OPC Server
Automation Studio™ (an OPC DA client) can be accessed through an OPC UA (Universal
Architecture) through an UA proxy.

This section of Automation Studio™ provides useful functions to configure the OPC server.

 Automation Studio™ does not support direct communication with PLCs or other
similar equipment. Only Automation Studio™ variables can be accessed by other
OPC client applications. Please verify with your OPC server developer in order to
confirm the compatibility.

3.1 Management

3.1.1 Settings and Status

The dialog box to configure the Automation Studio OPC server is available from the
Variable Manager window under the tabs “OPC Server”  « Status ».

Figure 3-1 : Dialog Box “OPC Server”/ “Status” tab

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Description of the command fields:

Area / Command Description

OPC Server State Allows to set the OPC server state:

● Active
● Inactive
● Active Reading Only

The default value can be modified within the

application options.

When this control area is active, the Automation

Studio™ variables become available to OPC clients.

It is possible to filter groups of variables. Please refer

to section 3.1.2 Filter.

Number of OPC Client Indicates the number of clients currently connected

connected to the server.

OPC Server Initialization Error Displays encountered errors during the initialization
of the OPC server.

3.1.2 Filter

You can choose which variable can be accessed by external applications and which one
remain non accessible. You will require defining one or more filters depending on your
needs. In order to add new filters, please use the left hidden panel from the “OPC Server
UA”  “Custom Filters” of the Variable Manager. Expand the left panel with the symbol

placed on the left hand side of the “Variables” tab.

 The server state must be “Active” in order to configure filters.

 To create a new filter in the left panel “OPC Server UA”, right click on “Custom
Filters” → “New Filter…”. Then, click on “Add a new simple relational operation”

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 available on the “Filter” sub tab toolbar.

Figure 3-2: Dialog box to edit OPC server filters

Description of the left panel commands:

Area / Command Description

OPC Server UA Area displaying all existing filters for the current project.

Custom Filters Branch of the tree allowing to add new filters through the
command “New Filter” of the pop out menu:

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Filter List List of available filters. You can enable the filters when the
checkbox is checked. You may also copy, delete or rename the
filters.

Checking multiple filters will result in a logical AND of all

selected filters.

 A left click on a filter displays the pop out menu.

“Filter” sub tab commands:

Area/
Icon Command Description

Group Allows to group multiple terms of the filter.

Hit the CTRL key, select multiple terms then click on the “Group
relational operations” button.

 The command is enabled only when more than one term is

selected and the selection is a sub-group of the filter’s
equation.

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 Area/
Icon Command Description

Ungroup Ungroups the filter terms.

 The button is enabled only when a group of terms is

selected.

Add Adds a filter term.

The AND operator is set by default. It is possible to change the

operator by clicking on the operator area.

Remove Deletes a term filter.

 This button is enabled only when one term filter is selected.

Button allowing deleting all the terms of the filter.

Button allowing saving the filter modifications.

Filter
Display
area of the equation the selected filter in the left panel.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Area/
Icon Command Description

We can select one or multiple terms by holding down the CTRL

key.

It is possible to modify the logical operators by clicking on them.

Editing
filter field

Allows editing of the filter equation.

The operator “*” can be used to represent a series of characters.

3.2 Example of an OPC Server

This section will demonstrate an example step-by-step of how to enable the Automation
Studio™ OPC server and also how to add a filter restricting the access of OPC clients to
desired variables.
1. Open the Variable Manager by clicking on the button located within the menu
“Tools”;
2. Choose the tab “Variables”;

3. Click on the button “Add variable” ;

4. Create the following variables and set the types as below:
● Var11 : STRING
● Var2 : BOOL
● Test : INT

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 Figure 3-3: The required variables have been created
5. Activate the Automation Studio™ OPC server through the options as shown on the
following figure:
a. Click on the Automation Studio™ button;
b. Choose Automation Studio™ Options;
c. Select the state for the Automation Studio ™ OPC server.

Figure 3-4: Automation Studio™ OPC server activation

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Depending on the option selected previously, the Variable Manager will show the OPC
server state on the “OPC Server” tab  “Status”.

Figure 3-5: The server status displayed as “Active”

 AS allows access to all these variables. Now it will be possible to add filters.

6. Expand the left panel;

7. Right click on the Custom Filter branch and select “New Filter…”;
8. Right click on the new filter and select “Rename…”;
9. Type Filter1 as the filter name;
10. Click on the “Filter” tab;

Figure 3-6: Filter renamed to “Filter1”

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11. Click on the button “Add a new relational operation” ;
12. Highlight the term “Address LIKE Var*”;
13. Click on “Add a new relational operation” button and set the second term as “Type =
BOOL”;
14. Click on “Add a new relational operation” button and set the third term as “Address
LIKE Test*”;
15. Select the first and second terms of the equation and hold down on the CTRL key;

16. Click on the button “Group relational operations” ;

17. Click on the second AND operator then select the OR operator.
18. Click on the button “Apply Filter”;
19. Put a check on the left side of the filter “Filter1”;

Figure 3-7: The filter equation is complete and the filter is active
20. Launch an OPC client and connect it to the Automation Studio™ OPC server.

 The OPC client may vary but it is essential that this application is compatible with
the OPC standard. Multiple free applications can be found on the internet.

 If the client application is located remotely on a different network then you need
to configure the DCOM security parameters. For further details, refer to the
Microsoft MSDN.
21. Verify that the items available to the client application are similar to the ones in the

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

following picture:

Figure 3-8: AS variables displayed through an OPC client

3.3 Options List

Options of the application related to the Automation Studio™ OPC server:

Options Description

OPC Server State Default state of the OPC server when a new project is
created.

UA Services TCP Port Default TCP “UA Services” Port used when a new
project is created.

UA Discovery Services TCP Port Default TCP “UA Discovery Service” Port used when a
new project is created. Port used when OPC clients
are looking for servers.

In order to access the main menu, click on the Automation Studio™ button.

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 Figure 3-9: Button in order to access the main menu

Figure 3-10: AS options related to the OPC server

Application options for the OPC Automation Studio™ :

Options Description

OPC Server status The default state of the OPC server when creating a new
project. (choice: active, inactive, read only active)

TCP port of UA Default "UA Services" TCP port number used when creating a
services new project.

TCP Port for UA The Default TCP Port Number "Discovery Service" used when
Discovery Services creating a new project.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

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4 CAN J1939
Please contact the Technical Support of Famic Technologies to have more information and
documentations regarding the CAN J1939

https://www.famictech.com/fr/support/support-technique.html

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

A Glossary
COM

Acronym which stands for “Component Object Model”. COM is used by Windows
applications to communicate between each other.

DCOM

Acronym which stands for “Distributed Component Object Model”. It is a proprietary

Microsoft technology for communication among software components distributed across
networked computers.

OPC Foundation

Industry consortium that creates and maintains standards for open connectivity of
industrial automation devices and systems. The OPC standards specify the communication
of industrial process data, alarms and events, historical data and batch process data
between sensors, instruments, controllers, software systems, and notification devices.

OLE

Acronym which stands for “Object Linking and Embedding”. It is a technology developed
by Microsoft that allows embedding and linking to documents and other objects.

OPC

Acronym which stands for “OLE for Process Control”. It is a group of specification
standards for real-time communication used in the industrial or commercial industry.

OPC DA

Acronym which stands for OPC “Data Access”. OPC DA is a group of standards that
provides specifications for communicating real-time data from data acquisition devices
such as PLCs to display and interface devices like Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). The
specifications focus on the continuous communication of data.

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 Glossary
OPC UA

Acronym which stands for OPC “Unified Architecture”. OPC Unified Architecture is the
most recent OPC specification from the OPC Foundation.

PLC

Acronym which stands for “Programmable Logic Controller”. A PLC is a digital computer
used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on
factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or lighting fixtures. PLCs are used in many
industries and machines.

Variable Manager

The variable manager allows creating, modifying and managing AS variables. It also
includes tabs for OPC configuration.

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B Component and Document Compatibility
1. Only CAD assemblies are taken into account for the report;
2. This option can be set in the component properties;
3. Components from “Panel Layout” library;
4. Components from “Connection Editor” library.

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

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C Index

AS Variable Area............................ 2-16

Command
AS variables area .......................... 2-19
Add Group ...................................... 2-12
Cumulative........................... 2-17, 2-23
Add Server ....................................... 2-5
Delete term ..................................... 3-5
Add term to filter .....................3-5, 3-9
Editing .............................................. 3-6
Apply filter ....................................... 3-5
Group ........................................ 3-4, 3-9
Connecting Server ........................... 2-7
Modify filter ..................................... 3-4
Create link ............................ 2-18, 2-29
OPC Items Area.................... 2-17, 2-23
Delete Group ................................. 2-12
Operators ......................................... 3-5
Delete link ..................................... 2-18
Reset ................................................ 3-5
Delete Server ................................... 2-5
Ungroup ........................................... 3-5
Delete term of filter ........................ 3-5
Disable Group ................................ 2-13 Introduction ......................................... 1-1
Disconnecting Server ...................... 2-7
Keep Alive ......................................... 2-15
Enable Group ................................. 2-13
Group Filters .................................... 3-4 Multiple Notifications ....................... 2-13
Group terms of filter ....................... 3-9 OPC Client ............................................ 2-1
Refresh Item’s List ......................... 2-18 Assigning external variables ........ 2-28
Refresh items’s list ........................ 2-23 Configuration ................................... 2-2
Remove OPC Item ......................... 2-22 Configuring a variable group ........ 2-27
Searching for Server ........................ 2-9 Creating links ................................. 2-19
Ungroup Filter .................................. 3-5 Example of an OPC Communication . 2-
23
Deadband .......................................... 2-14
Local Server ..................................... 2-7
Filter Looking for a server ...................... 2-24
Add term .......................................... 3-9 Managing items ............................ 2-21
Add Term ......................................... 3-5 Managing links .............................. 2-15
Apply ................................................ 3-5 Managing Servers ........................... 2-4
AS Server ......................................... 3-2 Remote Server ................................ 2-9

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Automation Studio™ – OPC Module

Removing Links ............................. 2-21 Panel Layout ...................................... 2-17

OPC Server PLC ....................................................... 3-1

AS Server .......................................... 3-1
Protection
Example ........................................... 3-6
License ............................................. 2-4
Filter ................................................. 3-2
Number of OPC client connected .... 3-2 Reconnection Period ........................... 2-7
Remote Client ................................ 3-10 Refresh Rate ...................................... 2-14
Settings and Status .......................... 3-1
Simulation ......................................... 2-30
Status ............................................... 3-2
TCP Discovery Service Port ............ 3-11 Status ......................................... 2-5, 2-12

Options .............................................. 3-11 Synchronization of items .................... 2-7

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