SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 04/2020, C79000-G8976-C512-03
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Programming via OPC UA
10
This section is intended only for OPC UA users.
OPC UA basics
OPC UA is a standardized communication protocol. It allows data exchange between all
types of industrial devices that support OPC UA and that are integrated in the same network.
In this context, devices that provide or publish data, information and command calls are
known as OPC UA servers. Devices that use this data, information and these command calls
are known as OPC UA clients.
Using OPC UA, you can also integrate the communication modules into cloud systems or
communicate with them.
Knowledge of fundamental OPC mechanisms as well as programming know-how is
indispensable for understanding the following section and implementing your own OPC UA
client for use with the communication modules. The OPC UA standard specifications will
help you here.
The standard "OPC Unified Architecture for AutoID Companion Specification" was defined
by the organizations "AIM Germany" and "OPC Foundation". This describes the connection
of identification devices via OPC UA. The identification devices can be subdivided as follows:
●
Text recognition devices (OCR)
●
Optical readers (e.g. barcode)
●
RFID reader and
●
Devices for localization (RTLS).
Figure 10-1 Ident devices in an OPC UA network
