Browse tags in a PLC - Manual - Ethernet IP Connector - Industrial Edge - Industrial Edge App

Description

Starting with version 3.1.0-0, the Ethernet IP Connector includes browsing functionality. No separate edge application is required for browsing, as it is integrated into the Ethernet IP Connector. This browsing feature simplifies the process of configuring the connector when linked to a PLC.

A browse request can be sent to the Ethernet IP Connector through the Common Configurator. The connector then fetches tag information from the PLC and relays it back to the Configurator, presenting a comprehensive overview of the tags available in the connected PLC. Consequently, users can effortlessly explore and select the PLC tags they wish to add.

Supported functionality

• All Data types are supported
• Arrays are supported by providing all single elements. Only the individual elements of a bool array are not listed when browsing. These will be supported in future versions.
• UDTs are supported where browsing lists every single element
• Tag Browsing was successfully tested with the PLC types ControlLogix and CompactLogix. Further information on supported PLC types can be found in section Tested PLCs.s

Requirement

• Ethernet IP Connector of version 3.1.0-0 or higher must be running.
• Ethernet IP Connector must be connected to a PLC.
• Common Configurator of version 2.0.0 or higher is required.

Procedure

To browse the tags of the connected PLC, proceed as follows in the Common Configurator:

1. Add a data source to the connected PLC where you want to browse. The instructions for adding a data source are explained in the Adding a data source.
2. Click on Browse tags.
   
   The browsing interface of the Common Configurator appears.
3. Click on Start Browse.
   
   All tags found in the PLC are listed with their properties.
4. Select the tags you want to add to the data source.
   
5. Before adding the selected tags to the data source, you can set the acquisition cycle and access mode for the tags. Refer to the Add Tags section for details on the available setting options.
   
6. You have the option to select Publish on the databus if desired.

7. Once you have configured your settings, click on Ready to Import to apply them.
   

   NOTE

   After clicking on Ready to import, a blue symbol appears to the left of the respective tags. These tags are automatically added to the data source after clicking on Add to Data Source. This means that they do not need to be selected again.

8. Click on Add to Data Source to add the selected tags to the data source.
   

Result

All tags in the PLC are browsed, and the desired tags are selected. Settings can be configured before adding them to the data source. The selected tags from the PLC are then added to the data source with the desired settings.