Rockwell Automation 1757-PROCESSLINX ProcessLinx OPC Server to Server Software User Manual - Manual (Page 10)

Publication 1757-UM002B-EN-P - January 2003
1-2 Setup Procedures
In order for ProcessLinx to connect to the ProcessLogix OPC Server over the
network, the OPC Server Connect option must be installed on the client PC.
Refer to the ProcessLogix Knowledge Builder:
Navigate in Knowledge Builder to
⇒
Server and Client Configuration Guide
⇒
Using ProcessLogix Data in other Applications
⇒
ProcessLogix OPC Support.
External OPC Server
Consult the External OPC Server documentation for correct installation and
setup on the desired node. This does not have to be the same PC or node
running ProcessLinx. Verify the External OPC Server operation separately.
Defining an Interface Control Strategy
Define the site specific DCS Control Strategy. This step assumes that you have
two working DCS configurations, one in ProcessLogix, and the other in an
external DCS system. This step includes defining exactly which points (control
loops, pumps, motors, etc.) are to be controlled and interfaced and by which
system. This step also tentatively outlines the direction and flow of data
and/or specifies which system is in control of each interfaced point.
It is emphasized that if this step is not performed, data flow direction and
determination of what point is coming from where may get very confusing in
the future. A table laying out all desired interface points, their names within
both systems, and data flow directions should be created and documented for
future reference.
Creating OPC Server Configurations
Before a ProcessLinx configuration can be realized, an OPC Server database
must be built which defines references to I/O points in the underlying desired
hardware or to control points. With ProcessLogix, this step is not required
since control points defined using Control Builder are immediately available
from the ProcessLogix OPC Server. No OPC Server configuration must be
built for those points in the ProcessLogix OPC Server. This includes points
brought in and defined from other interfaces using the Quick Builder
program.
The External OPC Server configuration (database) must be configured to
define exactly what pieces of hardware or blocks you are interested in. Consult
the External OPC Server documentation for setup.