- Open standardization of the addressing using logical names for objects from an automation component or an automation system
- Supports STEP 7 symbols
- Efficient data transfer from a process component to an application for further processing
- One client application can use several servers simultaneously
- Simultaneous execution of more than one client is possible on one OPC server
- Communication protocols can be used in parallel by means of the multiplexer function
- Interfaces
- "Custom Interface“ for high-performance C++/NET applications
- "Automation Interface" for easily created Visual Basic applications (or similar)
- XML DA interface;
Data access to S7 CPUs is therefore possible over the Internet. - OCX Data Control or .NET Data Control for direct integration in Windows applications that support COM/DCOM
Comparison of conventional client/server architecture with an OPC architecture
Configuration
The communication parameters are configured using only the tools of the installed software Advanced PC Configuration (configuration console, SIMATIC NCM PC or from STEP 7 V5.1 + SP2); SIMATIC iMAP is used for PROFINET CBA.