CODESYS: OPC UA - Using CODESYS PLC as an OPC UA Server #codesys #opcua #opcuaclient #uaexpert

Summary

In this tutorial, the host demonstrates how to configure a PSC (Programmable Safety Controller) as an OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) server. Viewers learn to set up a project, create and manage variables, and establish a connection using UA Expert to facilitate real-time data exchange. The video emphasizes the importance of symbol configuration and access rights, showcasing how to read and write variable values seamlessly between the server and client. By following these steps, users are encouraged to implement their own OPC UA setups and engage with the host for support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Setting up CODESYS as an OPC UA server allows for seamless data exchange between devices.
• 🔧 To start, create a project in CODESYS and configure your controller settings properly.
• 📝 You must create and configure variables in your project, including Boolean, integer, and real types.
• ✅ Ensure the 'Support OPC UA Features' option is checked when adding a symbol configuration.
• 🔄 Build your project after adding variables to make them available for OPC UA access.
• 🔑 Access rights can be customized, allowing you to set read, write, or no access for each variable.
• 👨‍💻 Use a compatible OPC UA client, such as UA Expert, to monitor and manipulate your variables.
• 📡 Establish a connection between your OPC UA client and server using the correct IP address and port.
• 📊 Real-time data updates are possible, allowing you to change values on either the server or client side.
• ❌ Remember to verify access rights; if set to read-only, changes cannot be made from the client side.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video demonstrates how to set up Carter's PSC as an OPC UA server and how to use an OPC UA client to exchange data between the two.

What software or hardware is used in this tutorial?

The tutorial uses the Carter's PSC environment and Ctrl win version 3 X64, which is a virtual PLC.

What types of variables are created for demonstration?

Four variables are created: two Boolean variables, one integer variable, and one real variable.

What is the first step in setting up the OPC UA server?

The first step is to add an object called 'Symbol Configuration' to the project and check the box for 'support OPC UA features.'

How are access rights configured for the OPC UA variables?

Access rights for each variable can be set to read, write, or none. These rights can be configured by clicking the corresponding options for each variable.

What must be done after setting the access rights?

After setting the access rights, you need to build the project again and then log into the PLC to start running the project.

Which client software is used to connect to the OPC UA server?

The tutorial uses UA Expert as the OPC UA client to connect and monitor the server.

What happens when a variable is changed on the client side?

When a variable is changed on the client side, the updated value is reflected in real-time on the server side, assuming the client has the appropriate write access.

What demonstrates the functionality of read and write access?

The video shows that if a variable has write access, its value can be changed from the client side, while a variable with read-only access cannot be modified from the client side.

What are viewers encouraged to do after watching the video?

Viewers are encouraged to try setting up the configuration on their own and to reach out for assistance if they encounter any issues.