Figure 3-3SCADA Node Main page - Add Comport
Comport is an abbreviation for "communications port". The Comport is the physical or virtual link from your SCADA node to the automation device.
From Project Manager,
1. Select your SCADA node under the Project/Node list.
Figure 3-3SCADA Node Main page - Add Comport
2. Select Add Comport
3. The Create New Comport page appears.
4. Select the Interface Name that describes this Comport. (Also called the Comport Type: api, opc, rs;inx, serial, tcpip, etc.).
The fields change depending on the Comport Type.
API - Application Programming Interface. This is a "virtual" port. This is a proprietary software package commonly used to communicate with proprietary IO cards. Examples include Siemens S7 protocol. Does not correspond to a specific IO card or Port number. For a description of the data entry fields for an API see, section 3.3.5 API Comport Properties
OPC - OLE for Process Control. This is an Industry Standard Communications Standard. This is a "virtual" port. OPC is commonly used to communicate with proprietary IO cards and third party software packages. Does not correspond to specific IO card or Port number. For a description of the data entry fields for an OPC interface, see section 3.3.6 OPC Comport Properties
RSLINX - This is an API interface to RSLINX software (from Rockwell Automation) used for Allen-Bradley PLC5, SLC500 and other Allen Bradley hardware. It's used mostly from Control Net and Ethernet connections to Allen-Bradley PLCs. RSLINX must be purchased from Rockwell or Allen-Bradley. Advantech WebAccess/SCADA has a serial DF1 drivers to PLC5 and SLC500 at no additional cost.
Serial - Standard Serial Communications Port using the IBM standard for Personal Computers (RS232-C, RS-422 or RS4-85). Selecting Serial means to access the serial Comport with this number. For example, to use COM2 on the SCADA node, Port2 in the Advantech WebAccess/SCADA Project must be configured as Serial. For a description of the data entry fields for a Serial Interface, see Serial Interface and section 3.3.3 Serial ComPort Properties.
TCPIP - TCP/IP (transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Specifies a "Virtual Port" that uses the TCP/IP service installed. Does not correspond to specific IO card or comport number. Will access any IO card that uses the TCP/IP service installed on your PC. For a description of the data entry fields for a TCP/IP Network Interface see, section 3.3.4 TCP/IP Com Port Properties.