Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: What is the OPC Server?
Share
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > Control Systems > What is the OPC Server?

What is the OPC Server?

The OPC server is a program that often connects with hardware like HMI to get the data and convert it into OPC protocol.

Last updated: March 4, 2021 11:05 am
Editorial Staff
Control Systems PLC Tutorials
No Comments
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

OPC stands for Open Platform Communications or some say  OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control. It is a type of protocol used in Industrial Automation. 

Contents
OPCAdvantages of OPC

The OPC is always used in the Client/Server pair. The OPC server converts the hardware communicated data from PLC into  OPC protocol. So that other software like SCADA can access the data. 

The OPC server is a program that often connects with hardware like HMI to get the data and convert it into OPC protocol.

The OPC client communicates with the OPC server to receive data or send commands to the hardware.

OPC

OPC Server

Image Credits: halvorsen

Usually, the OPC is implemented in a Single Server – Client in a single system format. But there are some famous alternate methods,

  • OPC aggregation – In this method, the OPC Client is connected to several OPC servers to acquire data
  • OPC bridging – In this method, the OPC server is connected with another OPC server to share data.
  • OPC tunneling – In this method, the OPC client is connected to an OPC server over a network.

The combination of OPC server and OPC client supports many connections. The OPC datahub is designed in such a way to handle all those connections.

In addition to improving OPC server and client connections, the OPC datahub can connect any OPC server or client to other applications as well, including Excel, a web browser, or any other database.

The Following are some of the OPC specifications that are used in Industries,

  • OPC AE ( Alarms and Events) – OPC AE servers are used to accept and exchange process alarms and events.
  • OPC-HDA (Historical Data Access) – This is used to retrieve historical process data for analysis. This data is typically stored in files, databases, or remote telemetry systems.
  • OPC-DA (Data Access) – Provides access to real-time data. We can query the most recent values of temperature, pressure, density, acceleration, and other types of process control data from the OPC-DA server.

Advantages of OPC

Some of the benefits of using OPC are,

  • Interoperability. 
  • Since the client software always going to access data from the server, the Client software has no need to know the hardware protocol.
  • Scalability of the system.

Author: Abishek D

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for PLC and SCADA video tutorials.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.

Read Next:

  • OPC Questions & Answers
  • DNP3 Protocol Basics
  • Compare Modbus & Fieldbus
  • SCADA Communication
  • What is the HART Protocol?
Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

How to import GSD files into the TIA Portal? – Siemens PLC
PLC Program for Bank Counter Application
How to Get a PLC Programming Job With NO Experience?
PLC Program for Trash Compactor
Basic Process Control System
Temperature Controller Problem
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
210kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

Why Baud Rate is Important in Modbus Network?
PLC FBD Program for Bottle’s Capping with Rotating Mechanism
Introduction to PLC – Advantages of PLC
How to Use Symbol Factory Software for Graphic Design in HMI or SCADA?
Positive and Negative Edges using Statement List Language
PLC Memory Mapping and I/O addressing
Integral (Reset) Control Theory
How to Analyze PID Controller Actions

Keep Learning

PLC Subroutine

Allen Bradley PLC Subroutines

Siemens PCS 7

What is PCS 7?

Liquid Level Control using Flow Loop

Liquid Level Control using Flow Loop

PLC Tag Naming Conventions

PLC Tag Naming Conventions

NAMUR OPEN ARCHITECTURE

What is NAMUR OPEN ARCHITECTURE?

Design & Construction of Process Plant

Process Control Systems Philosophy Concept

PID Controller Bumpless Transfer

What is PID Controller Bumpless Transfer ?

PLC based drilling machine

Drilling Process using PLC Program

Learn More

Optimal Control Systems

Output Regulator & the Tracking Problem

Superheated Steam Temperature Control System

Superheated Steam Temperature Control System

Percentage-to-Process-Variable-Conversion

Formula for Percentage to Process Variable Conversion

Machine Tool and Coolant Control PLC Ladder Logic

Machine Tool and Coolant Control: PLC Ladder Logic Design

Variable Speed Control of Propulsion Motor for VSI and CSI type Frequency Converters

Speed Control of Ship Electrical Motor Propulsion

de-energized-to-safe-mode

De-energize to Safe Loop philosophy

rangeability-of-flow-meter-vs-percentage-of-maximum-flow

Flow Transmitter Rangeability

Turbine Flow Meter

All About Turbine Meters

Menu

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Quick Links

  • Learn PLC
  • Helping Hand
  • Part Time Job

YouTube Subscribe

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?