Hello,
I'm in the phase of dimensioning the PLC hardware setup for a machine.
So far I've chosen to work with the 314C-2 DP CPU since it fulfills all my needs when it comes to counter inputs etc.
Also, I'll need to fetch and store data values onto a server that functions as a storage device, and by what I'm reading in the forums, that would require an OPC client. For that I'm using Kepware products since they are compatible with Profibus DP, which is the interface included on the CPU. The server / OPC client shall only fetch and log data - not change any PLC variables.
Last, I'll need an HMI for the operator to analyze and intervene with the machine by changing PLC variables and so on.
My question is, what would be the most ideal communication setup for above?
1. Should the HMI be a client to the OPC server.. or
2. Should the HMI and OPC server be a client to the PLC?
Since the OPC only should fetch data and not edit any variables I like the idea of the OPC to be isolated from the HMI, so both functions as client to the PLC. If that's the case I suppose I'll need some sort of Interface module since the CPU only has one Profibus DP - what module/interface would be recommendable?
Your contribution are very welcome, since I do not know what setup would be the easiest and most ideal? You're also welcome to change any of the products that I've chosen if you dont feel it's appropriate for the setup you would suggest.
Additional question: Do any of you guys know if the 4x counter inputs in the 314C-2 DP CPU are effective from 0 kHz? I know the max freq. is 60 kHz, but I'm not sure about the minimum freq.?
Kindly Regards.
I'm in the phase of dimensioning the PLC hardware setup for a machine.
So far I've chosen to work with the 314C-2 DP CPU since it fulfills all my needs when it comes to counter inputs etc.
Also, I'll need to fetch and store data values onto a server that functions as a storage device, and by what I'm reading in the forums, that would require an OPC client. For that I'm using Kepware products since they are compatible with Profibus DP, which is the interface included on the CPU. The server / OPC client shall only fetch and log data - not change any PLC variables.
Last, I'll need an HMI for the operator to analyze and intervene with the machine by changing PLC variables and so on.
My question is, what would be the most ideal communication setup for above?
1. Should the HMI be a client to the OPC server.. or
2. Should the HMI and OPC server be a client to the PLC?
Since the OPC only should fetch data and not edit any variables I like the idea of the OPC to be isolated from the HMI, so both functions as client to the PLC. If that's the case I suppose I'll need some sort of Interface module since the CPU only has one Profibus DP - what module/interface would be recommendable?
Your contribution are very welcome, since I do not know what setup would be the easiest and most ideal? You're also welcome to change any of the products that I've chosen if you dont feel it's appropriate for the setup you would suggest.
Additional question: Do any of you guys know if the 4x counter inputs in the 314C-2 DP CPU are effective from 0 kHz? I know the max freq. is 60 kHz, but I'm not sure about the minimum freq.?
Kindly Regards.