OPTO 22 G4LC32ISA-LT, User Manual

Page: 35 / 50

G4LC32ISA-LT User’s Guide 4-1
CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 4
SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE
OVERVIEW
This chapter provides information about the OptoControl, OptoDisplay, and OptoServer Windows 95
and Windows NT software products which may be used with the G4LC32ISA-LT. It also provides
information on updating the processor firmware.
OptoControl is used to program and debug G4LC32ISA-LT control strategies. OptoDisplay is used to
create and display G4LC32ISA-LT process operator interfaces running on the PC. OptoServer allows
the user to construct complex client/server architectures running multiple OptoDisplay sessions, DDE-
aware applications (such as Microsoft Excel), or third-party software packages with OptoServer driver
capability.
Besides generating a downloadable strategy to be executed on the G4LC32ISA-LT, OptoControl
generates a database of tag names for items such as I/O points and variables. This single database
is shared by OptoDisplay and eliminates the need for multiple tag data bases. OptoDisplay uses the
database to dynamically animate the various screen objects making up the operator interface:
valves, pumps, gauges, and so forth.
The tight integration between OptoControl, OptoDisplay, and OptoServer not only makes all three
software packages easy to use, but it also prevents multiple database entry errors, allows tag name
validation, and takes full advantage of the G4LC32ISA-LT’s hardware capabilities.
The sophisticated firmware of the G4LC32ISA-LT processor, along with flash technology, enables a
user to update the G4LC32ISA-LT remotely with a new operating system, or “kernel”.
DOS PLATFORMS
Also available from Opto 22 are the DOS-compatible Cyrano, Mistic MMI, and MDS software
packages which fully support the G4LC32ISA-LT. For more information about Cyrano, refer to the
Cyrano User’s Guide (Opto 22 form 702); for Mistic MMI, refer to the MMI User’s Guide (Opto 22 form
626); and for MDS, refer to the
MDS User’s Guide (Opto 22 form 691).