The basic principle of OPC is that OPC client applications communicate with the OPC server over a standardized, open and manufacturer-independent interface.

It is also possible to connect to OPC-capable Windows applications (Microsoft Office or HMI systems) that are already available on the market.

The following communication possibilities are available for Industrial Ethernet with OPC server:

• S7 communication
• Open communication (SEND/RECEIVE)
• PROFINET
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

The OPC server offers, for example:

• Data Access interfaces 2.0, 2.05a and 3.0
• Alarm and event interface 1.1
• OPC XML DA interface 1.0
• Integration of automation products of different manufacturers
• Uniform, easy user interface for different components
• Can be accessed from every computer in the LAN
• High-performance data access over the Custom Interface (C++, NET)
• Easy to use with the “Automation Interface“ (VB, NET) or the supplied OCX Data Control or .NET Data Control
• Grouping of variables (Items); which allows a large quantity of data to be pre-processed in a short time.
• Optional redundancy expansion for S7 communication