May 28, 2009 - Softing upgraded its S7/S5 OPC Server. The new version V4.0 effortlessly integrates with the Siemens Step7 programming software by offering a direct import of the tag names (S7 symbols) from the S7 project. This high-performance OPC Server is designed to operate simultaneous communication links to up-to 256 SIMATIC S7 and S5 or compatible controllers. As an additional benefit, the S7/S5 OPC Server includes an OPC ActiveX client control with examples on how to create small HMI applications using Excel, Internet Explorer, or Visual Basic and a server-side OPC Tunnel (part of Softing's award-winning Easy Connect Suite).Dedication is KeyTypically, automation system designers have a combination of key requirements for OPC related components. These requirements include, but are not limited to ease-of-use, high-performance (high data-throughput), 24x7 reliability, and security. Today, there is no multi-purpose OPC Server solution in the market that is able to fulfill all these key requirements at the same time. In contrast, Softing's dedicated S7/S5 OPC Server is specifically designed to address every aspect of a system designer’s needs. Listed below is a summary of all new and updated features that are included with this release:Ease-Of-Use
Tag Names (S7 Symbols) - Import all tag names (symbols) from a S7 project into an alias file that can be edited/optimized to fit the need of the application. There is no need to re-enter any tag names using the cumbersome S7 notation!
Commissioning Support – Speed-up commissioning by starting the included OPC test client any time during the commissioning phase to test the current configuration.
Program change during runtime - Re-configure/Re-program any communication link between the S7/S5 OPC server and an individual PLC without interrupting the data exchange to other controllers.
Time Synchronization - For each PLC connection, the system time of the OPC server (PC time) can be synchronized with the system time in the PLC.High-PerformanceThe S7/S5 OPC Server employs a unique and proprietary algorithm to optimize the data throughput between the OPC Server and the SIEMENS controllers by automatically re-combining PLC Read and Write Requests for optimal performance. This feature alone renders Softing’s OPC Server the best-in-class product.ReliabilityThe included OPC configurator offers new features that allows control engineer to
test and diagnose the communication link between the OPC Server and a controller
easily detect and resolve problems with the help of diagnostic notifications that are displayed in clear text
define a relevant set of indicators to monitor the health of a communication linkSecurityThe integrated (server-side) Softing OPC Tunnel can be configured to demand user authentication from a remote OPC client to prevent unauthorized remote access.Data Access OptionsThe S7/S5 OPC Server supports data access via
Ethernet *Communication Processors (CPs) from other manufacturers (e.g. Siemens CP243-1 for S7-200, CP343-1 for S7-300, CP443-1 for S7-400) *Softing's single-channel Ethernet to PROFIBUS gatewaySofting's multiple-channel Ethernet to PROFIBUS gatewaySofting's Ethernet to MPI/PPI gateway *Softing's Ethernet to Simatic S5 Link
PROFIBUS *Softing's PROFIBUS Interface Boards
USB *Softing's USB to MPI/PPI gatewaySofting's PROFIBUS USB network adapter
Serial link - with or without a modem About Softing In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. Softing provides customers the key technology to connect devices, controls and systems with the leading communication technologies. In fieldbus technology, Softing is a world-class expert for FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The company’s wide range of expertise includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet protocols such as, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP. Many of the products and services developed by Softing since the company was founded in 1979 have become reference standards throughout the world. In addition, Softing has established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems.
