MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs

User's Manual
MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs
User's Manual

This manual is a product of Matrikon Inc.

Matrikon Inc.
Suite 1800, 10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 3N4
Canada

Phone: +1.780.448.1010
Fax: +1.780.448.9191
www.MatrikonOPC.com

Document Revision History:

Document
Date Description Author
Version
2008-05-12 0.1 Initial version SN
2008-06-23 1.0 Added Configuration Wizard information, added SN, LB
S7 OPC items description, changed Installation
and Un-Installation sections to reflect new
installer.
2008-07-10 1.1 Added diagrams of Siemens S7-300 PLC and LB
Hilscher’s Netlink-MPI adapter.

2008-07-27 1.2 Added S7 200 and S7 400 information. SN

2008-08-08 1.3 Added offline mode and security information. SN
2008-10-02 1.4 Installation section updated to include default LB
password. Updated Overview Manual section to
include appendices E and F. Replaced Appendix E
– Security with updated version. Added Getting
Data without Being Connected to a Device to OPC
Data Items section. References to hardware
licensing removed from Troubleshooting section.
2008-10-06 1.5 Reverted back to previous version of Appendix E LB
to correspond with software version in use.
2008-11-19 1.6 Added new version of Appendix E. Added custom SN
OPC properties information.
2008-12-02 1.7 Corrected Overview of Manual, Compliance, and TNM, SN,
Installed Files sections. LB

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 2

2009-01-26 1.8 Added Server Status List object, and new entries TNM, LB
in OPC Data Items section relating to support of
interpreting internal memory DWORD as REAL.
Updated Security appendix. Replaced
Configuration window screenshot to show addition
of View Tags and Security Settings icons on
toolbar. Added View Tags and Security Settings
descriptions to Tools Menu Commands table.
Added standard Redundancy Group overview
information to Creating and Configuring a
Redundancy Group Object section. In the OPC
Data Items section, added statistical and control
items tables for Redundancy Group and Server
Status List device links. Updated Security and
Offline Mode appendixes. Updated Installation
section. Updated SiemensPLC and Common
folders in Installed Files section. Removed
references to Advanced Options tab in the Options
section. Updated Insert New Object Window
Options table in the Server Configuration section.

2009-04-08 2.0 Limitations section updated. LB

2009-04-26 3.0 Updated local TSAP parameter description. RN
Updated screenshots. Updated product version
information.

2010-01-13 3.1 Updated to software version 1.2.0 (Beta version). LB

2010-01-15 4.0 Updated to v1.2.0 Driver. LB

2010-01-22 4.1 Updated Installed Files section. GW, LB

2010-01-27 4.2 Updated Troubleshooting section. ZB, LB

2010-04-06 4.3 Updated to new framework and plug-in LB
documentation standard.
2010-05-06 4.4 Removed all references to plug-in. GEAK
2010-05-25 5.0 Software version updated to 1.3.0 GEAK
2010-06-08 6.0 Updated to standard stand-alone server template. LB
2013-09-19 6.1 Software version updated to 1.3.1 WXF
2014-07-10 6.2 Clarified item ID tables MJL
2016-10-20 6.3 Updated OS support and install picture. MJL
2017-05-10 6.4 Updated to version 1.4.1 MJL
2017-11-15 6.5 Updated to version 1.4.2; updated to latest UM MJL
standards. Redundancy group info updated.
2018-07-12 6.6 Version 1.5.0; updated h/w, s/w requirements. MJL, PD
2019-07-12 6.7 Version 1.5.1 MJL
2020-01-30 6.8 Version 1.5.2 MJL

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 3

2020-08-10 6.9 Version 1.5.3 MJL
2021-07-28 6.10 Version 1.5.4 MJL

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 4

SOFTWARE VERSION

Version: 1.5.4

DOCUMENT VERSION

Version: 6.10

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

© Copyright 1997 - 2021, Matrikon® International, a business unit of Honeywell Limited ("Matrikon®
International"). All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior
written permission of Matrikon® International.

CONFIDENTIAL

The information contained herein is confidential and proprietary to Matrikon® International, a business unit of Honeywell
Limited ("Matrikon® International"). It may not be disclosed or transferred, directly or indirectly, to any third party without
the explicit written permission of Matrikon® International.

LIMITATIONS

Matrikon has made its best effort to prepare this manual. Matrikon makes no representation or warranties of
any kind with regard to the completeness or accuracy of the contents herein and accepts no liability of any kind
including without limitation warranties of merchantable quality, satisfactory quality, merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose on those arising by law, statute, usage of trade, course of dealing or otherwise.
Matrikon shall not be liable for any losses or damages of any kind caused or alleged to be caused directly or
indirectly from this manual.

LICENSE AGREEMENT

This document and the software described in this document are supplied under a license agreement and may only be used
in accordance with the terms of that agreement. Matrikon reserves the right to make any improvements and/or changes to
product specifications at any time without notice.

TRADEMARK INFORMATION

The following are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective organizations:

Matrikon and Matrikon OPC are trademarks or registered trademarks of Matrikon Inc.

OTHER

Matrikon OPC™ is a division of Matrikon™ Inc.

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 5

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 12
Who Should Use This Manual ............................................................................................ 13
Overview of Manual ......................................................................................................... 14
References ..................................................................................................................... 15
Document Terminology .................................................................................................... 15
Getting Started............................................................................................................... 17
System Requirements ...................................................................................................... 17
Software Requirements ................................................................................................. 17
Hardware Requirements ................................................................................................ 17
Configuration ................................................................................................................. 18
Starting the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs .............................................................. 18
Tool Tray Menu ............................................................................................................... 19
Control Panel .................................................................................................................. 19
Configuration Window ...................................................................................................... 20
File Menu ..................................................................................................................... 22
Edit Menu .................................................................................................................... 22
View Menu ................................................................................................................... 23
Tools Menu .................................................................................................................. 23
Help Menu ................................................................................................................... 24
Options Window .............................................................................................................. 24
General Options ........................................................................................................... 24
General Logging Options ................................................................................................ 26
Interface Logging Options .............................................................................................. 27
Advanced Options ......................................................................................................... 28
Server Configuration ........................................................................................................ 30
Configuration Wizard ..................................................................................................... 30
Creating Objects ........................................................................................................... 41
Creating and Configuring a Server Status List Object ........................................................ 43
Creating and Configuring a Siemens TCP/IP Channel ......................................................... 46
Creating and Configuring a Redundancy Group Object ....................................................... 49
Creating and Configuring an S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection ................................... 53
Creating and Configuring a S7 NetLink Connection ............................................................ 61
Changing Objects ......................................................................................................... 66
Removing Objects ......................................................................................................... 66
Importing Symbols From SIMATIC STEP 7 Project ............................................................. 66
Alias Configuration .......................................................................................................... 71
Inserting Alias Groups ................................................................................................... 71
Renaming Alias Groups .................................................................................................. 71
Inserting New Aliases .................................................................................................... 71
Editing Aliases .............................................................................................................. 74
Removing Aliases ......................................................................................................... 74
Removing Alias Groups .................................................................................................. 75
Exporting Aliases .......................................................................................................... 75
Importing Aliases.......................................................................................................... 75
Configure Alias Scaling .................................................................................................. 75
Configure Alias Events ................................................................................................... 77
Configure Categories ..................................................................................................... 78
Expression Wizard ........................................................................................................... 79
Examples ..................................................................................................................... 79
Item Path Browser ........................................................................................................... 83

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 6

 Saving a Configuration ..................................................................................................... 84
Clearing a Configuration ................................................................................................... 84
Loading an Existing Configuration ...................................................................................... 84
Shutting Down the Server ................................................................................................ 85
OPC Data Items .............................................................................................................. 86
Connection Items ............................................................................................................ 86
S7 300/400 Tag Syntax ................................................................................................. 86
S7 200 Tag Syntax ....................................................................................................... 91
Control Items .................................................................................................................. 95
Siemens TCP/IP Channel Level Control Items ................................................................... 96
Connections Control Items ............................................................................................. 96
Enabling Write to $StopPLC and $RunPLC Control Items .................................................... 96
Getting Data without Being Connected to a Device .............................................................. 98
Diagnostics .................................................................................................................... 99
Logging .......................................................................................................................... 99
Statistical Items .............................................................................................................. 99
Siemens TCP/IP Channel Communication Statistics ........................................................... 99
Connections Communication Statistics ........................................................................... 100
Limitations ................................................................................................................... 101
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 102
Problems and Solutions .................................................................................................. 102
Questions and Answers .................................................................................................. 109
Licensing ...................................................................................................................... 110
Contacting Support ........................................................................................................ 110
OPC Compliance ........................................................................................................... 112
Installation ................................................................................................................... 112
Common Interfaces ....................................................................................................... 112
Data Access .................................................................................................................. 112
Groups ...................................................................................................................... 113
Items ........................................................................................................................ 113
Browsing and Item Properties ...................................................................................... 113
I/O Operations ........................................................................................................... 113

Table of Appendices
Appendix A Distributed COM (DCOM) ...................................................................... 115
DCOM Configuration Utility ............................................................................................. 115
Default Properties .......................................................................................................... 115
Security Permissions ...................................................................................................... 116
Server Identity .............................................................................................................. 120
Default Protocols ........................................................................................................... 120
Remote Program ID ....................................................................................................... 121
Appendix B Aliases .................................................................................................. 122
Scaling Expressions ....................................................................................................... 122
Advanced Calculations ................................................................................................... 123
CSV File Format ............................................................................................................ 125
Scaling Algorithms ......................................................................................................... 127
Appendix C Standard Data Types ............................................................................. 128
Appendix D Microsoft Excel as a DDE Client ............................................................. 129
DDE Read ..................................................................................................................... 129
DDE Write .................................................................................................................... 129

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 7

 Net DDE ....................................................................................................................... 130
Appendix E Configuring Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) .......................................... 131
Appendix F Security ................................................................................................ 132
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 132
OPC Security Implementation ......................................................................................... 132
Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility ................................................................ 133
Security Details ............................................................................................................. 155
Appendix G Offline Mode ......................................................................................... 158
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 158
Offline Mode Toggling .................................................................................................... 158
Offline Mode Item Values................................................................................................ 158
Operational Effects ........................................................................................................ 159
Appendix H Installation ........................................................................................... 160
Appendix I Installed Files ....................................................................................... 171
Appendix J Un-Installation ..................................................................................... 174

Table of Figures
Figure 1 - MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Connections ....................................... 12
Figure 2 - Hilscher's Netlink-MPI Adapter ...................................................................... 13
Figure 3 - Siemens S7-300 PLC (with Hilscher's Netlink-MPI Adapter) .......................... 13
Figure 4 - Tool Tray ........................................................................................................ 18
Figure 5 - Tool Tray Menu............................................................................................... 19
Figure 6 - Control Panel ................................................................................................. 20
Figure 7 - Configuration Window .................................................................................... 21
Figure 8 - General Options Tab ....................................................................................... 25
Figure 9 - General Logging Options Tab ......................................................................... 26
Figure 10 - Interface Logging Options Tab ..................................................................... 28
Figure 11 - Advanced Options Tab .................................................................................. 29
Figure 12 - TCP Channel Configuration Screen ............................................................... 31
Figure 13 - Configuring TCP Channel .............................................................................. 31
Figure 14 - S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections Screen ...................................... 32
Figure 15 - New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection ........................................... 33
Figure 16 - ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections Screen ................................................. 34
Figure 17 - New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection ................................... 35
Figure 18 - NetLink Connections Screen ......................................................................... 36
Figure 19 - New NetLink Connection Window ................................................................. 37
Figure 20 - Configuration Complete Screen .................................................................... 38
Figure 21 - Open STEP 7 Project File .............................................................................. 39
Figure 22 - Import Data Block Symbols from {Internal Project Name} Window ............ 39
Figure 23 - Import Data Block Symbols Result ............................................................... 40
Figure 24 - Connections List Menu ................................................................................. 41
Figure 25 - Insert New Object Window .......................................................................... 42
Figure 26 - Create New Server Status List Window ........................................................ 44
Figure 27 - New Server Status List Object ...................................................................... 46
Figure 28 - Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel Window ............................................. 47
Figure 29 - New Manually-Created Siemens TCP/IP Channel ......................................... 49
Figure 30 - Create New Redundancy Group Window ...................................................... 50
Figure 31 - New Redundancy Group Object .................................................................... 53
Figure 32 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (General Tab) .................... 54
Figure 33 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Timing Tab) ...................... 56
Figure 34 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (S7 Parameters Tab) ......... 57

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 8

Figure 35 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Optimization Tab) ............ 59
Figure 36 - Insert New Object Window .......................................................................... 60
Figure 37 - New S7 ISO on TCP Connection .................................................................... 60
Figure 38 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (General Tab) .......................... 61
Figure 39 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window - Timing Tab ............................ 63
Figure 40 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Optimization Tab) .................. 64
Figure 41 - New S7 NetLink Connection ......................................................................... 65
Figure 42 - Client Reference Warning Message .............................................................. 66
Figure 43 - Select Step 7 Project File Window ................................................................ 67
Figure 44 - Import STEP 7 Project Symbols from [Project Internal Name] Window ....... 68
Figure 45 - Select STEP 7 MicroWIN Export File Window ................................................ 69
Figure 46 - STEP 7 MicroWIN Project Window................................................................ 70
Figure 47 - Export Data Block Window ........................................................................... 70
Figure 48 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Type ......................................................... 72
Figure 49 - Contents Table ............................................................................................. 74
Figure 50 - Configure Scaling Window ........................................................................... 76
Figure 51 - Generate Events Options .............................................................................. 77
Figure 52 - New Category Window ................................................................................. 78
Figure 53 - Edit Categories Window ............................................................................... 79
Figure 54 - Expression Engine Configuration .................................................................. 81
Figure 55 - Expression Wizard ........................................................................................ 81
Figure 56 - Select Function Window ............................................................................... 82
Figure 57 - Select Variable Window................................................................................ 82
Figure 58 - User Defined Functions Editor ...................................................................... 83
Figure 59 - Operators Buttons ........................................................................................ 83
Figure 60 - Registry Editor ........................................................................................... 103
Figure 61 - Program ID Branch .................................................................................... 104
Figure 62 - Distributed COM Configuration Properties Window .................................... 117
Figure 63 - Distributed COM Configuration Security Tab .............................................. 118
Figure 64 - Registry Value Permissions Window .......................................................... 119
Figure 65 - Add Users and Groups Window .................................................................. 119
Figure 66 - DDE Share .................................................................................................. 130
Figure 67 - Start Menu Navigation ................................................................................ 134
Figure 68 - Enter Server Password Window ................................................................. 134
Figure 69 - Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility Main Screen .................... 135
Figure 70 - Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility Main Screen: Users & Groups
..................................................................................................................................... 136
Figure 71 - Add User Window (NT) ............................................................................... 137
Figure 72 - Defined Users and Groups .......................................................................... 138
Figure 73 - Add User Window (Private) ........................................................................ 139
Figure 74 - Add Group Window (NT) ............................................................................ 140
Figure 75 - Add Group Window (Private) ..................................................................... 141
Figure 76 - Enter New Name Window ........................................................................... 141
Figure 77 - Edit <Username> Window (Permissions Tab) ............................................ 143
Figure 78 - Add Permission Screen (Server Address Space) ......................................... 144
Figure 79 - Add User Permission Window..................................................................... 145
Figure 80 - Add Permission Window: Browsing Server Address Space ......................... 146
Figure 81 - Edit <Username>: Example ........................................................................ 147
Figure 82 - Edit <Username> Window (General Tab) ................................................... 148
Figure 83 - Reset Password Window ............................................................................ 148
Figure 84 - Edit <Groupname> Window (Permissions Tab) ......................................... 149
Figure 85 - Edit <Groupname> Window (General Tab) ................................................ 150
Figure 86 - Edit <Groupname> Window (Members Tab) .............................................. 151

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 9

Figure 87 - Add Existing User Window ......................................................................... 152
Figure 88 - Change Password Window ......................................................................... 153
Figure 89 - InstallAware Wizard Verification Window .................................................. 160
Figure 90 - Pre-Requisites Screen ................................................................................ 161
Figure 91 - License Agreement Screen ......................................................................... 162
Figure 92 - Setup Type Screen ..................................................................................... 163
Figure 93 - Destination Folder Screen .......................................................................... 164
Figure 94 - Start Menu Screen ...................................................................................... 165
Figure 95 - Enter Password Screen .............................................................................. 166
Figure 96 - Licensing Screen ........................................................................................ 167
Figure 97 - Ready to Install Screen .............................................................................. 168
Figure 98 - Installing Matrikon OPC Server Screen ...................................................... 169
Figure 99 - Matrikon OPC Server Setup Complete Screen ............................................. 170
Figure 100 – Add or Remove Programs ........................................................................ 174
Figure 101 - Welcome to MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Maintenance Screen . 175
Figure 102 - Ready to Uninstall Screen ........................................................................ 176
Figure 103 - Uninstalling MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Screen ...................... 177
Figure 104 - MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Setup Complete Screen ................ 178

Table of Tables
Table 1 - Terms and Definitions...................................................................................... 16
Table 2 - Tool Tray Menu Commands .............................................................................. 19
Table 3 - Control Panel Commands ................................................................................. 20
Table 4 - Configuration Window Commands ................................................................... 22
Table 5 - File Menu Commands ....................................................................................... 22
Table 6 - Edit Menu Commands (Server Configuration) .................................................. 23
Table 7 - Edit Menu Commands (Alias Configuration)..................................................... 23
Table 8 - View Menu Commands ..................................................................................... 23
Table 9 - Tools Menu Commands .................................................................................... 24
Table 10 - Help Menu Commands ................................................................................... 24
Table 11 - General Options Tab Components .................................................................. 26
Table 12 - General Logging Options Tab Components .................................................... 27
Table 13 - Interface Logging Options Tab Components .................................................. 28
Table 14 - Advanced Options Tab Components ............................................................... 30
Table 15 - Configuring TCP Channel Window Fields ........................................................ 32
Table 16 - New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection Window Fields ..................... 33
Table 17 - New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection Window Fields ............. 35
Table 18 - New NetLink Connection Window Fields ........................................................ 37
Table 19 - Connections List Menu Commands ................................................................. 41
Table 20 - Insert New Object Window Options ............................................................... 42
Table 21 - Create New Server Status List Window Components ..................................... 45
Table 22 - Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel Window .............................................. 48
Table 23 - Redundancy Modes ........................................................................................ 50
Table 24 - Create New Redundancy Group Window Components ................................... 52
Table 25 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (General Tab) Components . 55
Table 26 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Timing Tab) Components ... 57
Table 27 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (S7 Parameters Tab)
Components ................................................................................................................... 58
Table 28 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Optimization Tab)
Components ................................................................................................................... 59

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 10

Table 29 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (General Tab) Components ....... 62
Table 30 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Timing Tab) Components ........ 64
Table 31 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Optimization Tab) Components 65
Table 32 - Select S7 Data Block Symbols from [Project Internal Name] Components .... 68
Table 33 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Type Options ............................................. 73
Table 34 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Properties Options ..................................... 74
Table 35 - Configure Scaling Window Options ................................................................ 76
Table 36 - Generate Events Window Options .................................................................. 78
Table 37 - New Category Window Options ..................................................................... 79
Table 38 - Expression Wizard Options ............................................................................ 80
Table 39 – Item Path Browser Options ........................................................................... 84
Table 40 - Item ID Field Descriptions ............................................................................. 86
Table 41 - S7 300/400 Tag Syntax Description .............................................................. 90
Table 42 - Custom OPC Properties .................................................................................. 90
Table 43 - S7 300 Date and Time Formats ...................................................................... 91
Table 44 - S7 200 Tag Syntax Description ...................................................................... 94
Table 45 - Array Elements Length .................................................................................. 95
Table 46 - Siemens TCP/IP Channel Control Items ........................................................ 96
Table 47 - Connections Control Items ............................................................................ 96
Table 48 - Standard Data Items ..................................................................................... 97
Table 49 - Server Data Items ......................................................................................... 97
Table 50 - Redundancy Device Link OPC Items .............................................................. 98
Table 51 - Server Status List Device Link OPC Items ...................................................... 98
Table 52 - Siemens TCP/IP Channel Statistical Items .................................................. 100
Table 53 - Connections Statistical Items ...................................................................... 100
Table 54 - Matrikon OPC Support Regional Contact Information .................................. 110
Table 55 - After-Hours Support .................................................................................... 111
Table 56 - Expressions Constructs for Alias Scaling ..................................................... 123
Table 57 - Calculation Operators for Alias Scaling ........................................................ 124
Table 58 - Calculation Functions for Alias Scaling ........................................................ 125
Table 59 - File Import/Export Field Descriptions ......................................................... 126
Table 60 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Linear/Square Root Scaling
..................................................................................................................................... 126
Table 61 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Offset Scaling ................ 126
Table 62 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Expression Scaling ........ 126
Table 63 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Calculation Scaling ........ 127
Table 64 - Scaling Algorithms ....................................................................................... 127
Table 65 - Standard Data Types ................................................................................... 128
Table 66 - Default Tag Security .................................................................................... 153
Table 67 - Example 1 .................................................................................................... 154
Table 68 - Example 2: Permissions ............................................................................... 154
Table 69 - Example 2: Groups and Members ................................................................. 154
Table 70 - Example 2: Permissions ............................................................................... 157
Table 71 - Offline Mode Item Values ............................................................................ 159
Table 72 - Files Installed in "SiemensPLC" Folder ........................................................ 172
Table 73 - Files Installed in "Common" Folder ............................................................. 172
Table 74 - Files Installed in "system32" Folder ............................................................ 173

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 11

Introduction
The Matrikon OPC™ Server for Siemens PLCs provides real-time data access to Siemens S7 PLC via
Ethernet. The following connections are actually supported:
• ISO on TCP (RFC1006): Connects to the S7 200/300/400 communication processors,
respectively CP 243-1, CP 343-1 and CP 443-1 using the S7 protocol on Industrial Ethernet
(ISO 8073 CLASS 0) and TCP/IP layers, as described in RFC1006.
• Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI adapter (Only for S7 300/400): Connects to the Hilscher’s
NetLink-MPI adapter through TCP/IP, which communicates with the PLC via the MPI port. No
communication processor is needed in this case. In the rest of this document, we will refer
to the Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI adapter by just NetLink adapter.
Figure 1 illustrates the possible connections to the S7 PLC with the MatrikonOPC Server for
Siemens PLCs. Throughout this document, we will refer to S7 300 and S7 400 PLC models by just
S7 300/400.

Figure 1 - MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Connections

Figure 2 shows an actual Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI adapter, and Figure 3 shows a Siemens S7-300
PLC with the adapter (highlighted by a blue box) connected to it. This diagram also shows an ISO
over Ethernet connection (highlighted by an orange box)

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 12

 Figure 2 - Hilscher's Netlink-MPI Adapter

Figure 3 - Siemens S7-300 PLC (with Hilscher's Netlink-MPI Adapter)

Who Should Use This Manual

This manual is intended for use by all users of the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs.
This manual explains how to install and configure the software, and how to perform common tasks.
In addition, technical information about OPC data items is included, along with sections on
diagnostics and troubleshooting.

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 13

Overview of Manual
This document uses icons to highlight valuable information. Remember these icons and what they
mean, as they will assist you throughout the manual.

This symbol denotes important information that must be

acknowledged. Failure to do so may result in the software not
functioning properly.

Font displayed in this color and style indicates a hyperlink to the

BOLD applicable/associated information within this document, or if
applicable, any external sources.

The User’s Manual has been designed as such so that you can click on references in the document
to jump to that referenced point without having to scroll through several pages (in some cases).
For example, if you were to see the sentence “Refer to Figure 1 for more information”, pressing the
CTRL key and clicking your mouse on the text “Figure 1” automatically takes you to the location of
Figure 1 within the document.
This manual consists of several sections and is structured as follows:
• Introduction – this introductory chapter.
• Getting Started – provides system requirements information.
• Configuration – shows how to start and configure the server, and describes each
component in detail, including windows/screens, panels, tabs, and menu commands.
• OPC Data Items – describes the server’s items.
• Diagnostics – explains how to use logging, statistical items, data qualities, timestamps,
and result codes to get the most efficiency from the user’s system.
• Limitations – provides information on specific performance and operational limitations of
the software.
• Troubleshooting – provides licensing, Matrikon OPC Support contact information, solutions
for common problems that may be encountered, and answers to frequently asked questions.
• OPC Compliance – details supported interfaces with regard to installation, common
interfaces, and data access.
• Appendices:
o A - DCOM
o B – Aliases
o C – Standard Data Types
o D – Microsoft Excel as a DDE Client
o E – Configuring Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
o F – Security
o G – Offline Mode
o H – Installation
o I – Installed Files

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 14

 o J – Un-Installation

References
This document references information found within the following documents/sites:
• www.opcfoundation.org
• www.MatrikonOPC.com
• www.opcsupport.com
• OPC Overview 1.0
• OPC Common Definitions and Interfaces 1.0
• OPC Data Access Specification 2.05a
• OPC Data Access Specification 3.00
• OPC Historical Data Access Specification 1.2
• OPC Alarms and Events Specification 1.10
• OPC Security 1.00
• International Standard ISO/IEC 8073 (Fourth edition)
• RFC1006 – ISO transport services on top of the TCP (version 3)
• Hilscher’s NetIdent Protocol Manual
• Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI Protocol Manual
• STEP 7 in 7 Steps – C.T. Jones - Brilliant Training

Document Terminology
The following terms are used interchangeably throughout this document:
• screen and window
• tab and panel
Table 1 provides a list of definitions for terms used throughout this document.

Term/Abbreviation Description
A&E OPC Alarms and Events. Provides access to process alarm and event data.
Component Object Model. A method for organizing software, specifying how to
COM
build components that can be dynamically interchanged.
CP Communication Processor.
DA OPC Data Access. Provides access to real-time process data.
Distributed Component Object Model. An extension of COM that allows
DCOM
communication between COM components over a network.
Dynamic Data Exchange. Allows the transfer of data between two running
DDE
applications.
HDA OPC Historical Data Access. Provides access to historical process data.
HMI Human Machine Interface. Device that allows interaction between the user and

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 15

Term/Abbreviation Description
machine. Typically used in process control applications.
Matrikon Matrikon Inc.
Matrikon OPC Matrikon’s brand name for its OPC servers and clients.
OP Operator Panel.
A communication standard. Refer to www.opcfoundation.org for more
OPC
information.
Table 1 - Terms and Definitions

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 16

Getting Started
This chapter contains important information about installing the server and how to contact the
Matrikon OPC Support team.
The System Requirements section shows how to avoid future problems by ensuring that the
system meets the minimum software and hardware requirements. Detailed step-by-step
instructions in Appendix H - Installation walks you through the installation process. Appendix I
– Installed Files lists the files that are installed during this process.
Once the software is installed, refer to the Licensing section for information on how to obtain the
appropriate license. The Licensing section will refer you to the Licensing Procedures document that
was installed along with the server and this User’s Manual. If any problems are encountered during
installation or licensing, refer to the Contacting Support section for information about how to
contact the Matrikon OPC Support team for assistance.

System Requirements
The software has minimum Software and Hardware system requirements. These requirements
must be met for the software to function properly.

Note: To install and configure a Matrikon OPC server, you must be set
up as an administrative user account rather than a restricted user
account.

Software Requirements
The server requires the following software:
• Microsoft Windows 7 or 10 or
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 or 2012 or 2016 or 2019

Note: It is recommended that the most current service packs are

installed.
• Microsoft .NET Framework
o On Microsoft Windows 7 and 2008, the Matrikon OPC installation package will
automatically install the required Dot Net framework.
o On Microsoft Windows 10, Windows Server 2012, and higher, Microsoft Dot Net 3.5
will need to be installed manually by the user before the OPC server can be installed.
• TCP/IP protocol enabled

Hardware Requirements
The server requires the following hardware:
• Intel® CORE i5
• 4 GB RAM
• 80 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
The server requires the following additional hardware to make use of the following functionality:
• PC standard Ethernet adapter
• S7 communication processor (CP 243-1, CP 343-1, CP 443-1, S7-1200, or S7-1500), or
Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI adapter

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 17

Configuration
The server’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows users to view and alter configuration parameters
at run time. When you view a configuration parameter, the information is retrieved and displayed.
The updated parameters are sent as a group to the server when submitted.
Minimal configuration of the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs is required for the server to
function properly, but you can customize the server’s behaviour as required. This section of the
manual shows you how to start and configure the server and describes each component in detail,
including the windows, panels, and menu commands.
The Starting the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs section of this manual shows you how
to start the software. The next four sub-sections describe the Tool Tray Menu, Control Panel,
Configuration window, and the Options window, in detail.
The Server Configuration section describes in detail how to configure the server. Instructions for
configuring the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs as a DDE service appear in Appendix D -
Microsoft Excel as a DDE Client. The Alias Configuration section explains how to create user-
defined aliases in place of regular OPC items, followed by four sub-sections that cover saving,
clearing, and loading configuration settings, and shutting down the server.
This server automatically discovers NetLink adapters connected to the same Ethernet network and
creates corresponding device links. The MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs is able to assign an
IP address to the NetLink adapter therefore the Hilscher’s SyCon configuration software is not
required.

Starting the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs

To launch the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs, choose the appropriate shortcut from the
Start menu.
To start the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs:
1. Click on the Windows Start button and select Programs -> MatrikonOPC ->
SiemensPLC, and choose Matrikon OPC SiemensPLC Server.
By default, the server is installed as a Windows service. When the server is installed as a
service, the splash screen does not appear, nor does the logo appear in the Tool Tray.
Instead, the main Configuration window is immediately displayed. If the server is installed
as a Windows service, users can also start it using the Service Control Manager applet
(under the Windows Control Panel).
2. If the server is not installed as a Windows service, the server starts and the Matrikon logo
appears in the Tool Tray (Figure 4), located by default in the system tray.

Figure 4 - Tool Tray

If the server is not installed as a Windows service, the Welcome screen appears briefly
when the server starts up.

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 Notes:
• If the server is not installed as a service, the server will
automatically start up when a client (such as Matrikon OPC
Explorer) first tries to connect to it.
• If the server is installed as a service, users can choose to run it
as an application by re-registering the OPC server executable
using the /REGSERVER command-line switch.

Tool Tray Menu

Note: If the server is installed as a Windows service, the Tool Tray and Tool Tray Menu are not
available.
The Tool Tray Menu provides access to the Control Panel, the Configuration window, and the
About screen. It also contains the commands to shut down the server.
To view the Tool Tray Menu:

1. Right-click your mouse on the Matrikon logo .

2. The Tool Tray Menu appears (Figure 5).

Figure 5 - Tool Tray Menu

Table 2 describes the commands in the Tool Tray Menu.

Command Description
Show Control Panel Displays the configuration control panel.

Configure Displays the main Configuration window.

Shutdown Shuts down the server.

Displays the server’s Welcome screen, which includes information
About
about the software.
Table 2 - Tool Tray Menu Commands

Control Panel
Note: If the server is installed as a Windows service, the Control Panel is not available.
The Control Panel displays the server’s status, system time, and number of clients connected to
the server. The Control Panel allows users to:
• Access the Configuration window.
• Access the About screen.
• Execute the command to shut down the server.

The Control Panel stays on top of every other window on the desktop to help monitor the status
of the server.

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To view the Control Panel:

1. Right-click your mouse on the Matrikon logo .

2. The Tool Tray Menu appears.
3. From the Tool Tray Menu, select the Show Control Panel menu option.
4. The Control Panel (Figure 6) appears.

Figure 6 - Control Panel

5. To “window shade” the Control Panel so that it displays only the client count, double-click
your mouse on the title bar.
Table 3 describes the commands in the Tool Tray Menu.

Command Description
Status Displays the current status of the server.
Time Displays the current time.
Clients Displays the total number of OPC clients presently connected to the server.
Configure Displays the main Configuration window.
Shutdown Shuts down the server.
Displays the server’s Welcome screen, which includes information about the
About
software.
Table 3 - Control Panel Commands

Configuration Window
Note: If the server is installed as a Windows service, the Tool Tray Menu and Control Panel are
not available. In this case, the Configuration window is then accessed via the Windows Start
menu.
The Configuration window displays a tree view of objects configured in the server. Select an
object to display its current configuration, which appears on the right-hand side of the window.
If the server runs as a local executable, it will remain running even after the main configuration
window is closed, even if no clients are connected. Displaying the control panel or main
configuration window for the server will “lock” it so that it will not shut down while configuration is
being performed.
If the server runs as an NT service, it will remain running so long as there are clients connected to
it. Closing the main configuration window will shut down the configuration utility, but will not
interfere with the normal operation of the server.

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 To view the Configuration window:
1. From the Tool Tray Menu or the Control Panel, select Configure.
2. The Configuration window (Figure 7) appears.

Figure 7 - Configuration Window

Table 4 describes the commands in the Configuration window.

Command Description
Main Menu Provides access to the File, Edit, View, Tools, and Help menus.
Main Toolbar Provides shortcut buttons for commands in the Main Menu.
Displays a tree of configuration objects currently defined in the server.
Current Configuration
Select an object to display its current settings in the right-hand panel.
Objects under this node affect how the server communicates with the data
Server Configuration
source.

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 Command Description
Alias Configuration Define aliases and alias groups under this node.
Object Settings Panel Displays the current settings of the object presently selected in the tree.
Displays available statistics for the object presently selected in the tree:
Statistics Panel
Sent, Received, Timed Out, Retried, Failed, Overrun.
Reset Statistics Resets statistics on the object presently selected in the configuration tree.
Matrikon Logo Opens a link to the Matrikon web site.
Clients Displays the total number of OPC clients presently connected to the server.
Server Time Displays the current time.
Table 4 - Configuration Window Commands

The following sections describe the menus available from the Configuration window, and what
they are used for.

File Menu
Table 5 describes the File menu commands.

Command Description
Clears the current configuration and starts a new one. If OPC clients are still
New connected to the server, the user is prompted for confirmation before
continuing.
Clears the current configuration and loads a new one from an existing file.
Displays the Open Configuration window to prompt for the file name. If
Open OPC clients are still connected to the server, the user is prompted for
confirmation before continuing.
Saves the current configuration to an XML file. Displays the Save
Save Configuration window to prompt for a new file name if the configuration is
new and has not been saved before.
Saves the current configuration to an XML file. Displays the Save
Save As Configuration window to prompt for a new file name.
Exports all currently configured aliases to a CSV file. Displays the Export
Export Aliases Aliases window to prompt for a file name.
Clears all aliases and imports new ones from a CSV file. Displays the Import
Import Aliases Aliases window to prompt for an existing file name.
Closes the current configuration and shuts down the server after signalling
Shutdown Server the shutdown event to all connected clients. If OPC clients are still connected
to the server, the user is prompted for confirmation before continuing.
Hides the main Configuration window. The server shuts down after a short
Close
delay if no OPC clients are currently connected to the server.
Table 5 - File Menu Commands

Edit Menu
Table 6 describes the Edit menu commands that appear when the currently selected object
appears under the Server Configuration node.

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 Command Description
Undo/Can’t Undo Not implemented.
Removes the currently selected object from the server configuration.
Prompts the user for confirmation before continuing to see if the OPC clients
Delete have reference to items associated with the selected object or one of its
children. Does not remove such objects but simply disables them and sets
them to “marked for deletion”.
Displays the Insert New Object window used to create a new configuration
Define New object under the currently selected configuration object.
Table 6 - Edit Menu Commands (Server Configuration)

Table 7 describes the Edit menu commands that appear when the currently selected object
appears under the Alias Configuration node.

Command Description
Undo/Can’t Undo Not implemented.

Rename Renames the currently selected alias group.

Removes the currently selected alias group and all subordinate groups and
Delete Alias Group aliases.
Delete Alias Removes the currently selected aliases.

Insert Alias Group Creates a new alias group under the currently selected alias group.

Displays the Insert New Alias window used to create a new alias under the
Insert New Alias
currently selected alias group.
Table 7 - Edit Menu Commands (Alias Configuration)

View Menu
Table 8 describes the View menu commands.

Command Description
Displays/hides general communication statistics for the currently selected
Statistics
object.
Reset Statistics Resets all statistics for the currently selected object to zero.
Displays the Server Defaults window used to configure the default settings
Defaults
for the various types of communication objects available in the server.
Rebuilds the tree display of the server configuration and fully expands all
Refresh branches.
Options Displays the Options window used to change general server options.
Table 8 - View Menu Commands

Tools Menu
Table 9 describes the Tools menu commands.

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 Command Description
Launches the Microsoft Distributed COM Configuration Properties
utility. This utility can be used to edit DCOM settings for specific COM
DCOM Configurator servers to allow client applications on remote computers to connect to the
server.
Launches Matrikon OPC Explorer, which is a general-purpose OPC client
included with all Matrikon OPC servers that may be used to test the
View Tags capabilities of the software. For more information, refer to the Matrikon OPC
Explorer User’s Manual.
Launches the Enter server password window where you are asked to
enter the security password set during the installation of the server. The
default password set during the installation of this server is MatrikonOPC.
Security Settings The Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility screen is then
displayed which allows you to configure security settings. For more
information, refer to Appendix F – Security.
Table 9 - Tools Menu Commands

Help Menu
Table 10 describes the Help menu commands.

Command Description
Matrikon OPC on the Opens a link to the Matrikon OPC web site.
Web
Displays the Welcome screen, which includes information about the
About
software version.
Table 10 - Help Menu Commands

Options Window
The Options window is used to edit the server’s options and contains four tabs: General, General
Logging, Interface Logging, and Advanced.

General Options
The General tab allows users to edit general server options (i.e., settings).
To view the General options:
1. On the Configuration window, from the View menu, select the Options menu item.
2. The Options window appears.
3. From the Options window, select the General tab (Figure 8).

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 Figure 8 - General Options Tab

Table 11 describes the fields available on the General tab.

Field Description
Save current Automatically saves the current configuration to the specified file before
configuration on shutting down, if selected.
shutdown
Automatically keeps up to the specified number (i.e., X) of backup copies of
Backup: X copies
the configuration file when saving the configuration.
Load configuration on Automatically loads a configuration from the specified file when starting up,
setup if selected.
Displays the full path of an existing file for load and save operations. Click on
Filename the ellipsis button ( ) to display the Open window used to select an
existing file name.
Launch configuration Automatically launches the configuration utility when starting up as a local
program on startup executable (rather than a Windows service), if selected.
Restrict items to Prevents OPC clients from adding items other than configured aliases, if
preconfigured aliases selected. Selecting this option will cause clients to see only aliases when

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 25

 Field Description
only browsing this server.
Note: As is the case with any changes to General options, if this option is
changed you will need to restart the server for the change to take effect.
Table 11 - General Options Tab Components

Note: The server loads these settings from the Windows registry upon start-up. Changes to the
General options settings take effect when the server is restarted.

General Logging Options

The General Logging tab allows users to edit general logging options.
To view the General Logging options:
1. On the Configuration window, from the View menu, select the Options menu item.
2. The Options window appears.
3. From the Options window, select the General Logging tab (Figure 9).

Figure 9 - General Logging Options Tab

Table 12 describes the fields available on the General Logging tab.

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 Field Description
Enables/disables general activity logging at the specified detail level (High,
Medium, Low, or None), if selected.
Enable activity
logging Note: This option should not be selected unless users are debugging a
problem as this will have a negative effect on performance of the OPC server.
Always set this back to None when not in use.
Commit all log file Purges the file buffer after each message is logged in the event of an
writes unexpected server shut down.
Overwrite old log Overwrites the old log file each time the server starts up, if selected.
information Otherwise, rename the old log file with a (*.bak) suffix.
Displays the full path for the general activity log file. Click on the ellipsis
button ( ) to display the Open window used to select an existing file name.
General Activity
Logging Filename The default path is C:\Program Files\Common
Files\MatrikonOPC\Common\PSTCFGMatrikon.OPC.Siemens PLCs.
1.LOG.
Filter String Match string for filtered log is displayed.

Filtering Filename Displays the full path for the filtered log file. Click on the ellipsis button ( ) to
display the Open window used to select an existing file name.
Table 12 - General Logging Options Tab Components

Note: General Logging options settings take effect immediately.

Interface Logging Options

The Interface Logging tab allows users to view and edit COM interface logging options.
To view the Interface Logging options:
1. On the Configuration window, from the View menu, select the Options menu item.
2. The Options window appears.
3. From the Options window, select the Interface Logging tab (Figure 10).

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 Figure 10 - Interface Logging Options Tab

Table 13 describes the fields available on the Interface Logging tab.

Field Description
Enables/disables interface logging at the specified detail level (High,
Medium, Low, or None), if selected. Generates a separate log file for
each client named PST###.TMP in the server installation directory.
Enable logging
Note: This option should not be selected unless users are debugging
a problem as this will have a negative effect on performance of the
OPC server.
Purges the file buffer after each message is logged in the event of an
Commit all log file writes
unexpected server shut down.
Table 13 - Interface Logging Options Tab Components

Note: Interface Logging options settings take effect when the next OPC client connects to the
server.

Advanced Options
The Advanced tab allows users to view and edit advanced server options.

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 To view the Advanced options:
1. On the Configuration window, from the View menu, select the Options menu item.
2. The Options window appears.
3. From the Options window, select the Advanced tab (Figure 11).

Figure 11 - Advanced Options Tab

Table 14 describes the fields available on the Advanced options tab.

Field Description
Minimum update rate (milliseconds) allowed for an OPC group.
OPC Group Update Rate Prevents OPC clients from requesting update rates that are
(minimum) impossible to achieve or that cause heavy CPU loads. The default
value is 100 ms.
OPC server group scan thread interval (milliseconds). Determines the
maximum resolution for data change detection. Time granularity
Time granularity
should always be equal to or less than the minimum group update
rate.
Alias Subscription Rate This is the rate (in milliseconds) at which the Alias features subscribe

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 Field Description
to underlying data items. This rate is used by the Alias Events
features and by the Expression and Calculation engines when other
tags are referenced in the expressions.
Default = 1000.
Selecting this checkbox this will allow the server to accept Dynamic
Enable DDE Communication
Data Exchange (DDE) connections.
The DDE service name that should be used by clients to connect to
DDE Service Name
this program.
The character to be used to indicate the start of a new item in the
DDE Item Delimiter
DDE data request.
Table 14 - Advanced Options Tab Components

Note: The server loads these settings from the Windows registry on start-up. Changes to
Advanced options settings take effect when the server is shut down and restarted.

Server Configuration
The server requires minimal configuration for it to run properly. You can customize the server’s
behaviour as required. This section shows you how to create and edit objects, using the
Configuration window or the Configuration Wizard.

Configuration Wizard
The Configuration Wizard is, by default, launched once the installation process is complete. It
allows a step-by-step initial configuration of the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs. The
Configuration Wizard can also be launched by clicking on the Windows Start button and selecting
Programs -> MatrikonOPC -> SiemensPLC -> Siemens PLCs Configuration Wizard.
Figure 12 shows the TCP channel configuration screen. Unless the channel needs to be renamed or
offline mode needs to be enabled, click on the Next button to proceed through the Wizard.

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 Figure 12 - TCP Channel Configuration Screen

Configuring the TCP Channel Using the Wizard

Figure 13 shows the Configuring TCP Channel window which appears upon selecting the TCP
channel and clicking the Configure button.

Figure 13 - Configuring TCP Channel

Table 15 describes the fields available in the Configuring TCP Channel window.

Field Description
Name TCP Channel name.

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 Field Description
Check this option to enable offline mode for this TCP channel and
Do not have access to PLC.
all devices underneath. Refer to Appendix F – Offline Mode in the
Enable Offline Mode.
Matrikon OPC Server User’s Manual for more information.
Table 15 - Configuring TCP Channel Window Fields

Figure 14 shows the S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections screen. This allows
configuring connections to S7 200 CP 243-1 modules. To add a new connection, click on the New
button. To modify an existing connection, select it and click on the Configure button. To delete an
existing connection, select it and press the Delete key. Once all the S7 200 ISO on TCP
(RFC1006) Connections have been added, click on the Next button to continue the
configuration.

Figure 14 - S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections Screen

Creating a New S7 200 ISO on TCP Connection Using the Wizard

Figure 15 shows the New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection window which appears
upon clicking the New button.

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 32

 Figure 15 - New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection

Table 16 describes the fields available in the New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection
window.

Field Description
Name ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection name.
IP Address The IP address assigned to the S7 communication processor (CP).
Select to use the PG (default) connection. Only 1 PG connection is
PG Connection
available.
Select to use a connection configured in STEP 7 MicroWIN. Up to
Configured Connection eight connections can be configured with the STEP 7 MicroWIN’s
Ethernet Wizard.
The remote (client) TSAP configured in STEP 7 MicroWIN’s
Local TSAP
Ethernet Wizard.
The local (server) TSAP configured in STEP 7 MicroWIN’s
Remote TSAP
Ethernet Wizard.
Click on the Import button to import data block symbols from a
Import data block variables STEP 7 MicroWIN Export file.
from STEP 7 MicroWIN Export Click on the Clear button to delete currently imported data block
File symbols.
Note: Importing data block symbols will override existing ones.
Table 16 - New S7 200 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection Window Fields

Figure 16 shows the S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections screen. This allows
configuring connections to S7 300/400 CP 343-1 and CP 443-1 modules. To add a new
connection, click on the New button. To modify an existing connection, select it and click on the

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Configure button. To delete an existing connection, select it and press the Delete key. Once all of
the S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections have been added, click on the Next
button to continue the configuration.

Figure 16 - ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connections Screen

Creating a New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP Connection Using the Wizard

Figure 17 shows the New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection window which
appears upon clicking the New button.

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 Figure 17 - New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection

Table 17 describes the fields available in the New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006)
Connection window.

Field Description
Name ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection name.
IP Address The IP address assigned to the S7 communication processor (CP).
The S7 model which also defines the communication processor
S7 Model (CP), the OPC server is connecting to (e.g., if S7 300 is selected,
the CP model is CP 343).
The number of simultaneous connections the S7 CP can handle is
Link Type determined by the type of link selected. Select the PLC type to use
multiple connections.
The rack number of the CPU which the OPC server is reading data
Rack
from.
The slot number of the CPU which the OPC server is reading data
Slot
from.
Click on the Import button to import data block symbols from a
STEP 7 project. Refer to Importing Data Blocks from a STEP 7
Import data block symbols Project Using the Wizard for more details.
from STEP 7 Project Click on the Clear button to delete currently imported data block
symbols.
Note: Importing data block symbols will override existing ones.
Table 17 - New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection Window Fields

Figure 18 shows the NetLink Connections screen. This allows configuring connections to
Hilscher’s NetLink-MPI adapters. The connections list should already show the NetLink adapters

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 35

which were discovered on the local network when the TCP channel was created. To add a new
connection, click on the New button. To modify an existing connection, select it and click on the
Configure button. To delete an existing connection, select it and press the Delete key. Once all
the NetLink Connections are added, click on the Next button to continue the configuration.

Figure 18 - NetLink Connections Screen

Creating a New NetLink Connection Using the Wizard

Figure 19 shows the New NetLink Connection window which appears upon clicking the New
button.

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 Figure 19 - New NetLink Connection Window

Table 18 describes the fields available on the New ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection tab.

Field Description
Name ISO on TCP (RFC1006) Connection name.
IP Address The IP address assigned to the NetLink-MPI adapter.
Click on the Import button to import data block symbols from a
STEP 7 project. Refer to Importing Data Blocks from a STEP 7
Project Using the Wizard for more details.
Import data block symbols
Click on the Clear button to delete currently imported data block
from STEP 7 Project
symbols.
Note: Importing data block symbols will override the existing
ones.
Table 18 - New NetLink Connection Window Fields

Figure 20 shows the Configuration Complete screen. Click on the Finish button to close the
Configuration Wizard.

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 Figure 20 - Configuration Complete Screen

Importing Data Block Symbols From a STEP 7 Project Using the Wizard
Clicking on the Import button on either the New S7 300/400 ISO on TCP (RFC1006)
Connection or New NetLink Connection window displays the Open STEP 7 Project File
window shown in Figure 21. Browse to the STEP 7 project file from which the data block symbols
will be imported, select the file and click on the Open button.

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 Figure 21 - Open STEP 7 Project File

Once a STEP 7 project file is selected, the Import S7 Data Block Symbols from {Internal
Project Name} window is displayed. In the PLC Programs list, browse to the S7 program from
which the data block symbols will be imported, select it and click on the Import button.

Figure 22 - Import Data Block Symbols from {Internal Project Name} Window

Once the data block symbols are imported for the current connection, the New ISO on TCP
(RFC1006) Connection or the New NetLink Connection window will show the result as shown

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 39

in Figure 23. Once the connection is added, the data block symbols can be accessed as OPC items
from any compliant OPC client through the OPC server browsing address space.

Figure 23 - Import Data Block Symbols Result

Modifying an Existing Connection Using the Wizard

To modify an existing connection:
1. Select the connection in the list and click on the Configure button, or
• Double-click the connection in the list, or
• Right-click the connection in the list and then select Configure from the displayed
menu.

Deleting an Existing Connection Using the Wizard

To delete an existing connection:
1. Select the connection in the list and click on the Delete button, or
• Select the connection in the list and press the Delete key, or
• Right-click the connection in the list and then select Delete from the displayed
menu.

Using the Connections List Menu

The menu shown in Figure 24 is displayed by right-clicking on a connection. The menu can be used
to add a new connection, modify, delete, duplicate an existing one, or refresh the connections list.

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 Figure 24 - Connections List Menu

Table 19 describes the commands available in the Connections List Menu.

Field Description
New Creates a new connection.
Configure Modify the selected connection.
Duplicate Makes a copy of the selected connection.
Refresh Refreshes the connections list.
Delete Deletes the selected connection.
Disable/Enable Disables or enables the selected connection.
Table 19 - Connections List Menu Commands

Creating Objects
The Insert New Object and Create New windows are used to create Siemens PLCs device link
objects.

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Insert New Object Window
The Insert New Object window (Figure 25) displays a different set of options depending on the
type of object selected and the types of objects already configured under it.

Figure 25 - Insert New Object Window

Table 20 describes the types of objects that are available for insertion as a child in the Insert New
Object window, depending on which object is currently selected.

Selected Object Insert New Object Window Options

Server Status List

Root Device Link (Server Configuration)
Siemens TCP/IP Channel

Server Status List <None>

Redundancy Group
Siemens TCP/IP Channel S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection
S7 NetLink Connection

Redundancy Group <None>

S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection <None>
S7 NetLink Connection <None>
Table 20 - Insert New Object Window Options

To insert a new object:

1. On the Configuration window, select the Server Configuration node and either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 25) appears.
3. From the displayed list, select the type of object to be created.
Note: Different objects may be available depending on which object is currently selected in
the tree view.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. The Create New window appears.

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To create a newly inserted object:
1. From the Create New window, enter a name for the object. This name is part of the item
ID that globally identifies data items from under the object. You may also choose to enter a
description of the object.
2. Edit the configuration components as desired.
3. Click on the OK button. The object is created.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled. This can be done at
any time.

Create New Window

The Create New window (Figure 26) displays the settings available for a new object.
The following sub-sections contain information on the types of objects available and how to
configure them.
A device-specific window is displayed for each device link:
• Server Status List
• Siemens TCP/IP Channel
• Redundancy Group
• S7 ISO on TCP Connection
• S7 NetLink Connection

Creating and Configuring a Server Status List Object

Some OPC clients use the OPC call, GetServerStatus(), to monitor the state of an OPC server.
Matrikon OPC’s Server Status List object makes it possible to monitor an OPC server status in a
customizable way.
The Server Status List object contains a list of subscribed device links that can exist anywhere in
the OPC server hierarchy. The status of the server is checked every configured status check period
by examining the status of the subscribed device links. Device links can be added to the Server
Status List in one of two ways:
1. Direct – the device link is added directly to the subscription list.
2. Parent – the device link’s sub-ordinates are added to the subscription list.
There are two options for the logic that will determine the server status. For the Server Status to
be Running, the first option requires that there is at least one subscribed device link that is
running. In this case, if all subscribed device links enter a failure condition (e.g., become
disconnected), the Server Status will be Failed. The second option is stricter as it is required that
all subscribed device links be running. In this case, if any subscribed device links enter a failure
condition, the Server Status will be Failed.
Multiple Server Status Lists can exist and there can be one or more device links contained within a
Server Status List. There is no restriction on having a particular device link contained within more
than one Server Status List.
The Create New Server Status List window (Figure 26) displays the settings available for
configuring a Server Status List object.

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 Figure 26 - Create New Server Status List Window

Table 21 describes the components of the Create New Server Status List window.

Component Description
Allows you to enter the name of the device link, which becomes an
Name element of the item ID for data items.
Automatically converted to title case for display purposes.
Use this checkbox to enable (i.e., checkbox is selected) or disable
Enabled (i.e., checkbox is cleared) communication for the object.
By default, the checkbox is selected.
This field is optional and takes any user-defined text (64-character
Description maximum) for documentation purposes.
By default, this field is blank.
Allows you to enter a value to define how often (in milliseconds) to
check connected device links to make sure they are still actively
Status Check Period communicating with a device.
Default = 5000 ms.

Status Check Type Allows you to select the type of logic used to determine Server
Status. Selecting the first option, ‘Running’ if at least one link is

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 Component Description
connected, results in a Server Status of Running (rather than
Failed) if there are one or more device links with a status of
Running.
Selecting the second option, ‘Running’ if all links are connected,
results in a Server Status of Failed if there are one or more device
links with a status of Failed.
This section of the General tab displays those device links defined as
part of the server status list. The Subscriptions section contains the
Subscriptions
following fields and buttons which are described below: Direct Device
Link Name, Parent Device Link Name, Add, Delete.
Allows you to enter the name of the device link that is going to be
added to the list of Direct Device Links. These device links have their
Direct Device Link Name
state monitored directly. The full path of the device link must be
entered.
Allows you to enter the name of the device link that is going to be
added to the list of Parent Device Links. The subordinates of these
device links will have their state monitored directly. The full path of
the parent device link must be entered.
Parent Device Link Name Note: Only immediate subordinates are monitored. If a parent device
link named Parent has a subordinate Child that is the parent of
another device link, Grandchild, only the Child device link is
monitored. For Grandchild to be monitored, it may be added to the
Direct Device Link list, or Child may be added to the Parent Device
Link list.
After entering a device link name into either the Direct Device Link
Name field, or the Parent Device Link Name field, use the Add button
for that particular list to add the device link to the list.
Add Note: Once you have added a device link, you can make changes to it
or delete it (see Delete for more information). To update a device
link, from the list, highlight the one you want to change. Notice that
the Add button now reads Update. Make the necessary changes and
click on the Update button.
Select the device link you want to remove from a particular list (either
Delete a Direct Device Link Name, or a Parent Device Link Name) and click
on the Delete button.
OK Select this button to save any changes and close the window.
Select this button to close the window without saving any changes
Cancel
made.
Table 21 - Create New Server Status List Window Components

To create a Server Status List object:

1. On the Configuration window, select the Server Configuration node and either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

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 2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 25) appears.
3. From the displayed list, select Server Status List.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. The Create New window appears (Figure 26).
Note: The item selected in the Insert New Object window determines which Create New
window is displayed. For example, when Server Status List is selected, then the Create
New Server Status List window is displayed.
6. From the Create New window, enter a name for the object.
Note: An error message is displayed when a valid name is not entered. If the entered name
is a duplicate of an existing device link, the new device link is not created. The Description
field is optional.
7. Edit the configuration components as desired.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled (i.e., the Enabled
checkbox is selected). This can be done at any time.
8. Click on the OK button. The object is created and appears as a child of the Server
Configuration item as shown in Figure 27.

Figure 27 - New Server Status List Object

Creating and Configuring a Siemens TCP/IP Channel

A Siemens TCP/IP Channel object (i.e., device link) allows device links configured underneath it to
communicate on the Ethernet network using the TCP/IP protocol. A Siemens TCP/IP Channel object
auto-discovers NetLink adapters available on the Ethernet network and creates corresponding
device link for each one.
A Siemens TCP/IP Channel object can be created manually. By highlighting the Server
Configuration item and selecting the Define New option, you can create and configure a
Siemens TCP/IP Channel. Refer to the procedure entitled To manually create a Siemens TCP/IP
Channel, for more information.

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 Connection
Upon connection, NetLink adapters available on the network are auto-discovered.
The Create New window (Figure 28) displays the settings available for a Siemens TCP/IP Channel.

Figure 28 - Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel Window

Table 22 describes the components of the Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel window.

Component Description
Name of the object, which becomes an element of the item ID for
Name data items under the object.
Automatically converted to title case for display purposes.
Enable (select the checkbox) or disable (clear the checkbox)
Enabled communication for the object.
By default, this checkbox is selected.
Optional, user-defined text (64-character maximum) for
Description documentation purposes.
By default, this field is blank.
Allows you to enter a value that defines the amount of time (in
Inter Connect Delay
milliseconds) between two connection attempts.

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 Component Description
Default = 1000.
Allows you to enter a value that defines the amount of time (in
milliseconds) that the server will wait for NetLink adapters to reply to
Timeout an auto-discovery request.
Default = 3000.
When this option is selected (i.e., checked) and the user presses the
Apply button, the OPC server auto-discovers NetLink adapters
Discover NetLink adapters connected to the same Ethernet network.
Default = Checked
Allows you to select (i.e., check) this option to enable Offline Mode.
Offline mode allows the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs to be
Do not have access to PLC.
disconnected from the end device but still return data. Refer to
Enable Offline Mode.
Appendix F – Offline Mode in the Matrikon OPC Server User’s Manual
for more information about offline mode.
OK Select this button to save any changes and close the window.
Select this button to close the window without saving any changes
Cancel
made.
Table 22 - Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel Window

To manually create a Siemens TCP/IP Channel:

1. On the Configuration window, select the Server Configuration node and either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 25 - Insert New Object Window
3. ) appears.
4. From the displayed list, select the Siemens TCP/IP Channel object type.
5. Click on the OK button.
6. The Create New window appears (Figure 28).
Note: The item selected in the Insert New Object window will determine which Create
New window is displayed. For example, when Siemens TCP/IP Channel is selected, then
the Create New Siemens TCP/IP Channel window is displayed.
7. From the Create New window, enter a name for the device link.
Note: An error message is displayed when a valid name is not entered. If the entered name
is a duplicate of an existing device link, the new device link will not be created. The
Description field is optional.
8. Edit the configuration components as desired.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled (i.e., the Enabled
checkbox is selected). This can be done at any time.
9. Click on the OK button. The object is created and will appear as a child of the Server
Configuration item as shown in Figure 29.

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 Figure 29 - New Manually-Created Siemens TCP/IP Channel

Creating and Configuring a Redundancy Group Object

The Redundancy Group contains a list of device links that can exist anywhere in the OPC server
hierarchy. The Redundancy Group assigns one of the device links in the list as the active device
link. Depending on the selected redundancy mode (see Table 23), the non-active device links are
placed in communicating, standby or disabled states. As operations (e.g., adding items,
reading/writing) are performed on the Redundancy Group, these actions are forwarded through to
the active device link. If the active device link enters a failure condition (e.g., becomes
disconnected), the Redundancy Group assigns a new active device link by iterating through its list
until it can find a device link that is connected.
Multiple Redundancy Groups can exist, and there can be one or more device links contained within
a Redundancy Group. A particular device link may only be a member of one redundancy group at a
time. The group tries to make one of the device links within itself, the active device link (i.e., the
device link that the Redundancy Group is reading/writing data from/to).
Each device link within a Redundancy Group will have an assigned priority. When deciding which
device link to make active, the Redundancy Group goes through the list of its device links in order
of priority, from highest to lowest. When not in Cold redundancy mode, if a device link that has a
higher priority than the active device links becomes connected, the Redundancy Group makes that
particular device link active.
Items within the Redundancy Group are added with the same item ID as those in its redundant
device links with the name of the redundant device link being replaced with the name of the
Redundancy Group. Therefore, redundant device links should have identical hierarchy layout and
naming conventions below their level. The success of a redundancy item addition depends on
whether the Redundancy Group can add the mapped item to the active device link. OPC reads and
writes performed on the redundancy item are forwarded to the mapped item in the active device
link.
The Create New Redundancy Group window (Figure 30) displays the settings available for
configuring a Redundancy Group object.

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 Mode Description
All device links are connected. Items are added only to the active device
link, but are not removed when a fail over occurs. As failovers occur and
Classic
cause multiple device links to become active, the collection state becomes
the same as Hot.
All device links are connected. When items are added they are added to all
Hot device links in the redundancy group. This means that all device links are
actively collecting all the time.
All device links are connected. When items are added they are added to
Warm the active device link. When a failover occurs the items will be removed
from the formerly active device link.
Only the active device link is connected. When items are added they are
added to the active device link. When a failover occurs the items will be
removed from the formerly active device link.
Cold
Note: When a device link is a member of a Cold mode redundancy group
and not the active device link, then all communication through that
device link is disabled.
Table 23 - Redundancy Modes

Figure 30 - Create New Redundancy Group Window

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 Table 24 describes the components of the Create New Redundancy Group window.

Component Description
Allows you to enter the name of the device link, which becomes an
Name element of the item ID for data items. Automatically converted to title
case for display purposes. For example, PLC1R.
Use this checkbox to enable (i.e., checkbox is selected) or disable (i.e.,
Enabled checkbox is cleared) communication for the object.
By default, the checkbox is selected.
This field is optional and takes any user-defined text (64-character
Description maximum) for documentation purposes.
By default, this field is blank.
Allows you to enter a value to define how often (in milliseconds) to check
connected device links to make sure they are still actively communicating
Status Check Period with a device.
Default = 5000 ms.
Allows you to enter a value to define how often (in milliseconds) to check
connections that have failed (i.e., communication is down) to determine if
Connection Period connections have been restored.
Default = 1000 ms.
Allows you to select, from the drop-down list, the style (Classic, Hot,
Mode Warm, Cold) of redundancy management that should be used by this
group.
This section of the General tab displays those device links defined as part
of this particular redundant set, and the priorities of the device links. The
Subscriptions
Subscriptions section contains the following fields and buttons which are
described below: Device Link Name, Priority, Add, Delete.
Allows you to enter the name of the device link that is going to be added.
The name should be the connection device link name followed by “>”
followed by the PLC device link name. For example, if you named your
Device Link Name connection PLANT1 and your PLCs PLC1A and PLC1B, you should enter
PLANT1>PLC1A and then click Add and then enter PLANT1>PLC1B
and then click Add. You may wish to adjust Priority before clicking Add if
you want one PLC to be favored over the other,
Allows you to select a priority (High, Medium, or Low) for the current
Priority device link from the drop-down list. Device links of higher priority are
preferred to lower priority device links.
After entering a Device Link Name and selecting a Priority, use the Add
button to add the device link to the list of redundant device links that
appears at the bottom of the General tab.
Add Note: Once you have added a device link, you can make changes to it or
delete it (see Delete for more information). To update a device link, from
the list, highlight the one you want to change. Notice that the Add button
now reads Update. Make the necessary changes and click on the Update
button.
Delete From the list of redundant device links that appears at the bottom of the

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 Component Description
General tab, select the device link you want to remove and click on the
Delete button to delete it from the list.
OK Select this button to save any changes and close the window.
Cancel Select this button to close the window without saving any changes made.
Table 24 - Create New Redundancy Group Window Components

To create a Redundancy Group object:

1. On the Configuration window, select the Server Configuration node and either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 25) appears.
3. From the displayed list, select Redundancy Group.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. The Create New window appears (Figure 30).
Note: The item selected in the Insert New Object window determines which Create New
window is displayed. For example, when Redundancy Group is selected, then the Create
New Redundancy Group window is displayed.
6. From the Create New window, enter a name for the object.
Note: An error message is displayed when a valid name is not entered. If the entered name
is a duplicate of an existing device link, the new device link is not created. The Description
field is optional.
7. Edit the configuration components as desired.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled (i.e., the Enabled
checkbox is selected). This can be done at any time.
8. Click on the OK button. The object is created and appears as a child of the Server
Configuration item as shown in Figure 31.

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 Figure 31 - New Redundancy Group Object

To use a Redundancy Group object:

The object will be in the configured location in the hierarchy, that is, underneath a communications
device link and you will be able to browse whatever items are in the currently active PLC. To add
items that use this redundant connection, add items under the redundant connection as if it was an
actual PLC. In the example above, PLC1R is the redundant device link for PLC1A and PLC1B, so
items using redundancy will be prefixed by PLANT1>PLC1R> instead of PLANT1>PLC1A> or
PLANT1>PLC1B>. Note that if you add items under PLANT1>PLC1A or PLANT1>PLC1B the
OPC server will communicate will that PLC only; that is, the communications will not be redundant.

Creating and Configuring an S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection

The S7 ISO on TCP Connection handles the configuration of S7 ISO on TCP protocol parameters as
well as the flow of data between the server and the S7 communication processor (CP).
The only limit when creating a S7 ISO on TCP Connection is the number of connections available in
each PLC’s communication processor (CP).
A S7 ISO on TCP Connection can be created manually by highlighting an existing Siemens TCP/IP
Channel and selecting the Define New option. For more information, refer to the step-by-step
procedure entitled To manually create a S7 ISO on TCP Connection.
The Create New window (Figure 32) displays the settings available for a S7 ISO on TCP
Connection.
The Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection window consists of four tabs:
• General
• Timing
• S7 Parameters
• Optimization

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 General Tab

Figure 32 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (General Tab)

Table 25 describes the components of the Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection - General
tab.

Component Description
User name assigned to the object, which becomes an element of the item ID
Name for data items. Automatically converted to title case for display purposes.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Enable (select the checkbox) or disable (clear the checkbox) communication
for the object.
Enabled
By default, the checkbox is selected.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Optional, user-defined text (64-character maximum) for documentation
purposes.
Description
By default, this field is blank.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Connection Status Displays the connection to the S7 communication processor (CP) status.

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 Component Description
Allows you to select, from the drop-down list, the S7 model which also
defines the communication processor (CP) to which the OPC server is
Model connecting (e.g., if S7 300 is selected, the CP model is CP 343).
Default = S7 200.
Displays the IP address assigned to the S7 communication processor (CP).
IP Address
By default, this field is empty.
Displays the TCP port number used to connect to the S7 communication
Port Number processor (CP).
Default = 102.
Allows you to define the path to the SIMATIC Step 7 project from which the
Import Symbols OPC server can import symbols. Refer to Importing Symbols From
SIMATIC Step 7 Project.
Select this button to save any changes and close the window.
OK
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Select this button to close the window without saving any changes made.
Cancel
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Table 25 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (General Tab) Components

Note: When the S7 model changes while an OPC client is reading

data, some OPC items may not be valid anymore even though using a
correct syntax.
For example, item C0 becomes invalid when the model changes from
S7 200 to S7 300 since these models use different type identifiers for
counters. In this case, the OPC client needs to disconnect and
reconnect to the OPC server to recreate these items with the correct
type identifiers.
Following are the types which do not require an OPC client
disconnection/reconnection:
• Discrete Inputs
• Discrete Outputs
• Internal Memory
Timing Tab
Table 26 describes the components of the Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection - Timing tab
(Figure 33).

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 Figure 33 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Timing Tab)

Component Description
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the communication
timeout. If the server sends a request and does not receive a response from
Timeout the S7 CP within this time limit, it will retry sending the message.
Default = 1000.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Inter Message Delay consecutive messages.
Default = 10.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Inter Connect Delay connection attempts to the S7 CP.
Default = 1000.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Retry Delay consecutive read attempts.
Default = 100.
Allows you to enter a value defining the number of retries allowed. If the
Retries server sends a request to the S7 CP and does not receive a response in the
time limit specified in the Timeout field, it will retry sending the message the

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 Component Description
number of times specified here in this field. If a response is not received
within the allotted number of retries, the server assumes that communication
to the S7 CP has been lost.
Default = 3.
Table 26 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Timing Tab) Components

S7 Parameters Tab
Table 27 describes the components of the Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection – S7
Parameters tab (Figure 34).

Figure 34 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (S7 Parameters Tab)

Component Description
The number of simultaneous connections the S7 CP can handle is
determined by the type of link selected from the drop-down list. Each S7
ISO on TCP connection allows only one connection to the S7 CP. To increase
the data throughput, multiple connections must be configured. This can be
done by creating multiples S7 ISO on TCP connection objects with identical
settings (except the object name), under the same Siemens TCP/IP Channel
or under a separate one.
Link Type The three different link types supported are:
1. PG/PC (Programming device or PC): Typically limited to only one
connection.
2. OP (Operator panel): Typically limited to only one connection.
3. PLC (includes any device communicating with the CP and
different than a PG/PC or OP): Number of simultaneous
connections is typically 2 or greater (please refer to the S7 CPU

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 Component Description
documentation for the maximum number of connections supported).
The default option is set to PLC, since the PG/PC and/or OP links might be
used by other automation software or devices.
Rack The rack number of the CPU from which the OPC server is reading data.
Slot The slot number of the CPU from which the OPC server is reading data.
Select this option to use the PG connection, which is the default connection
used by STEP 7 MicroWIN. Only one PG connection is available.
PG Connection
Note: Please ensure no other configuration or communication software is
using this same connection.
Select this option to use a connection which was configured in STEP 7
MicroWIN. Up to eight connections can be added with the STEP 7
Configured Connection
MicroWIN’s Ethernet Wizard. Each connection can be used by only one
client.
Remote TSAP Displays the remote TSAP used to connect to the S7 PLC.
Local TSAP Displays the local TSAP used to connect to the S7 PLC.
Table 27 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (S7 Parameters Tab) Components

Note: The TSAP is displayed in the STEP 7 MicroWIN’s Ethernet

Wizard as: nn.yy (Hexadecimal values). In the OPC server
configuration, the TSAP must be entered without the period: nnyy
(Hexadecimal values).
Optimization Tab
Table 27 describes the components of the Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection -
Optimization tab (Figure 35).

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 Figure 35 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Optimization Tab)

Component Description
Allows you to enter a value defining the maximum length (in bytes) used
for data block strings.
Maximum String Length
For optimal performance, this parameter is set, by default, to 210 bytes,
but can be extended to 254 bytes.
Allows you to enter a value defining the maximum gap (in bytes)
Maximum Gap between adjacent items in the same data area.
Default = 1.
Table 28 - Create New S7 ISO on TCP Connection Window (Optimization Tab) Components

To manually create an S7 ISO on TCP Connection:

1. On the Configuration window, select an existing Siemens TCP/IP Channel item and
either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 36) appears.

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 Figure 36 - Insert New Object Window

3. From the displayed list, select the S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection object type.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. The Create New window appears (Figure 32).
Note: The item selected in the Insert New Object window determines which Create New
window is displayed. For example, when S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection is
selected, then the Create New S7 ISO on TCP (RFC 1006) Connection window is
displayed.
6. From the Create New window, enter a name for the object.
Note: An error message is displayed when a valid name is not entered. If the entered name
is a duplicate of an existing object, the new object will not be created. The Description
field is optional.
7. Edit the configuration components as desired.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled (i.e., the Enabled
checkbox is selected). This can be done at any time.
8. Click on the OK button. The object is created and appears as a child of the Siemens
TCP/IP Channel item as shown in Figure 37.

Figure 37 - New S7 ISO on TCP Connection

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Creating and Configuring a S7 NetLink Connection
The S7 NetLink Connection handles the configuration of NetLink protocol parameters and the flow
of data between the server and the NetLink adapter.
The only limit when creating a S7 NetLink Connection is the number of NetLink adapters on the
network.
A S7 NetLink Connection can be created manually by highlighting an existing Siemens TCP/IP
Channel and selecting the Define New option. For more information, refer to the step-by-step
instructions entitled To manually create a S7 NetLink Connection.
The Create New window (Figure 32) displays the settings available for a S7 NetLink Connection.
The Create New S7 NetLink Connection window consists of three tabs:
• General
• Timing
• Optimization
General Tab
Table 25 describes the components of the Create New S7 NetLink Connection - General tab
(Figure 38).

Figure 38 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (General Tab)

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 Component Description
Name of the object, which becomes an element of the item ID for data items
under the object.
Name
Automatically converted to title case for display purposes.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Use this checkbox to enable (i.e., checkbox is selected) or disable (i.e.,
checkbox is cleared) communication for the object.
Enabled
By default, the checkbox is selected.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
This field is optional, takes any user-defined text (64-character maximum)
for documentation purposes.
Description
By default, this field is blank.
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Connection Status Displays the status of the connection to the NetLink adapter.
Displays the local network adapter used to communicate with the NetLink
Network Adapter
adapter.
This field contains the IP address assigned to the NetLink adapter.
IP Address
By default, this field is blank.
This field contains the TCP port number used to connect to the NetLink
Port Number
adapter.
This field contains the MPI ID used by the PLC to which the NetLink adapter is
MPI Address
connected.
Ethernet Address Displays the NetLink adapter Ethernet address.
Serial Number Displays the NetLink adapter serial number.
Defines the path to the SIMATIC Step 7 project from which the OPC server
Import Symbols can import data block symbols. Refer to Importing Symbols From
SIMATIC Step 7 Project.
Select this button to save any changes and close the window.
OK
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Select this button to close the window without saving any changes made.
Cancel
Note: This information stays consistent across all tabs.
Table 29 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (General Tab) Components

Timing Tab
Table 26 describes the components of the Create New S7 NetLink Connection - Timing tab
(Figure 39).

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 Figure 39 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window - Timing Tab

Component Description
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the communication
timeout. If the server sends a request and does not receive a response from
Timeout the S7 CP within this time limit, it will retry sending the message.
Default = 1000.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Inter Message Delay consecutive messages.
Default = 10.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Inter Connect Delay connection attempts to the S7 CP.
Default = 1000.
Allows you to enter a value (in milliseconds) to define the delay between
Retry Delay consecutive read attempts.
Default = 100.
Allows you to enter a value that defines the number of retries allowed. If the
Retries server sends a request to the S7 CP and does not receive a response in the
time limit specified in the Timeout field, it will retry sending the message

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 Component Description
the number of times specified here in this field. If a response is not received
within the allotted number of retries, the server assumes that communication
to the S7 CP has been lost.
Default = 3.
Table 30 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Timing Tab) Components

Optimization Tab
Table 26 describes the components of the Create New S7 NetLink Connection - Optimization
tab (Figure 40).

Figure 40 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Optimization Tab)

Component Description
Allows you to enter a value that defines the maximum length (in bytes)
Maximum String used for data block strings.
Length For optimal performance, this parameter is set, by default, to 200 bytes,
but can be extended to 254 bytes.
Allows you to enter a value that defines the maximum gap (in bytes)
Maximum Gap
between adjacent items in the same data area.

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 Component Description
Default = 1.
Table 31 - Create New S7 NetLink Connection Window (Optimization Tab) Components

To manually create an S7 NetLink Connection:

1. On the Configuration window, select an existing Siemens TCP/IP Channel item and
either:
• Right-click your mouse and select Define New from the menu that appears, or
• Select the Define New menu option from the Edit menu, or

• Click on the icon.

2. The Insert New Object window (Figure 36) appears.
3. From the displayed list, select the S7 NetLink Connection object type.
4. Click on the OK button.
5. The Create New window appears (Figure 38).
Note: The item selected in the Insert New Object window determines which Create New
window is displayed. For example, when S7 NetLink Connection is selected, then the
Create New S7 NetLink Connection window is displayed.
6. From the Create New window, enter a name for the object.
Note: An error message is displayed when a valid name is not entered. If the entered name
is a duplicate of an existing object, the new object will not be created. The Description
field is optional.
7. Edit the configuration components as desired.
Note: For the object to be used for communication, it must be enabled (i.e., the Enabled
checkbox is selected). This can be done at any time.
8. Click on the OK button. The object is created and appears as a child of the Siemens
TCP/IP Channel item as shown in Figure 41.

Figure 41 - New S7 NetLink Connection

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Changing Objects
To change an object’s configuration:
1. Once an object is created, select it in the tree view (i.e., Current configuration) panel.
2. In the configuration panel (i.e., pane on the right), make the applicable changes.
3. Click on the Apply button to accept the changes, or click on the Cancel button to discard
them.

Removing Objects
Note: Users can easily remove any object that they have created, but a warning message (Figure
42) will appear when users remove an object that has data items to which one or more OPC clients
hold reference.

Figure 42 - Client Reference Warning Message

To remove an object:
1. In the Configuration window, under Server Configuration, select the object to be
removed.

2. From the Edit menu, select the Delete menu option (or click on the button).
Note: If one or more OPC clients hold references to data items somewhere under the
selected object, a warning message (Figure 42) appears.
3. To mark the object for later deletion, click on the Yes button. To leave the object
unmodified, click on the No button.
Note: Items marked for deletion are disabled and a red X appears over the icon on the right
side of the window when the object is selected.

Importing Symbols From SIMATIC STEP 7 Project

To import symbols from a SIMATIC STEP 7 project:
1. Select the connection which should be using the symbols.

2. Click on the browse button associated with the Import Symbols field.
3. The Select Step 7 Project File window (Figure 43) appears.

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 Figure 43 - Select Step 7 Project File Window

4. By default, the window points to the SIMATIC STEP 7 directory. Select the project from
which the OPC server should be importing the symbols.
5. Click on the Open button.
6. The Import S7 Symbols from [Project Internal Name] window (Figure 44) appears.

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 Figure 44 - Import STEP 7 Project Symbols from [Project Internal Name] Window

Table 32 describes the components of the Import STEP 7 Project Symbols from [Project
Internal Name].

Component Description
Step 7 Project Path The SIMATIC Step 7 project directory path.
Internal Name The SIMATIC Step 7 project internal name.
PLC Programs PLC programs available in stations configured in SIMATIC Step 7.
Import Click this button to import symbols from the selected PLC program.
Clear All Click this button to clear the Symbols list.
Symbols List of imported symbols.
Delete Select the required symbol and then click this button to delete a symbol.
Table 32 - Select S7 Data Block Symbols from [Project Internal Name] Components

To import data block variables from a STEP 7 MicroWIN project:

1. Select the connection which should be using the variable symbols.

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 2. Click on the browse button associated with the Import Symbols field.
3. The Select STEP 7 MicroWIN Export File window (Figure 45) appears.

Figure 45 - Select STEP 7 MicroWIN Export File Window

4. Select the export file from which the data block variables should be imported.
5. Click on the Open button.

To export STEP 7 MicroWIN project data block variables to a file:

1. Launch STEP 7 MicroWIN and Open the project which contains the data block variables.
2. Right click on Data Block and then select Export from the displayed menu.

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 Figure 46 - STEP 7 MicroWIN Project Window

3. The Export Data Block window (Figure 47) appears.

Figure 47 - Export Data Block Window

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 4. Browse to the location where the export file should be stored. Type a file name in the File
name field.
5. Click on the Save button.

Alias Configuration
Matrikon OPC servers, including this one, provide the ability to create user-defined aliases that can
be used in place of regular OPC items. This feature is particularly useful when the item path for a
given server is very complex or difficult to remember, for example: Com1.Radio1.Unit1.41.4.123.
Servers can also be configured so that client applications have access to configured aliases only,
rather than every available item.
This section of the manual describes how to create and edit aliases using the Configuration
window.
Note: It is not necessary to define aliases before accessing server data items from an OPC client.

Inserting Alias Groups

Note: Alias Groups are used to contain one or more configured aliases.
To insert an Alias Group:
1. On the Configuration window, select Alias Configuration or a previously configured Alias
Group.

2. From the Edit menu, choose Insert Alias Group or click on the button.
3. A new Alias Group folder appears.
4. Enter a new name for the Alias Group, and press Enter.
5. The Alias Group is renamed.

Renaming Alias Groups

Note: Alias Groups can be renamed after they have been created.
To rename an Alias Group:
1. On the Configuration window, select an Alias Group.

2. From the Edit menu, choose Rename or click on the button.

3. The Alias Group is renamed.

Inserting New Aliases

Use the Insert New Alias window (Figure 48) to insert a new alias into an Alias Group, or insert a
new alias on its own directly under the Alias Configuration node.

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 Figure 48 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Type

Table 33 describes the components of the Insert New Alias window.

Component Description
Allows you to enter a name for the alias (which must be unique within
Name
the alias group).
A basic alias is an alias that renames a data item in the server and
Basic Alias optionally allows the configuration of simple scaling. This Alias type is
typically used when trying to simplify a servers address space.
Fully-qualified item ID for the OPC item to which the alias refers. Click
on the Browse button to display the Item Path Browser window
used to select an existing OPC item on the server.
Item Path
Note: If Events are enabled, the alias creates a data subscription to
the configured item at the Alias Subscription Rate. This rate is
configured in the Advanced Options window.
Basic Aliases can be configured to have scaling calculations applied to
the value of the mapped item ID configured under Item Path. To
enable the use of a scaling algorithm check the Apply scaling
Apply Scaling Algorithm
algorithm checkbox. Click on the Settings button to display the
Configure Scaling window used to configured the scaling algorithm
used.
Advanced Calculation Alias An Advanced Calculation Alias allows the user to configuration a data

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 Component Description
point whose value is the result of a mathematical equation that can
involve values from multiple data items in the server. See Appendix
B – Aliases – Advanced Calculations or click on the Help icon for
information on how to write equations and the functions available.
The equation to apply to calculate the data value of the alias. Use the
Insert Item button to display the Item Path Browser window used
Equation
to select an existing OPC item on the server and insert a reference
into the equation.
A Holding Register Alias is a data item that is not associated with any
data items in the server. These registers can be read from and
Holding Register Alias written to like any other data item. Typically Holding Register Aliases
are used as temporary data locations or for configuration testing
during system deployment.
The canonical data type of the holding register. All values written to
Data Type this alias will be converted to this data type. By default, clients will be
sent data as this data type.
By default, a holding register will initially contain a value of 0 or the
closest value to zero that applies to the data type. If this value
requires a different initial value it can be entered here.
Initial Value
Note: Not all data types support the configuration of an initial value.
This field may be disabled depending on the data type chosen for the
holding register.
Save Save changes to the alias and close the window.
Save & Create New Save changes to the alias and begin configuring a new one.
Discards changes to (abandon creation of) the alias and closes the
Cancel
window.
Table 33 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Type Options

Component Description
Allows you to select, from the drop-down list, the value of the OPC
item to the specified type unless Default is selected. Also serves as
Data Type the “canonical” data type for the alias.
Default = (Default).
Allows you to enter a value defining the update rate (in milliseconds)
Update Rate to use with the Poll when inactive option.
Default = 0.
When this checkbox is selected, it prevents OPC clients from writing
values to the alias.
Read only Note: This option is not available for Calculation aliases, as they are
read-only.
By default, this checkbox is cleared.

Poll when inactive If selected, continues updating the value for the alias at the specified
update rate even if there are no OPC clients currently accessing the

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 Component Description
alias.
Table 34 - Insert New Alias Window – Alias Properties Options

To insert a new alias:

Note: It is recommended that you create a new alias under an Alias Group rather than directly
under the Alias Configuration node.
1. On the Configuration window, select Alias Configuration or a previously configured Alias
Group.
2. The Contents table for that Alias Group is displayed on the right side of the
Configuration window (Figure 49), listing the aliases it contains.

Figure 49 - Contents Table

3. From the Edit menu, choose Insert New Alias.

4. The Insert New Alias window (Figure 48) appears.
5. Enter a name for the alias in the Name field.
6. Select Basic Alias.
7. Enter the item Path and ID for the item to which the alias refers, or click on the Browse
button to navigate to the item.
8. If scaling is desired, check the Apply scaling algorithm checkbox and click on the
Settings button to Configure Scaling.
9. From the Insert New Alias window, click on the Save button to save the alias.

Editing Aliases
Note: Aliases can be edited after they have been created using the Edit Alias window. This is
virtually the same as the Insert New Alias window (Figure 48) with the exception that it appears
after the alias has been created.
To edit an alias:
1. On the Configuration window, select the alias you want to change, and then double-click
or press Enter.
2. The Edit Alias window appears.
3. Make the changes as required.

Removing Aliases
Note: Any alias that was created can be removed.
To remove an alias:
1. On the Configuration Window, select one or more aliases that you want to remove.

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 2. From the Edit menu, choose the Delete Alias menu option.
3. The alias is removed.

Removing Alias Groups

Note: Any Alias Group that was created can be removed.
To remove an Alias Group:
1. On the Configuration window, select the Alias Group you want to remove.

2. From the Edit menu, select the Delete Alias Group menu option or click on the button.
3. The Alias Group is removed.

Exporting Aliases
Note: Use the Export Aliases window to export all currently configured aliases to a CSV file.
To export all currently configured aliases:

1. From the File menu, select the Export Aliases menu option or click on the button.
2. The Export Aliases window appears.
3. Enter a file name for the CSV export file.
4. Click Save.
5. The aliases are exported.

Importing Aliases
Note: Use the Import Aliases window to clear all aliases and import new ones from a CSV file.
The CSV file format does not support event generation settings. All imported aliases will be
configured to not generate events.
To import aliases from a CSV file:

1. From the File menu, select the Import Aliases menu option or click on the button.
2. The Import Aliases window appears.
3. Browse to the CSV file name.
4. Click Open.
5. The old aliases are cleared and the new ones are imported.

Configure Alias Scaling

An alias can be configured to apply a scaling algorithm to the data. Below is a description of how to
configure the scaling algorithms.

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 Figure 50 - Configure Scaling Window

Table 35 describes the Scaling Options for the Configure Scaling window.

Selection Component Description

Raw High Maximum expected raw value of the OPC item.
Raw Low Minimum expected raw value of the OPC item.
Maximum desired scaled value for the alias (corresponds to Raw
Scaled High
High).
Linear and Minimum desired scaled value for the alias (corresponds to Raw
Square Root Scaled Low
Low).
Clamp the scaled value at the high limit to prevent it from going out of
Clamp High
range.
Clamp the scaled value at the low limit to prevent it from going out of
Clamp Low
range.
Gain Scaling factor. (No limits are assumed.)
Gain/Offset
Offset Scaling offset.
Simple text equation to apply to incoming values (reads). Click on the

Input ellipsis button ( ) to display the Expression Wizard screen used to

help build a formula. For more information, refer to the Expression
Wizard section in this manual.
Expression
Simple text equation to apply to outgoing values (writes). Click on the

Output ellipsis button ( ) to display the Expression Wizard screen used to

help build a formula. For more information, refer to the Expression
Wizard section in this manual.
Table 35 - Configure Scaling Window Options

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 Notes:
• The data type for scaled values is double-precision real unless
the alias data type is specified.
• Using invalid settings, such as zero-zero for the high-low
range in Linear scaling, may be fatal to the server, OPC
clients, and communications.
• The OPC item values must be numeric for Linear, Square
Root, and Gain/Offset scaling to work.
• The OPC item values must be non-negative for Square Root
scaling to work. Otherwise, the scaled value will be -1 with a
bad quality.
• The server may be unable to load configuration files containing
invalid scaling expressions, and may fail to start up properly. If
this occurs, rename the configuration file so that the server will
not load it upon start-up. Alternatively, edit the XML file to
correct the invalid alias settings.

Configure Alias Events

Note: Alias Events needs to be licensed separately, and by default, is delivered with only a 30-day
demo. To purchase a full Alias Events license, please contact your Matrikon OPC Account Manager.
Use the Generate Events (Figure 51) window to configure whether or not aliases generate OPC
A&E events when their value changes. Access the Generate Events tab through the Insert New
Aliases window (Figure 51).

Figure 51 - Generate Events Options

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 Table 36 describes the Events tab fields.

Component Description
Allows you to enter the name of the source of the event. By default,
Source this field is the Alias Group name, or if there is no Alias Group then
the Alias name.
Allows you to select from the drop-down list, the event category
under which the event is to be registered. Select either the New
Category Category or Edit Category option to configure the registered
categories in the server. For more information, refer to the
Configure Categories section for more information.
Allows you to enter a value defining the severity of the alarm. The
Severity
allowable range is 1 through 1000.
Allows you to enter a message that is to appear in the posted event.
This message can contain references to data item in the server.
These references are replaced with the values of those items at the
time the event was generated. Click the Insert Item button to
display the Item Path Browser screen used to add item paths to
Message this field. For more information, refer to the Item Path Browser
section in this manual.
Note: If items are referenced, the alias creates a data subscription to
the referenced items at the Alias Subscription Rate. This rate is
configured in the Advanced Options window.
Table 36 - Generate Events Window Options

Configure Categories
The New Category window (Figure 52) is presented when you choose to add a new category to
the server from the Generate Events window (Figure 51).

Figure 52 - New Category Window

Table 37 describes the New Category window fields.

Component Description
Category ID Displays the ID number that appears in the event that is registered

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 Component Description
under this category. This numbered field is blank until the category is
created. Once the category is created the server assigns a unique ID.
Allows you to enter the name that is to be used to refer to the
Name
category.
Allows you to enter a description of what the category represents in
the system. The name and the description appear together as the
Description
category description in OPC clients that support retrieving category
information.
Table 37 - New Category Window Options

The Edit Categories window is displayed when you choose to edit categories from the Generate
Events window (Figure 51).

Figure 53 - Edit Categories Window

When presented with the Edit Categories window, select the category to edit and click the Edit
button. This causes the Edit Category window to appear which is virtually identical to the New
Category window.
Note: Some categories cannot be edited. These categories are marked as Read Only and can be
viewed, but not edited. From the Edit Categories window, if you wish to view existing category
details, select the required category. Click on the View button. The View Category window is
displayed, which again, is virtually identical to the New Category window.

Expression Wizard
The Expression form of scaling uses an Expression Wizard to build formulas. The created
formula is a simple text equation that is applied to either incoming values (i.e., reads), or outgoing
values (i.e., writes).

Examples

Example 1:
The following turns any number into a Boolean value. Any non-zero value shows up as a 1.
IF(INPUT = 0,0,1)

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 OUTPUT

Example 2:
The following takes the text out of SAMPLE and converts it to ON. All other values show as OFF. If
OUTPUT is specified in the Output field, then the value is transferred to the end OPC item. Using
this alias, you can write SAMPLE or any other value to the alias to get the display to changed from
OFF to ON.
String comparisons are case-sensitive.
IF(INPUT = ‘SAMPLE’,’ON’,’OFF’)
OUTPUT
Table 38 describes the Expression Wizard fields.

Component Description
Displays the expression as it is created. This field is free-form which
allows you to manually enter or edit information. This field reads Input
Input/Output Expression
Expression when creating an input or “read” expression. It reads
Output Expression when creating an output or “write” expression.
Database field This button is reserved for future enhancements.
Select this button to display the Select function window which allows
Function
you to select the necessary function from those available.
Select this button to display the Select variable window which allows
Variable
you to select the necessary variable from those available.
Select the applicable button to add the corresponding operator or
Operators
operators to the expression.
Clear Select this button to clear the Input/Output Expression field.
Select this button to validate the expression that appears in the
Input/Output Expression field. If the expression is invalid, an error
Validate
message is displayed. If the expression is valid, a message is displayed
indicating there are no errors and also stating what the result is.
Select this button to accept changes to (or the creation of) the
OK
expression.
Select this button to discard changes to (or abandon the creation of) the
Cancel
expression.
Table 38 - Expression Wizard Options

Notes:
• The Expression Wizard appears and functions the same for an input expression as it does
for an output expression. The differences being the expression field label: Input
Expression, Output Expression, and that one is for reads and the other for writes.
• If you are expecting to read a particular alias, create an Input Expression. If you are
expecting to write to a particular alias, create an Output Expression.
To create an Input or Output Expression:
1. On the Configuration window, select Alias Configuration or a previously configured Alias
Group.

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 2. The Contents table for that alias group is displayed on the right side of the Configuration
window, listing the aliases it contains.
3. Either create a new alias (for instructions, refer to Inserting New Aliases), or
Double-click your mouse on an existing alias, or

Click on the Edit the selected alias item ( ) button.

4. The Edit Alias window appears.
5. Check the Apply scaling algorithm checkbox and then click the Settings button.
6. Select the Expression Engine option (Figure 54).

Figure 54 - Expression Engine Configuration

7. Click on the Configure button adjacent to the Input field (or Output field).
8. The Expression Wizard (Figure 55) is displayed.

Figure 55 - Expression Wizard

9. Manually enter your new expression in the Input/Output Expression field and proceed to
step 14.
Or,

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 Perform steps 9 through 13 using a combination of the Function, Variable, and Operators
buttons to create your expression, which will be displayed in the Input/Output
Expression field as you build it.
10. Click on the Function button to go to the Select function (Figure 56) window. After
selecting the required function, click on the Continue button to close the Select function
window and return to the Expression Wizard.

Figure 56 - Select Function Window

11. Click on the Variable button to go to the Select variable (Figure 57) window. After
selecting the required variable, click on the OK button to close the Select variable window
and return to the Expression Wizard.

Figure 57 - Select Variable Window

12. If required, from the Select variable window, click on the Modify variables button to
access the User Defined Functions Editor (Figure 58) which allows you to add, change,
or delete variables.

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 Figure 58 - User Defined Functions Editor

13. The Operators buttons (Figure 59) allow you to enter an operation descriptor based on the
selected button.

Figure 59 - Operators Buttons

14. Click on the Validate button to determine whether or not the expression is valid.
15. If the expression is valid (i.e., a confirmation message is displayed), click on the OK button
to close the message window and return to the Expression Wizard screen.
16. Click on OK button on the Expression Wizard screen to close the wizard and display the
expression in either the Input or Output field, depending on which expression you defined.
17. From the Edit Alias window, click on the Save button.
18. The Edit Alias window closes and you are returned to the Configuration window.

Item Path Browser

The Basic Alias and Advanced Calculation Alias configuration uses the Item Path Browser to
add item paths.
Table 39 describes the Item Path Browser fields.

Component Description
Displays the branch hierarchy of the OPC server when browsing actions
are being performed. The +/- symbols can be used to display/hide the
Branch Hierarchy
branches below the specified branch. Left-clicking a branch displays its
leaves in the Leaf List component.
Displays the list of leaves belonging to a selected branch from the
Leaf List
Branch Hierarchy. Left-clicking a leaf enables the OK button.
Select this button to add the selected item from the Leaf List to the
OK
Input/Output component of the Insert New Alias form.
Cancel Select this button to exit the Item Path Browser without adding any

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 Component Description
item paths.
Select this button to refresh the browsing hierarchy in the Branch
Refresh
Hierarchy component.
Table 39 – Item Path Browser Options

Saving a Configuration
Note: When the server configuration is complete, use the Save Configuration window to save the
configuration to an XML file.
To save a configuration to an XML file:

1. From the File menu, select the Save As menu option or click on the button
(alternatively, users can choose Save or click ).

2. The Save Configuration window appears.

3. Enter a file name if saving the file for the first time.
4. Click Save.
5. The configuration is saved.

Clearing a Configuration
Note: Starting a new configuration will clear the existing one.
To clear a configuration:

1. From the File menu, choose the New menu option or click on the button.
2. If OPC clients are still connected to the server, a warning message appears.
3. Click OK.
4. The configuration is cleared.

Loading an Existing Configuration

Note: If you have previously saved a configuration, you can clear the current configuration and
then load the saved configuration file.
To load an existing configuration file:

1. From the File menu, select the Open menu option or click on the button.
2. The Open Configuration window appears.
3. Browse for the configuration file that you want to load.
4. Click Open.
5. If OPC clients are still connected to the server, a warning message appears.
Notes:
• At this stage, the connection between the server and the client needs to be broken.
• When the new configuration is completely loaded, the changes will take effect in the
OPC client.

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 6. Click OK.
7. The old configuration is cleared and the new configuration is loaded from the file.

Shutting Down the Server

Note: Ordinarily, the server shuts down automatically shortly after the last OPC client disconnects
from it. However, if the Configuration window is displayed, the configuration utility locks the
server so that it will not shut down.
To shut down the server:
1. On either the Control Panel or the Tool Tray Menu, select Shutdown. If the server is
running as a local executable, choose Shutdown Server from the File menu or click on the
button.
2. If OPC clients are still connected to the server, a warning message appears.
3. Click OK.
4. The server is shut down.

Note: The shutdown command is not available for the server if it runs
as a Windows service. Services can be shut down only from the
Service Control Manager applet in the Windows Control Panel.

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 OPC Data Items
This section describes the OPC data items used in the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs.

Connection Items
The S7 ISO on TCP (RFC1006) and S7 NetLink (only for S7 300/400) connections use the same
item ID syntax as described in Table 40:
[Siemens TCP/IP Channel Name]>[Connection Name]>[Tag Syntax]

Field Description
Siemens TCP/IP Channel Name Siemens TCP/IP Channel Name
Connection Name Connection Name
Tag Syntax Tag Syntax
Table 40 - Item ID Field Descriptions

In the following information, offsets and bit positions are zero-based and S7 300/400 refers to the
S7 300 and S7 400 models.

S7 300/400 Tag Syntax

Table 41 shows the tag syntax for each S7 300/400 memory area or data block type. The
syntax to be used follows the pattern of the items in the Range and Syntax column, with the first
item and last item in the range shown, along with the data type. For example, E0.0:En.7
[Boolean] means that items E0.0 through En.7, where n is the number of items available in your E
register, are available and that their data type is Boolean (OPC VT_BOOL).
S7 Memory Memory Area Access
Range and Syntax Description
Area Description Right
E0.0 : En.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete input offset. Access a single discrete input Read-Write
e.g.: E8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
I0.0 : In.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete input offset. Access a single discrete input Read-Write
e.g.: I8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
EB0 : EBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete input byte
Access discrete inputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: EB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
IB0 : IBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete input byte
Access discrete inputs as a byte Read-Write
Give access to the process offset. e.g.: IB8 accesses a byte at
image of the digital inputs offset 8.
(PII). The input module is EW0 : EWn [Word]
Discrete Inputs
mapped to the PII based on n is the max discrete input WORD
Access discrete inputs as a WORD Read-Write
the address assigned during offset. e.g.: EW8 accesses a WORD
hardware configuration. at offset 8.
IW0 : IWn [Word]
n is the max discrete input WORD
Access discrete inputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: IW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
ED0 : EDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete input DWORD
Access discrete inputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: ED8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
ID0 : IDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete input DWORD
Access discrete inputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: ID8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
Give access to the process Q0.0 : Qn.7 [Boolean] (*)
Discrete Outputs image of the digital outputs n is the max discrete output offset. Access a single discrete output Read-Write
(PIQ). The output module is e.g.: Q8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.

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 mapped to the PIQ based on A0.0 : An.7 [Boolean] (*)
the address assigned during n is the max discrete output offset. Access a single discrete output Read-Write
hardware configuration. e.g.: A8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
QB0 : QBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete output byte
Access discrete outputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
AB0 : ABn [Byte]
n is the max discrete output byte
Access discrete outputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
QW0 : QWn [Word]
n is the max discrete output WORD
Access discrete outputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
AW0 : AWn [Word]
n is the max discrete output WORD
Access discrete outputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
QD0 : QDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete output DWORD
Access discrete outputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
AD0 : ADn [DWord]
n is the max discrete output DWORD
Access discrete outputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
PE0.0 : PEn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max peripheral input offset. Access a peripheral input as a bit Read
e.g.: PE8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
PI0.0 : PIn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max peripheral input offset. Access a peripheral input as a bit Read
e.g.: PI8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
PEB0 : PEBn [Byte]
n is the max peripheral input byte
Access peripheral input as a byte Read
offset. e.g.: PEB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
PIB0 : PIBn [Byte]
n is the max peripheral input byte
Access peripheral input as a byte Read
offset. e.g.: PIB8 accesses a byte at
Peripheral Inputs offset 8.
Allows reading input data
(Only when using PEW0 : PEWn [Word]
directly from the inputs
S7 ISO on TCP n is the max peripheral input WORD
module. Access peripheral input as a WORD Read
connection) offset. e.g.: PEW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
PIW0 : PIWn [Word]
n is the max peripheral input WORD
Access peripheral input as a WORD Read
offset. e.g.: PIW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
PED0 : PEDn [DWord]
n is the max peripheral input DWORD
Access peripheral input as a DWORD Read
offset. e.g.: PED8 accesses a
DWORD at offset 8.
PID0 : PIDn [DWord]
n is the max peripheral input DWORD
Access peripheral input as a DWORD Read
offset. e.g.: PID8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
PQ0.0 : PQn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max peripheral output offset.
Access a peripheral output as a bit Read-Write
e.g.: PQ8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset
8.
PA0.0 : PAn.7 [Boolean] (*)
Peripheral n is the max peripheral output offset.
Access a peripheral output as a bit Read-Write
Outputs e.g.: PA8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset
Allows reading output data
8.
(Only when using directly from the outputs
PQB0 : PQBn [Byte]
S7 ISO on TCP module.
n is the max peripheral output byte
connection) Access peripheral output as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: PQB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
PAB0 : PABn [Byte]
n is the max peripheral output byte
Access peripheral output as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: PAB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.

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 PQW0 : PQWn [Word]
n is the max peripheral output WORD
Access peripheral output as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: PQW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
PAW0 : PAWn [Word]
n is the max peripheral output WORD
Access peripheral output as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: PAW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
PQD0 : PQDn [DWord]
n is the max peripheral output Access peripheral output as a
Read-Write
DWORD offset. e.g.: PQD8 accesses DWORD
a DWORD at offset 8.
PAD0 : PADn [DWord]
n is the max peripheral output Access peripheral output as a
Read-Write
DWORD offset. e.g.: PAD8 accesses DWORD
a DWORD at offset 8.
M0.0 : Mn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max internal memory offset. Access internal memory bit Read-Write
e.g.: M8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
F0.0 : Fn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max internal memory offset. Access internal memory bit Read-Write
e.g.: F8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
MB0 : MBn [Byte]
n is the max internal memory byte
Access internal memory byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
FB0 : FBn [Byte]
n is the max internal memory byte
Access internal memory byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
MW0 : MWn [Word]
n is the max internal memory WORD
Access internal memory WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
Internal storage memory,
FW0 : FWn [Word]
Internal Memory usually, used in intermediate
n is the max internal memory WORD
binary or digital operation. Access internal memory WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
MD0 : MDn [DWord]
n is the max internal memory DWORD
Access internal memory DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
FD0 : FDn [DWord]
n is the max internal memory DWORD
Access internal memory DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
MR0 : MRn [Real]
n is the max internal memory REAL
Access internal memory REAL Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MR8 accesses a REAL at
offset 8.
FR0 : FRn [Real]
n is the max internal memory REAL
Access internal memory REAL Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FR8 accesses a REAL at
offset 8.
Contains the S7 program
software timers. Internally,
stored in one WORD. The first
12 bits contains the timer T0 : Tn [Word] (*)
Timer Values preset value coded in BCD. n is the max timer offset. e.g.: T8 Access timer value as WORD Read
The last 4 bits contains the accesses timer at offset 8.
time base used coded only on
2 bits. See “S5TIME” for
further details.
Contains counter instructions. C0 : Cn [Word] (*)
Internally, stored in one n is the max counter offset. e.g.: C8 Access counter value as WORD Read-Write
WORD. The first 12 bits accesses counter at offset 8.
Counter Values
contains the counter value Z0 : Zn [Word] (*)
coded in BCD. The last 4 bits n is the max counter offset. e.g.: Z8 Access counter value as WORD Read-Write
are not used. accesses counter at offset 8.
DBn:BOOL:x.y [Boolean] (*)
n is the data block number
Data block variable with a
x is the Boolean offset
Data Block Boolean value of TRUE or FALSE. Access data block BOOL Read-Write
y is the bit number : [Range 0 to 7]
Internally, stored in one bit.
e.g.: DB1:BOOL:10.2 accesses bit #
2 at offset 10 from data block # 1.

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 DBn:BYTE:x [Byte]
n is the data block number
Data block variable stored in
Data Block BYTE x is the Byte offset Access data block BYTE Read-Write
one BYTE.
e.g.: DB1:BYTE:10 accesses a byte
at offset 10 from data block # 1.
DBn:WORD:x [Word]
n is the data block number
Data block variable stored in x is the Word offset
Data Block WORD Access data block WORD Read-Write
two bytes (WORD). e.g.: DB1:WORD:10 accesses a
WORD at offset 10 from data block #
1.
DBn:DWORD:x [DWord]
n is the data block number
Data block variable stored in x is the DWord offset
Data Block DWORD Access data block DWORD Read-Write
four bytes (DWORD). e.g.: DB1:DWORD:10 accesses a
DWORD at offset 10 from data block
# 1.
DBn:INT:x [Short]
Data block variable which n is the data block number
Data Block INT represents a signed decimal x is the INT offset Access data block INT Read-Write
integer, stored in two bytes. e.g.: DB1:INT:10 accesses a INT at
offset 10 from data block # 1.
DBn:DINT:x [Long]
Data block variable which n is the data block number
Data Block DINT represents a signed decimal x is the DINT offset Access data block DINT Read-Write
integer, stored in four bytes. e.g.: DB1:DINT:10 accesses a DINT
at offset 10 from data block # 1
DBn:REAL:x [Real]
Data block variable which
n is the data block number
represents a floating-point
Data Block REAL x is the REAL offset Access data block REAL Read-Write
number, internally stored in
e.g.: DB1:REAL:10 accesses a REAL
the IEEE 32 bits format.
at offset 10 from data block # 1.
Data block variable which
represents the number of days
DBn:DATE:x [String]
since January 01, 1990 (IEC
n is the data block number
format), internally stored in
x is the DATE offset
Data Block DATE two bytes (WORD). Refer to Access data block DATE Read-Write
e.g.: DB1:DATE:10 accesses a DATE
the section “S7 300 Date and
variable at offset 10 from data block
time formats” to see how the
# 1.
value is represented by the
OPC server.
Data block variable which
represents a delay in
DBn:TIME:x [String]
milliseconds (IEC format),
n is the data block number
internally stored in 4 bytes
x is the TIME offset
Data Block TIME (DWORD). Refer to the section Access data block TIME Read-Write
e.g.: DB1:TIME:10 accesses a TIME
“S7 300 Date and time
variable at offset 10 from data block
formats” to see how the value
# 1.
is represented by the OPC
server.
Data block variable which
represents the time of day as
DBn:TIME_OF_DAY:x [String]
total milliseconds, internally
n is the data block number
stored as a signed integer in 4
Data Block TIME OF x is the TIME OF DAY offset
bytes. Refer to the section Access data block TIME OF DAY Read-Write
DAY e.g.: DB1:TIME_OF_DAY:10
“Date and time formats” to
accesses a TIME_OF_DAY variable at
see how the value is
offset 10 from data block # 1.
represented by the OPC
server.
DBn:CHAR:x [String]
Data block variable which n is the data block number
represents a single ASCII x is the CHAR offset
Data Block CHAR Access data block CHAR Read-Write
character. Internally, stored in e.g.: DB1:CHAR:10 accesses a
one byte. CHAR variable at offset 10 from data
block # 1.

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 Data block variable which
represents a timer preset
value. Internally, stored in two
bytes (WORD). The first 12
bits contains the timer preset
value coded in BCD which
allows a value from 000 to
999. Bits 12 and 13 are used
to encode the time base, DBn:S5TIME:x [String]
allowing values (in binary) of n is the data block number
00, 01, 10 and 11 which x is the S5TIME offset
Data Block S5TIME Access data block S5TIME Read-Write
correspond respectively to e.g.: DB1:S5TIME:10 accesses a
0.01 sec, 0.1 sec, 1.0 sec and S5TIME variable at offset 10 from
10 sec. Consequently, allowed data block # 1.
values for this variable in
milliseconds are from 0 to
9990000 and need to be
multiple of 10 milliseconds.
Refer to the section “Date and
time formats” to see how the
value is represented by the
OPC server.
Data block variable represents
the date and time. Internally, DBn:DATE_AND_TIME:x [String]
stored in 8 bytes using BCD n is the data block number
Data Block DATE format. Refer to the section x is the DATE AND TIME offset
Access data block DATE AND TIME Read-Write
AND TIME “Date and time formats” to e.g.: DB1:DATE_AND_TIME:10
see how the value is accesses a DATE_AND_TIME variable
represented by the OPC at offset 10 from data block # 1.
server.
DBn:STRING:x:length [String] (*)
n is the data block number
x is the STRING offset
Data block variable which
length is the string maximum number
represents an ASCII string
Data Block STRING of characters [Range 1 to 254] Access data block STRING Read-Write
which can takes up to 254
e.g.: DB1:STRING:10:210 accesses
bytes.
a STRING variable with length 210
(characters) at offset 10 from data
block # 1.
Data Block
Structure Data block which represents a
(Cannot be structure with a certain
entered manually,
number of elements which DBn.{Structure Name}.{Elt Type}(*) Access an element in a data block
added only while Read-Write
importing data may be a combination of any n is the data block number structure
block symbols data block type, including
from a STEP7 other structures.
project)
Table 41 - S7 300/400 Tag Syntax Description

Custom OPC Properties

The OPC server provides some custom OPC properties for the items. Table 42 shows all possible
custom OPC properties:

Value Description
Item’s device address. This is particularly useful when an item corresponds
Device Address to an imported symbol. Refer to the Importing Symbols From SIMATIC
STEP 7 Project section for further details.
Table 42 - Custom OPC Properties

S7 300/400 Date and Time Formats

The different representation used for data and time OPC items are shown in Table 43.

S7 Data Block Type Format Example

Data Block DATE (IEC date) Year-Month-Day 2008-6-22

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 S7 Data Block Type Format Example
Data Block TIME (IEC time) (+/-)DayDHourHMinMSecSMillisecondsMS -2D5H30M23S647MS
Data Block TIME OF DAY Hour:Min:Sec.Milliseconds 5:15:0.123
Data Block S5TIME HourHMinMSecS.Milliseconds 0H0M1S.10
Data Block DATE AND TIME Year-Month-Day-Hour:Min:Sec.Milliseconds 08-12-31-20:00:00.999
Table 43 - S7 300 Date and Time Formats

Writing to S7 300/400 Date and Time OPC Items

When writing to S7 300/400 OPC items which represent data block date and/or time variables, the
same format as the OPC items needs to be used. For example, when writing 1 minute to a Data
Block TIME OF DAY, the value to be written is 0:1:0.0. When writing 65300 milliseconds
(multiple of 10 milliseconds) to a Data Block S5TIME, the value to be written is 0H1M5S.300.

S7 300/400 Counters
The value returned for S7 300/400 counters are automatically converted to a BCD value. Since
only the first 12 bits are used valid values are from 0 to 999.

S7 300/400 Timers
The value returned for S7 300/400 timers are automatically converted to S5TIME format and
displayed in milliseconds. Valid values are from 0 to 9990000. Refer to S5TIME description for
further details.

S7 200 Tag Syntax

Table 44 shows the tag syntax for each S7 200 memory area or data block type. The syntax to
be used follows the pattern of the items in the Range and Syntax column, with the first item and
last item in the range shown, along with the data type. For example, E0.0:En.7 [Boolean] means
that items E0.0 through En.7, where n is the number of items available in your E register, are
available and that their data type is Boolean (OPC VT_BOOL).
S7 Memory Memory Area Access
Range and Syntax Description
Area Description Right
E0.0 : En.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete input offset. Access a single discrete input Read-Write
e.g.: E8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
I0.0 : In.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete input offset. Access a single discrete input Read-Write
e.g.: I8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
EB0 : EBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete input byte
Access discrete inputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: EB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
IB0 : IBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete input byte
Access discrete inputs as a byte Read-Write
Give access to the CPU image offset. e.g.: IB8 accesses a byte at
Discrete Inputs
of the discrete inputs. offset 8.
EW0 : EWn [Word]
n is the max discrete input WORD
Access discrete inputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: EW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
IW0 : IWn [Word]
n is the max discrete input WORD
Access discrete inputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: IW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
ED0 : EDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete input DWORD
Access discrete inputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: ED8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.

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 ID0 : IDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete input DWORD
Access discrete inputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: ID8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
Q0.0 : Qn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete output offset. Access a single discrete output Read-Write
e.g.: Q8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
A0.0 : An.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max discrete output offset. Access a single discrete output Read-Write
e.g.: A8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
QB0 : QBn [Byte]
n is the max discrete output byte
Access discrete outputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
AB0 : ABn [Byte]
n is the max discrete output byte
Access discrete outputs as a byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
Give access to the CPU image QW0 : QWn [Word]
Discrete Outputs
of the discrete outputs. n is the max discrete output WORD
Access discrete outputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
AW0 : AWn [Word]
n is the max discrete output WORD
Access discrete outputs as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
QD0 : QDn [DWord]
n is the max discrete output DWORD
Access discrete outputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: QD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
AD0 : ADn [DWord]
n is the max discrete output DWORD
Access discrete outputs as a DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
AEW0 : AEWn [Word]
n is the max analog input WORD
Access an analog input as a WORD Read
offset. e.g.: AEW8 accesses a WORD
Give read access to the CPU at offset 8.
Analog Inputs
image of the analog inputs. AIW0 : AIWn [Word]
n is the max analog input WORD
Access an analog input as a WORD Read
offset. e.g.: AIW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
AQW0 : AQWn [Word]
n is the max analog output WORD
Access an analog output as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AQW8 accesses a WORD
Give read access to the CPU at offset 8.
Analog Outputs
image of the analog outputs. AAW0 : AAWn [Word]
n is the max analog output WORD
Access an analog output as a WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: AAW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
M0.0 : Mn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max internal memory offset. Access an internal memory bit Read-Write
e.g.: M8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
F0.0 : Fn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max internal memory offset. Access an internal memory bit Read-Write
e.g.: F8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.
MB0 : MBn [Byte]
n is the max internal memory byte
Access an internal memory byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
Internal storage memory,
FB0 : FBn [Byte]
Internal Memory usually, used in intermediate
n is the max internal memory byte
binary or digital operation. Access an internal memory byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
MW0 : MWn [Word]
n is the max internal memory WORD
Access an internal memory WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.
FW0 : FWn [Word]
n is the max internal memory WORD
Access an internal memory WORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FW8 accesses a WORD
at offset 8.

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 MD0 : MDn [DWord]
n is the max internal memory DWORD
Access an internal memory DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
FD0 : FDn [DWord]
n is the max internal memory DWORD
Access an internal memory DWORD Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FD8 accesses a DWORD
at offset 8.
MR0 : MRn [Real]
n is the max internal memory REAL
Access an internal memory REAL Read-Write
offset. e.g.: MR8 accesses a REAL at
offset 8.
FR0 : FRn [Real]
n is the max internal memory REAL
Access an internal memory REAL Read-Write
offset. e.g.: FR8 accesses a REAL at
offset 8.
T0 : Tn [Word] (*)
Give access to program
Timer Values n is the max timer offset. e.g.: T8 Access a timer value as WORD Read
timers.
accesses timer at offset 8.
C0 : Cn [Word] (*)
n is the max counter offset. e.g.: C8 Access a counter value as WORD Read-Write
Give access to program accesses counter at offset 8.
Counter Values
counters. Z0 : Zn [Word] (*)
n is the max counter offset. e.g.: Z8 Access a counter value as WORD Read-Write
accesses counter at offset 8.
V0.0 : Vn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max data block variable
Access a data block bit Read-Write
offset. e.g.: V8.3 accesses bit 3 at
offset 8.
VB0 : VBn [Byte]
n is the max data block variable byte
Access a data block byte Read-Write
offset. e.g.: VB8 accesses a byte at
offset 8.
VW0 : VWn [Word]
Give access to data block
Data block n is the max data block variable
variables variables configured using Access a data block WORD Read-Write
WORD offset. e.g.: VW8 accesses a
STEP 7 MicroWIN.
WORD at offset 8.
VD0 : VDn [DWord]
n is the max data block variable
Access a data block DWORD Read-Write
DWORD offset. e.g.: VD8 accesses a
DWORD at offset 8.
VR0 : VRn [Real]
n is the max data block variable REAL
Access a data block REAL Read-Write
offset. e.g.: VR8 accesses a REAL at
offset 8.
Read-Write
SM0.0 : SMn.7 [Boolean] (*)
n is the max special memory offset. (Bytes from
Access a special memory bit 0 to 29
e.g.: SM8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset
included are
8.
read-only)

Read-Write
SMB0 : SMBn [Byte]
n is the max special memory byte (Bytes from
Access a special memory byte 0 to 29
offset. e.g.: SMB8 accesses a byte at
Provides access to some included are
offset 8.
system status and read-only)
Special Memory configuration information
(Bytes from 0 to 29 Read-Write
SMW0 : SMWn [Word]
included are read-only) (Bytes from
n is the max special memory WORD
Access a special memory WORD 0 to 29
offset. e.g.: SMW8 accesses a WORD
included are
at offset 8.
read-only)

Read-Write
SMD0 : SMDn [DWord]
n is the max special memory DWORD (Bytes from
Access a special memory DWORD 0 to 29
offset. e.g.: SMD8 accesses a
included are
DWORD at offset 8.
read-only)
S0.0 : Sn.7 [Boolean] (*)
Sequence Control Provides access to sequence
Relay n is the max special memory offset. Access a Sequence Control Relay bit Read-Write
control relay.
e.g.: S8.3 accesses bit 3 at offset 8.

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 SB0 : SBn [Byte]
n is the max special memory byte Access a Sequence Control Relay
Read-Write
offset. e.g.: SB8 accesses a byte at byte
offset 8.
SW0 : SWn [Word]
n is the max special memory WORD Access a Sequence Control Relay
Read-Write
offset. e.g.: SW8 accesses a WORD WORD
at offset 8.
SD0 : SDn [DWord]
n is the max special memory DWORD Access a Sequence Control Relay
Read-Write
offset. e.g.: SD8 accesses a DWORD DWORD
at offset 8.
HC0 : HCn [DWord] (*)
High-Speed Give access to high speed n is the max high speed counter Access a high speed counter as
Counter Read
counters. offset. e.g.: HC8 accesses high speed DWORD
counter at offset 8.
Table 44 - S7 200 Tag Syntax Description

Note: For E/I, E/Q and M/F, each address starts at a byte offset
within the device. Consequently, Words MW0 and MW1 for example,
overlap at byte 1, so writing to MW0 will also modify the value in
MW1. Similarly, DWORD, Short and Long types can also overlap.
Overlapping can be prevented by carefully selecting your offsets for
these types. For example, Words MW0, MW2 and MW4 do not
overlap.

SHORT and LONG Conversion

To access a WORD as a signed 2-byte integer (SHORT), just replace the W in the syntax by S.
For example, to access an internal memory WORD at offset 16 as a SHORT the syntax is: MS16
To access a DWORD as a signed 4-byte integer (LONG), just replace the D in the syntax by L.
For example, to access an internal memory DWORD at offset 16 as a LONG the syntax is: ML16

BCD Conversion
To interpret a WORD or DWORD as a BCD number, just append the BCD suffix to the syntax.
For example, to convert MW0 to its BCD representation the syntax is: MW0:BCD
Please note that if the WORD or DWORD contains an invalid BCD digit (greater than 9), the digit
will be truncated to 9 and the OPC item will have a bad quality.

Array Syntax
The valid syntax for accessing a memory area or a data block variable as an array is:
[Tag Syntax][Row][Col]
Where Row is the number of rows and Col is the number of columns.
For example, to access a two-dimensional Data Block INT array located in DB # 1 at address 282:
DB1:INT:282[2][2]
Row count of 1 is assumed, when the number of rows is not specified.
For example, typing MB0[5] is equivalent to MB0[1][5].
Column count of 1 with Row count different than 1 is not accepted.
For example, typing MB0[5][1] is not allowed.

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Memory areas and data block types which do not support arrays are marked with an asterisk (*) in
Table 41 and Table 44. The syntax which should be used when writing to an array item is specific
to the OPC client used to access the item.
When importing data block symbols from STEP 7 project, arrays are automatically resolved, i.e.
each array element will be represented by an individual OPC item.
For example, if a symbol called Zone1.TMPARRAY_INT_292 has been imported for an array of INT
which starts at offset 292 and has a dimension 2x2, the following OPC items will be created:
Zone1.TMPARRAY_INT_292(1,1)
Zone1.TMPARRAY_INT_292(1,2)
Zone1.TMPARRAY_INT_292(2,1)
Zone1.TMPARRAY_INT_292(2,2)
When accessing an array, the element offsets depend on the element data types.
For example, reading MW0[4] will return MW0, MW2, MW4 and MW6 and reading MD0[4] will
return MD0,MD4,MD8 and MD12.
To access a one-dimensional array element by address, all needed is the array offset and the
element data type in order to access the element.
For example, to access the third element in an array of MB (bytes) which starts at offset 152, the
syntax is:
MB{Element Offset} (offsets are zero based)
Element Offset = {Array offset} + (Element Position -1) * {Element Length}
Element Offset = 152 + (3-1) * 1 byte
The syntax to use is then: MB154
Table 45 lists the length for each array element type:

Element Type Length

BOOL 1
BYTE 1
CHAR 1
DATE 2
INT 2
S5TIME 2
DINT 4
DWORD 4
REAL 4
TIME 4
TIME OF DAY 4
DATE AND TIME 8
Table 45 - Array Elements Length

Control Items
The MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs supplies control items to allow a connected OPC client to
obtain status information by reading values and manipulating its operation by simply writing
values.

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 Siemens TCP/IP Channel Level Control Items
The OPC Server for Siemens PLCs supplies control items listed in Table 46.

Item ID Description Default

Indicates whether the Siemens TCP/IP Channel is able to connect FALSE
underlying devices to the Ethernet network. Write a Boolean true to
$Connected
force a connection, or false to force a disconnection (automatic re-
connection will be attempted as long as it is enabled).
$Enabled Enable/disable Siemens TCP/IP Channel. FALSE
Writing any value to this item triggers the OPC Communication FALSE
$ResetStats statistics for the Siemens TCP/IP Channel, as well as all of the
underlying connections, to be reinitialized.
Table 46 - Siemens TCP/IP Channel Control Items

Connections Control Items

The OPC Server for Siemens PLCs supplies control items listed in Table 47.

Item ID Description Default

Indicates whether the host has established a connection with the FALSE
end-device. Write a Boolean true to force a connection, or false to
$Connected
force a disconnection (automatic re-connection will be attempted as
long as it is enabled).
$Enabled Enable/disable Network Device Link. FALSE
Writing any value to this item will trigger the OPC Communication FALSE
$ResetStats
statistics for the connection to be reinitialized.
$StopPLC Set to TRUE when the PLC is in “Stop” mode and FALSE when in FALSE
(Only used with “Run” mode. When the write is enabled, writing TRUE to this
ISO on TCP control item will attempt to place the S7 PLC in STOP mode.
connection)

$RunPLC Set to TRUE when the PLC is in “Run” mode and FALSE when in FALSE
(Only used with “Stop” mode. When the write is enabled, writing TRUE to this
ISO on TCP
control item will attempt to place the S7 PLC in the RUN mode.
connection)

Table 47 - Connections Control Items

Enabling Write to $StopPLC and $RunPLC Control Items

For security reasons, write to $StopPLC and $RunPLC is disabled by default. To enable write to
these control items:
1. Stop the OPC server.
2. From the Start menu, click on Run and then type regedit
3. Click on the OK button, or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
4. The Registry Editor screen appears.
5. In the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Matrikon.OPC.SiemensPLC.1, set the
WriteRunStop value to 1.

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 6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Start the OPC server.

The Matrikon OPC Server Framework creates a number of standard data items which can be used
for monitoring and controlling certain behaviour.
Table 48 describes the standard items available for most device links.

Field Description
This is a Boolean OPC tag which indicates whether or not the Device Link to
#Enabled which it belongs is enabled. If the value is True or a value of True is written
to this item then the Device Link is enabled.
Adding this item allows an OPC client to monitor the offline mode for that
location using read operations and provide the ability to toggle offline mode
#OfflineMode for that location using write operations. For more information, refer to
Appendix G - Offline Mode.

This is a Boolean OPC tag which indicates whether or not the Device Link is
@Connected connected to its resources. Typically True indicates that a connection of an
end device has been established.
Table 48 - Standard Data Items

Table 49 describes the standard items available for at the root branch of the server browse tree.

Field Description
This is a Boolean OPC tag that has a default value of True when the server
starts which indicates that the tag security permissions are monitored and
applied while the server is running. By adding this item to an OPC group and
#MonitorACLFile writing a value of False to this item, the server no longer applies tag security
configuration changes while the server is running. The server would need to
be stopped and restarted for the changes to take effect. For more
information, refer to Appendix F - Security.

This is a read-only string item which lists the name of every client currently
@Clients
connected to the OPC server.
Table 49 - Server Data Items

Table 50 describes the statistical and control items available for the Redundancy Group device link.

Field Description
Write to this control item to indicate which device link, of the device links to
which the Redundancy Group is subscribed, is forced to be active, whether
#Manual Device Link or not it is available. Clear the value of this control item in order to allow
the OPC server to decide which of the subscribed device links should be
active, according to their configured priorities and availabilities.
The current active device link, which will be the highest-priority of the
@Active Device Link available device links on the Redundancy Group device link’s subscription
list.
A numbered list of device links to which the Redundancy Group device link
@Redundancy Group
is subscribed. They are ordered from highest to lowest priority.

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 Table 50 - Redundancy Device Link OPC Items

Table 51 describes the statistical and control items available for the Server Status List device link.

Field Description
A numbered list of the device links being monitored by the Server Status List
@Monitor List device link. The full path of the device link is provided, as entered in the Server
Status List device link’s subscription list.
Indicates the customized status of the server based on the settings for the
@Server Status Server Status List device link. The status options are: Running, Failed, or No
Configuration (if the monitor list is empty).
Table 51 - Server Status List Device Link OPC Items

Getting Data without Being Connected to a Device

The Matrikon OPC Server Framework supports “offline mode”, which allows OPC clients to obtain
changing good quality data without being connected to a device. This is useful if you wish to test
an HMI or other OPC client without worrying about the connection to the device, or the quality of
the data provided. For more information, refer to Appendix G - Offline Mode.

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 Diagnostics
The server supplies diagnostic information to assist operators and support personnel with
troubleshooting communication problems and software faults.

Logging
All Matrikon OPC servers produce log files that record errors and debugging information. The log
files can be extremely valuable for troubleshooting. As such, it is important to note that the default
log level is set to low. The General Logging tab of the Options dialogue in the main configuration
window contains settings to control server logging.
General Activity Logging records information about the internal workings of the OPC server. It is
useful for troubleshooting problems with configuration and device communication. Interface
Activity Logging records information about the client/server OPC communication. It is useful for
troubleshooting compliance issues.
For General logging, the higher the log level, the more information that is recorded. However,
server performance may decrease at higher log levels. The recommended operating level is
Medium. More log levels are available for both types of logging which record more detailed
information, as well as the ability to output log statements to a console window at run time.
Contact Matrikon OPC support for further instructions on how to enable the higher log levels and
console logging.
For Interface logging, the log level can be considered very high and therefore should never be used
during normal operation of the OPC server unless specifically working on problems related to
interfacing.
Matrikon OPC Sniffer is a useful tool for logging OPC client/server communication. It enhances
the Interface Activity Logging by recording the client-side transactions. It can also be used with
other OPC servers. Matrikon OPC Sniffer is a utility used to troubleshoot OPC client/server
interoperability issues. Contact the Matrikon OPC Sales department for further information about
this product, or use the following link to access the Matrikon Sniffer Download.
In general, the server logs all errors and other information of immediate importance to the user at
the low detail level, all warnings and other information of moderate importance to the user at a
medium detail level, and additional information concerning the normal functioning of the software
at a high detail level. The server also logs further information of concern to support personnel at
the debug log level.

Note: The higher the log level, the slower the performance of the
server. It is recommended that the log level be left at the default,
unless troubleshooting needs to be performed.

Statistical Items
The server supplies statistical information pertaining to communication in the form of real-time
data items for the Network Device Link and each connection.

Siemens TCP/IP Channel Communication Statistics

The OPC Server for Siemens PLCs supplies statistical items listed in Table 52.

Item ID Description Default

Cumulative total of the number of messages sent by the server to 0
#Sent
all underlying connections.

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 Item ID Description Default
Cumulative total of the number of expected responses received by 0
#Received
the server from all underlying connections.
Cumulative total of the number of retry messages sent by the 0
#Retried
server to all underlying connections.
Cumulative total of the communication failures occurrences for all 0
#Failure
underlying connections.
Cumulative total of the overrun occurrences for all underlying 0
#Overrun
connections.
Cumulative total of the timeout occurrences for all underlying 0
#Timeout
connections.
Total time (in milliseconds) taken to complete the last successful 0
#Latency
request/reply transaction all underlying connections.
Table 52 - Siemens TCP/IP Channel Statistical Items

Connections Communication Statistics

The OPC Server for Siemens PLCs supplies statistical items listed in Table 53.

Item ID Description Default

#Sent Total number of messages sent. 0
#Received Total number of expected responses received. 0
#Retried Total number of messages sent again as a retry. 0
Total number of times communication has failed (i.e., run out of 0
#Failure
retries).
Total number of times that a scheduled poll has come due a second 0
#Overrun
time before it has yet been sent and cleared from the “due” list.
#Timeout Total number of communication timeouts that have occurred. 0
Total time (in milliseconds) taken to complete the last successful 0
#Latency
request/reply transaction.
Table 53 - Connections Statistical Items

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Limitations
MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs has no known or expected limitations.

Refer to the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Release Notes for known issues.

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 101

Troubleshooting
This section is intended to assist you by providing licensing information and Matrikon OPC
Support contact information. Also addressed here are some of the most common problems
encountered, and questions asked, while using this OPC server. Please check the following
Problems/Solutions and Questions/Answers sections before contacting the Matrikon OPC
Support team.

Problems and Solutions

“aprxdist” error on install
Problem: What is this “aprxdist” error on install?
Solution: For our installations to work correctly, the install must be able to access the
C:\WINDOWS\system32 directory to add, use, and remove the file called
aprxdist.exe and add the file opcenum.exe.
Generally, we will see this error on Windows 2003 SP1 system where this is not
possible. To resolve the issue, download these files, and place them in
C:\WINDOWS\system32, and rerun the install.

Logged in as Administrator to run install

Problem: Why do I need to be logged in as an Administrator to run the install?
Solution: For Matrikon OPC software to install correctly, you must be logged in as a user with
access to the registry. If you are not an Administrator on the system, the installation
will not be able to register the software correctly.

PSTCFG error
Problem: After my OPC server died, I tried to access the Configuration screen and now I am
experiencing access violations and PSTCFG errors.
Solution: If your OPC server process stops and you leave the PSTCFG running, when you
attempt to access the Configuration screen to do anything to your configuration
items (add, change, delete, and so on), you will experience access violations. You will
need to kill the configuration and restart the server.

Server stops updating client with item values after two hours
Problem: The server stops updating the client with item values after two hours.
Solution: The server may be licensed with a hardware key and the hardware key may not be
properly detected, or the software license has expired.
Alternatively, try running the Matrikon OPC Licensing utility from the shortcut
menu. Click on the Check Licenses button to see the status of all Matrikon OPC
product licenses.
Check that the correct HASP hardware key is securely fastened to the parallel port. If it
is, run the HINSTALL program that is located in the Program Files\Common
Files\MatrikonOPC\Common directory.

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Server stops updating client with item values after 30 days
Problem: The server stops updating the client with item values after 30 days.
Solution: The evaluation period for the license has expired. Please contact Matrikon OPC
Support.

Server shuts down after five minutes when no clients connected

Problem: The server automatically shuts down after five minutes when there are no clients
connected.
Solution: This is standard behaviour for COM servers. However, this behaviour can be overridden
as shown in the following example:

Note: Microsoft highly recommends that you back up the registry

before editing it or making changes to it.

1. From the Run command, enter REGEDIT.

2. The Registry Editor (Figure 60) is launched.
3. In the Registry Editor, under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, look for the required
program ID (e.g., Matrikon.OPC.Simulation.1).

Figure 60 - Registry Editor

4. Expand the program ID branch.

5. Click on the CLSID branch.

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 6. Record the global universal ID (GUID).

Figure 61 - Program ID Branch

7. Under the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID branch, search for the GUID

retrieved in the previous step (e.g.,
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{024C7FFC-9CC3-476f-867A-
BC3CAD79F4FE}).
8. Create a string value called LockServer in the Options branch underneath the
GUID (e.g., HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{024C7FFC-9CC3-476f-867A-
BC3CAD79F4FE}\Options).
9. Create a new value using the context menu and choose New String Value from
the menu.
10. Set the value of the LockServer entry to 1.
Note: To edit the value, select the entry and select the Modify menu option
from the Edit menu.
11. Shut down the server and restart it for the change to take effect.

Cannot configure client access paths, so cannot configure item options

Problem: The OPC client does not provide a means to configure access paths, making it difficult
to correctly specify the data acquisition options for the items.
Solution: The server provides a global parameter for configuring an escape character, to allow
users to append communication options to the end of an item ID which would

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 accommodate clients that do not support access paths.
Perform the following steps as shown (with example) below:

Note: Microsoft highly recommends that you back up the registry

before editing it or making changes to it.

1. From the Run command, enter REGEDIT.

2. The Registry Editor is launched.
3. In the Registry Editor, under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, look for the required
program ID (e.g., Matrikon.OPC.Simulation.1).
4. Expand the program ID branch.
5. Click on the CLSID branch.
6. Record the global universal ID (GUID).
7. Under the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID branch, search for the GUID
retrieved in the previous step (e.g.,
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{024C7FFC-9CC3-476f-867A-
BC3CAD79F4FE}).
8. Create a string value called ItemIDEscapeCharacter in the Options branch
underneath the GUID (e.g., HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{024C7FFC-
9CC3-476f-867A-BC3CAD79F4FE}\Options).
Note: To create a new value, use the context menu and select the New
String Value menu option.
9. Set the value of ItemIDEscapeCharacter to a single character, such as “|”
(pipe).
Note: To edit the value, select the entry and select the Modify menu option
from the Edit menu.
10. Shut down the server and restart it for the change to take effect.
11. Configure the ItemIDEscapeCharacter Item ID in the OPC client with the
access path appended to the end with the configured escape character (e.g.,
ITEMID|ACCESSPATH).

More than one HASP attached to parallel port, but only first one is recognized
Problem: There is more than one HASP hardware key from Matrikon attached to the parallel
port, but the software recognizes only the first one.
Solution: HASP keys from the same vendor cannot be chained together. Send an email to the
Matrikon OPC Support team to obtain a HASP key containing the combined codes of all
installed Matrikon OPC servers.

Server cannot be configured; no Matrikon logo in Tool Tray

Problem: The server cannot be configured because there is no Matrikon logo in the Tool
Tray.

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Solution: If the server is running as a service, the Matrikon logo does not appear in the Tool
Tray.
To configure the server, start the configuration utility by using the shortcut to the
OPC server in the Windows Start menu (this shortcut starts the Configuration utility
as well as the OPC server).
Note: If the server configuration utility generates an “access denied”
error on launch, the DCOM permissions have not been configured
properly.

OPC client unable to create or read items under configured object (device)
Problem: The OPC client is unable to create or read items under a configured object (device).
Solution: Check the object configuration (for more information, refer to Server Configuration).
Ensure the Enabled checkbox is selected.

Server does not retain settings

Problem: The server does not retain its previous settings and needs to be reconfigured each
time it starts up.
Solution: In the Configuration window, choose Options from the View menu. Under the
General tab, ensure that the Load configuration on start-up checkbox is selected
and that the correct file name appears in the edit box (see General Options).

Server cannot save configuration in XML format

Problem: The OPC server cannot save the configuration in XML format.
Solution: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 (or later) must be installed to use the XML format.

Server does not show up in the list of locally available program IDs in OPC client
application
Problem: The server does not show up in a list of locally available program IDs in the OPC client
application.
Solution: Make sure that a user with local administrative rights installs the OPC server so that it
can create the necessary entries in the registry.
Ensure OPCEnum is registered as a service, DCOM permissions are configured
properly, and the OPCEnum service is running.
Also, especially for older OPC clients that do not use the OPC server browser, make
sure the client is running as a user that has read access to the registry.

Server does not show up as remote program in OPC client application

Problem: The OPC server does not show up in a list of remotely available program IDs in my
OPC client application.
Solution: Follow the steps found in Appendix A – Distributed COM (DCOM) to copy the
program ID from the server machine to the client machine.

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Access denied or time-out error when connecting to remove server via DCOM
Problem: Access Denied error message appears, or time out occurs when trying to connect to
a remote OPC server via DCOM.
Solution: Ensure that the access and launch permissions for the OPC server are set correctly on
the server machine. For more information, refer to Appendix A – Distributed COM
(DCOM).

Server does not start up or client cannot connect

Problem: A client tries to connect to the server and fails, or the server does not start up.
Solution: Ensure that the access and launch permissions for the OPC server are set correctly.
For more information, refer to Appendix A – Distributed COM (DCOM).

About screen and Configuration window do not show up

Problem: The About screen and Configuration window do not show up when a remotely
connecting client or a client that runs as a service (such as the Aspen Technologies
CIMIO OPC Manager) tries to launch the OPC server.
Solution: Either set the identity for the OPC server to the interactive user, or consider running
the server as a service. For more information, refer to Appendix A – Distributed
COM (DCOM).

DA 2.05 asynchronous I/O does not work

Problem: After installing an older OPC server, DA 2.05 asynchronous I/O no longer works.
Solution: The old installation program installed and registered its own (older) version of the OPC
proxy/stub DLL.
Reinstall the standard OPC proxy/stub DLLs, using an up-to-date installation program
or re-register them using the REGSVR32 command-line utility (refer to the OPC
Compliance - Installation section in this manual).

Server is using a large portion of CPU resources

Problem: Server is using 99% of CPU resources.
Solution: Check the server’s Time Granularity settings in the servers Advanced Options.
Ensure the granularity is not set to 0. It is recommended that you not set the value
lower than 100.

Trouble communicating through a network

Problem: Experiencing problems communicating to the product’s device through a network.
Solution: Make sure users can ping the device. Use the Start -> Run with command CMD to
bring up a command window and type:
Ping ipaddress ( e.g., C:\temp>ping 127.0.0.1
Pinging 127.0.0.1 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128

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 Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Ping statistics for 127.0.0.1:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms)
Where ipaddress is the IP address of the user’s <System X> device. If it says “no
response”, then there are likely network issues between user’s computer and the
product.
Note: Refer to the DCOM Manual to further diagnose any DCOM issues.

Events are not being generated

Problem: Aliases have been configured to generate events, but a subscribed A&E client is not
receiving events as expected.
Solution: It is possible to disable event generation at the Alias Group level. Make sure that all of
the Alias Groups are set to have events enabled.

Cannot import symbols from S7P file

Problem: When trying to import symbols from an S7P file, the import fails.
If the S7P file is currently open in Step 7, importing symbols will fail. You must shut
Solution:
down Step 7 to free up the S7P file for use by our server.

Cannot connect to PLC

Problem: Cannot connect to S7 PLC.

Solution: Verify that the IP address entered for the PLC is correct.
Make sure the type of connection is not taken by another software configuration.
• Only one PG connection is available in S7 200, use the STEP 7 MicroWIN Ethernet
wizard to create more Ethernet connections.
• Only one OP or PG/PC connection is typically available in S7 300/400, use the
recommended (PLC) type of connection.

Cannot write to discrete inputs

Problem: Cannot write to some discrete inputs.
When a discrete input is mapped to a physical signal (I/O) module, write is not allowed to
Solution:
it. For example, if a signal module (e.g., 6ES7 321-1BH02-0AA0) has been assigned an
address range from 4 through 5, then IB4 and IB5 become read-only. Please refer to the
SIMATIC STEP 7 project used to configure the PLC in order to retrieve addresses which
have been assigned to signal modules.

Cannot read a peripheral input/output

Problem: Cannot read a peripheral input/output.

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 The exact physical address assigned to this module needs to be used when accessing a
Solution:
peripheral input/output.

Questions and Answers

How do I remove the server as a service?
Problem: How do I remove the server as a service?
Solution: Re-register the OPC server executable using the /REGSERVER command-line switch.

Does the server need to be started manually when installed as a service?

Problem: Does the server need to be started manually when it is installed as a service?
Solution: No, the first OPC client that tries to connect will start the OPC server.

How can I get OPC data into other applications?

Problem: How can I get OPC data into Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, or another application
with support for Visual Basic, VBA, or VB Script?
Solution: Use the Matrikon OPC Automation Component to create a Visual Basic script that
connects to a server, creates groups and items, and receives data change updates.
Contact Support for examples of how to do this in Excel, Visual Basic, or an HTML
document.

How can I access individual bits from an integer item?

Problem: How can I access individual bits from an integer item?
Solution: In order to do this, users will have to apply a mask to the value, which will null all of
the bits in the integer value except the one that users want to keep.
For example, if the user wanted to isolate the third bit, they would have to apply a
mask that is in binary which will only have the third bit present. In binary, this is the
number 4 (0100).
To apply the mask, users must use the AND operator, which will leave a 1, if and only
if, both the bits in that position are 1.
0110 1100
+ 0000 0100 = 0000 0100

Data bit we want to access

In decimal notation, this would be expressed as 108 AND 4 = 4.
To do this in an OPC server, users would configure an alias to use the IF operator.
With the example above, where the user wishes to access the third bit in the integer,
the statement would appear as:
IF (INPUT AND 4 = 4, 1, 0)
Therefore, if the bit in position 3 is a 1, since 1 AND 1 =1, the IF statement would be
true and would return a 1. If the bit in position is 0, 0 AND 1 = 0, the IF statement
would return a false value, which is a 0.

MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs v1.5.4 User’s Manual 109

Search the Matrikon OPC Support Knowledge Base at www.opcsupport.com to find the answers
to other commonly-asked MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs questions.

Licensing
Most Matrikon OPC products require that some form of licensing criteria be met for it to function
correctly.
The MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs supports software licensing only.
Note: Alias Events needs to be licensed separately, and by default, is delivered with only a 30-day
demo. To purchase a full Alias Events license, please contact your Matrikon OPC Account Manager.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
The following licensing information is described in detail within the
Licensing Procedures document which accompanies the MatrikonOPC
Server for Siemens PLCs software and User’s Manual:
• Software key licensing information.
• Information about the Matrikon OPC Licensing Utility that is
used to license driver software, and the variety of ways in
which licenses can be obtained (e.g., Internet Connection, Web
Page, Email).
• Licensing Q&A and Troubleshooting.

Contacting Support
The Matrikon OPC Customer Services department (www.opcsupport.com) is available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
Contact Matrikon OPC Support using the information below, or send an email
([email protected]).
For Monday to Friday daytime support requests, contact Matrikon OPC Support using the regional
phone numbers provided in Table 54.

Region Office Hours Contact Information

North America
8:00 am-5:00 pm +1-877-OPC-4-ALL
UTC/GMT -7 hours (MST)
Europe /Africa * +49-221-969-77-0
9:00 am-5:00 pm
UTC/GMT +1 hours (CET) (Request OPC Support)
Australia/Asia * +61-2-4908-2198
9:00 am-5:00 pm
UTC/GMT +10 hours (AEST) (Request OPC Support)
* Toll-free regional numbers coming soon!
Table 54 - Matrikon OPC Support Regional Contact Information

For after-hours support in all regions, please use either of the following numbers. There is no
extra charge from Matrikon OPC for calling their after-hours support numbers.

Region Contact Information

All +1-780-231-9480

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 Region Contact Information
+1-780-264-6714
Table 55 - After-Hours Support

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OPC Compliance
For more information on OPC, view the documents listed below (as well as other OPC
Specifications) at http://www.opcfoundation.org. Matrikon OPC supports the following
interfaces:
• OPC Overview 1.0
• OPC Common Definitions and Interfaces 1.0
• OPC Data Access Specification 2.05a
• OPC Data Access Specification 3.00
• OPC Historical Data Access Specification 1.2
• OPC Alarms and Events Specification 1.10
• OPC Security 1.00

Installation
The server is by default installed as a local out-of-process COM server and enters its registration
information in the Windows registry when instructed to do so with the /REGSERVER command-
line option. The server installs itself as a Windows service and enters its registration information in
the Windows registry when instructed to do so with the /SERVICE command-line option.
• Version-independent program ID is Matrikon.OPC.SiemensPLC.
• Version-specific program ID is Matrikon.OPC.SiemensPLC.1.
• OPC sub-key and vendor information string.
• Globally unique application ID (e.g., 2424489F-0492-4b6b-A57C-7791E0EED2C0).
• Globally unique class ID number (e.g., 19DDB075-33B1-4fbc-A4F0-85A55D81FFEB).
• Full path of 32-bit local server executable.
• OPC Data Access Server 2.05a and 3.00 implemented component categories.
The server removes its registration information from the Windows registry when commanded to do
so with the /UNREGSERVER command-line option.

Common Interfaces
The server supports the mandatory functionality specified in OPC Common Definitions and
Interfaces. The server supports the following locales for result code translation:
• US English (0x0409)
• System default (0x0800)
• User default (0x0400)
• Neutral (0x0000).
The server allows the client to set the client name for each connection. The server supports the
shutdown event notification client-side interface.

Data Access
The server supports the mandatory functionality specified in the OPC Data Access Custom Interface
Standard.

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Groups
The server supports the addition, removal, and cloning of private groups. The server allows the
client to manage group state.
• Name
• Active state
• Update rate (100 millisecond resolution)
• Time bias
• Dead-band (percent of analog item high-low range)

Items
The server supports the addition, removal, and validation of items in a group. The server allows the
client to manage item configuration.
• Active state
• Requested data type
• Dead-band (percent of analog item high-low range)
• Sampling rate
• Buffer values (used only when sampling rate is enabled and is sampling faster than the
group update rate).

Browsing and Item Properties

The server supports address space browsing.
• Hierarchical address space
• Simulate flat address space
• Branch/leaf name filter (pattern matching)
• Item data type filter
• Item access rights filter
The server supports the following mandatory item properties.
• Value, quality, and timestamp
• Canonical data type
• Access rights
• Scan rate

I/O Operations
The server supports synchronous I/O operations.
• Read active item values from cache.
• Read item values from device.
• Read items value from device based on how old the cache items value is.
• Read items without adding the item to an OPC group.
• Write control values to items (on device).

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 • Write control value, quality, and/or timestamp to items (if the server supports such
features).
• Write control values without adding the item to an OPC group.
The server supports asynchronous I/O operations as defined for DA 3.00.
• Read items value from device based on how old the cache items value is.
• Write control value, quality, and/or timestamp (if the server supports such feature).
The server supports the data change event notification client-side interface as defined for DA 3.00.
• Keep-alive call-back indicating server is alive.
The server supports asynchronous I/O operations as defined for DA 2.05a.
• Read items value from device.
• Write control values to items (on device).
• Refresh active items from cache.
• Cancel outstanding operations.
• Enable/disable event notifications.
The server supports the data change event notification client-side interface as defined for DA
2.05a.
• Data change or dead-band exceeded.
• Asynchronous refresh operation complete.
• Asynchronous read operation complete.
• Asynchronous write operation complete.
• Asynchronous operation cancellation complete.
The server supports asynchronous I/O operations as defined for DA 1.0.
• Read items values from device.
• Read items values from cache.
• Write control values to items (on device).
• Refresh active items from cache.
• Cancel outstanding operations.
The server supports the data change event notification client-side interface as defined for DA 1.0.
• Data change or dead-band exceeded – data with timestamps.
• Data change or dead-band exceeded – data without timestamps.
• Asynchronous write operation complete.

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Appendix A Distributed COM (DCOM)
DCOM is an object protocol that enables COM components (such as OPC clients and servers) to
communicate directly with each other across a network. A certain amount of configuration is
required on the system where the OPC server is installed to allow remote clients to connect to it
over the network.
Readers should be familiar with DCOM and with Windows 2000 security features and security
administration. Information regarding Distributed COM and various links to related sites, white
papers, specifications, and so on, can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/com/default.mspx.

Notes:
• The following steps are suggestions only. Ask your Windows
Network Administrator for more information about the settings
that you should use, especially between different domains.
• The steps provided in this appendix apply to Windows NT
operating systems only. For information on how to configure
DCOM settings for newer Windows operating systems, please
refer to the Matrikon OPC Online Support page on DCOM
Settings.

DCOM Configuration Utility

Start the DCOM configuration utility either from the server configuration utility or from the
command-line (DCOMCNFG). Answer, yes to any message boxes that appear (allowing the utility to
assign application ID entries to those servers that do not already have them).
The main window for DCOMCNFG allows the user to either configure default settings for all COM
servers or else to configure settings for a specific server chosen from the list. The former will affect
all servers configured to use the default settings. The latter will affect the selected server only.

Note: DCOM settings are stored in the registry and loaded by COM
(and OPC) servers at start-up. Therefore, server processes must be
shut down and re-started for these changes to take effect.

Default Properties
The Default Properties tab contains settings that affect all DCOM communication on the machine.
• First of all, ensure that the Enable Distributed COM on this computer is selected in
so that the machine is available to others via DCOM.
• Select the Enable COM Internet Services on this computer to allow DCOM access to
the machine from the Internet (check with your administrator).
• In general, the other settings do not need to be changed.

The Authentication Level specifies when COM should authenticate the identity of calling clients
(each call, each packet, etc).
• Normally, it should be set to Connect, indicating that COM should authenticate clients
when they first connect to a server. If it is set to None, then COM performs no
authentication and ignores any access permission settings.

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The Impersonation Level specifies whether servers can ascertain the identity of calling clients
and whether they can then perform operations on the client's behalf (as if the server is the client).
• Normally, it should be set to Identify, allowing the server to identify the calling client to
see if it is allowed access to a certain resource but not to actually access any of these
resources as the client.
• Select the Provide additional security for reference tracking to make even the
reference counting on COM objects secure. This setting is not generally required.

Security Permissions
The most important DCOM settings for an OPC server are the security permissions. There are two
ways for you to set these:
1. Change the specific settings for the server (recommended).
2. Change the default settings (not recommended) and make sure that the OPC server will use
these.
Either way, be certain that the access and launch permissions are correct for the server.

Setting Security Permissions

To set the security permissions for an OPC Server:
1. Open the DCOM configuration utility.
2. Select the OPC server, and then click Properties.
3. The Distributed COM Configuration Properties window (Figure 62) appears.

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 Figure 62 - Distributed COM Configuration Properties Window

4. Click on the Security tab to set the security for the server.
5. The Distributed COM Configuration Security tab (Figure 63) appears.

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 Figure 63 - Distributed COM Configuration Security Tab

Notes:
• The Access Permissions contain an Access Control List of principals that are
allowed to interact with objects supplied by a server.
• The Launch Permissions contain an Access Control List of principals that are
allowed to start up a server process or service.
6. Include the names of users or user groups from trusted domains that you wish to be able to
use the OPC server on this machine. Include the Everyone group to allow access to all
users on a particular domain.
7. To set the Access permissions, click Use custom access permissions and then click Edit.
8. The Registry Value Permissions window (Figure 64) appears.

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 Figure 64 - Registry Value Permissions Window

9. To add users to the list click Add.

10. The Add Users and Groups window (Figure 65) appears.

Figure 65 - Add Users and Groups Window

11. To add a user to the list, select the user, and then click Add. If the user you wish to add
does not appear then click Show Users.

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 12. When you are done adding users, click OK to close the Add Users and Groups window.
You can then choose to Allow Access or Deny Access for each user.
Notes:
• The procedure to set the launch permissions is similar to the above, but instead of
choosing Allow Access for a user you would choose Allow Launch.
• The Configuration Permissions contain an Access Control List of principals that are
allowed to modify the configuration information for a server. In other words, it
indicates who is allowed to alter the registry entries for installed servers as well as
who is able to access the registry for the purposes of installing new servers. It is
usually simpler to install and configure servers as a user with local administrative
rights.
13. To connect to an OPC server from outside of the domain, create a local user account on
both the server and the client machine with identical username and password. Then, add
the local user on the OPC server to the DCOM permissions. Use the local account on the
client machine to connect to the OPC server.

Server Identity
The Identity tab for a selected COM (or OPC) server specifies the user account that should be
used when COM starts up the process. The available settings are different for servers that run as
local executables as opposed to those that run as NT services.

Note: It is strongly recommended that OPC servers should be

installed to run as NT services if they are going to be accessed by
remote clients via DCOM. This ensures that the server can always be
accessed even if no one is presently logged on to the machine, and
only one server process ever starts up. It also adds a greater degree
of security in terms of who is able to shut down the server process.
Servers that run as local executables have the option of running as the launching user (the calling
client–this is the default), the interactive user (the one currently logged onto the machine), or a
specified user. It is usually best to use the interactive user or a specified user. Otherwise, remote
clients might start up multiple separate server processes that are not accessible to others.
Servers that run as NT services should generally run as the local System account. Alternatively,
the server can be set to run as a specified user, although this is usually done from the Service
Control Manager applet rather than DCOMCNFG. Access and Launch permissions are particularly
important when installing a server to run as an NT service.

Default Protocols
The Default Protocols tab specifies the communication protocols available to DCOM. The order
that protocols appear in the list indicates the priority in which they will be used (the topmost
having the highest priority).
The more protocols that appear in the list, the better the chances of connecting to an OPC server
on an unknown remote machine (such as at an OPC Interoperability Workshop). However, it may
also take longer for DCOM to time out if a server machine is not present since it has to try each
protocol in turn.
For most situations, it is best to remove all unused protocols from the list and only include those
that are necessary for your network. For example, on a TCP/IP network, one would include the
Connection-oriented TCP/IP protocol. Contact your IT personnel for more information about
your network.

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 Note: Evidence indicates that there are problems with the datagram-
oriented protocols (such as UDP/IP) that can cause memory leaks in
DCOM. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that these protocols be
removed from the list of default protocols. Datagram-oriented
protocols are not supported under Windows 2000 at all (although the
DCOM configuration utility still allows you to configure them).

Remote Program ID
Before the OPC Server Browser became available, OPC client applications had to search the
registry to generate a list of available OPC servers. Therefore, some older OPC clients need to have
a program ID in the local registry in order to connect to a particular OPC server.
The simplest solution is to install the OPC server software on the client machine even if it is not
used. Alternatively, use the following steps to copy a program ID to the client machine.
Note: This method may not work for every OPC client. Please check the client documentation for
more information.

WARNING: Any changes made to the registry must be made with

extreme caution!

1. Back up your registry.

2. On the server machine, run REGEDIT as a user that has access rights to the local registry.
3. Expand the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT key.
4. Find the program ID(s) for the desired OPC server(s).
Note: In the case of Matrikon OPC Servers, the ID has the form Matrikon.OPC.Device. If
you quickly type the first few letters then REGEDIT should jump to the location of that key.
Some servers may have both a version-specific as well as a version-independent program
ID. In this case both IDs should be copied to the client machine.
5. For each program ID, select the key and choose Export Registry File from the Registry
menu. Enter a file name, and then click Save. Be careful not to overwrite other export files
that you are creating.
6. Copy the exported REG files to the client machine.
7. Merge the REG files into the registry of the client machine.
Note: This should simply be a matter of double clicking on the file from the desktop of the
client machine. Alternatively, run REGEDIT on the client machine and choose Import
Registry File from the Registry menu, selecting each file in turn. This must be done as a
user who has write access to the local registry.
8. Use REGEDIT to check that the program IDs have in fact, been copied.
9. Delete the REG files since they are no longer needed.

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 Appendix B Aliases
Scaling Expressions
Alias scaling expressions may use any of the expression constructs listed in Table 56.

Construct Description Examples

Text value (single quotation marks). ‘hello’
‘text’
‘Joe’s Alias’
Addition (or Append), Subtraction, (3 * 7 + 1) / 8 – 2
+ - * /
Multiplication, and Division. ‘hi’ + ‘there’
Equal To, Less Than, Greater Than,
= < > <> <= >= Unequal To, Less or Equal To, 3<4
Greater or Equal To.
Logical Not, Logical And, Logical Or. (7 >= 3) And (1 <> 0)
Not And Or
May also be used for binary math. (12 And 5) = 4
TIME Current time as text. ‘The time is’ + TIME

DATE Current date as text. ‘Today is’ + DATE

INT(x) Returns the integer part of x. INT(3.14) = 3
FRAC(x) Returns the fractional part of x. FRAC(3.14) = 0.14
SQRT(x) Returns the square root of x. SQRT(16) = 4
DIV(x, y) Divides x by y. DIV(42, 7) = 6
Returns x if expression evaluates to
IF(expr, x, y) IF(6 <= 12, ‘OK’, ‘Bad’) = ‘OK’
TRUE, otherwise returns y.
TRUE FALSE Constant Boolean true and false. (5 > 6) = FALSE
Returns the data type of x as a text
TYPEOF(x) description (‘STRING’, ‘INTEGER’, TYPEOF(‘hello’) = ‘STRING’
‘FLOAT, ‘BOOLEAN’, ‘ERROR’).
Converts the numeric value x to
STR(x) STR(3.14) = ‘3.14’
text.
Converts the text value x to all UPPER(‘alarm’) = ‘ALARM’
UPPER(x)
upper case or lower case letters, or
LOWER(x) LOWER(‘ALARM’) = ‘alarm’
the first letter upper case and the
PRETTY(x) PRETTY(‘ALARM’) = ‘Alarm’
rest lower.
Returns a sub-string of the x,
COPY(x, start, length) copying length characters starting at COPY(‘FIDDLE’, 2, 4) = ‘IDDL’
start.
Converts the numeric value x to text FORMATNUMERIC('####.#',
FORMATNUMERIC(mask, x)
using the format mask. 123.4567) = ‘123.5’
INPUT The incoming value read from OPC. INPUT * 3.1415
OUTPUT The outgoing value written to OPC. OUTPUT / 3.1415

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 Construct Description Examples
Text value (single quotation marks). ‘hello’
‘text’
‘Joe’’s Alias’
Table 56 - Expressions Constructs for Alias Scaling

Advanced Calculations
Calculations may contain references to any OPC item in the server’s syntax. However, they may
not contain references to other alias items. There are no limits on how many items can be used in
a calculation. The only limiting factor may be performance related. To reference another OPC item
in the calculation, wrap the items full item path in square brackets. For example to add the items
Com1.Rtu.Reg1 and Com1.Rtu.Reg2 together, the correct expression would be:
[Com1.Rtu.Reg1] + [Com1.Rtu.Reg2]
If the OPC item being referenced in a calculation is not found within the servers address space, the
server attempts to add it. If successful, the OPC server uses the Alias Subscription Rate to
update the OPC item. The Alias Subscription Rate is configured in the Advanced Options panel.
In the event that the server cannot create a subscription to the OPC item, the alias quality reports
Bad, bad configuration.
Advanced alias calculations may use any of the operators listed in Table 57.

Construct Description Examples

- Minus operator. x-y
- Unary minus operator. -x
Not logical operator.
! !x
Returns 1 if x is 0, else returns 0.
Not equal logical operator.
!= x != y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
Modulo; find remainder of the division
% x%y
of x by y.
And logical operator.
& x&y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
* Multiplication operator. x*y
/ Division operator. x/y
^ Calculates x raised to the power of y. x^y
Or logical operator.
| x|y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
+ Addition operator. x+y
< Lesser than logical operator.
x<y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
<= Lesser than or equal logical operator.
x <= y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.

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 Construct Description Examples
== Equal logical operator.
x == y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
> Greater than logical operator.
x>y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
>= Greater than or equal logical operator.
x >= y
Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.
Table 57 - Calculation Operators for Alias Scaling

Alias scaling calculations may use any of the functions listed in Table 58.

Construct Description Examples

abs Absolute value. abs(x)

acos Arccosine acos(x)

asin Arcsine asin(x)
atan Arctangent atan(x)

avg Returns the average of a set of avg(v1,v2,v3,...)

values.

bin Converts a binary number to a bin(binNumber)

decimal number.
ceil Ceiling. ceil(x)
cos Cosine. cos(x)
cosh Hyperbolic cosine. cosh(x)

fact Returns the factorial of x: x*(x- fact(x)

1)*(x-2)*...(x-x+1).
floor Floor. floor(x)

hex Converts an hexadecimal number hex(hexNumber)

to a decimal number.

if If the condition is true, returns if(condition, val1, val2)

val1 else returns val2.
isNaN Returns 1 if the number is a NaN value. isNaN(value)
log Natural logarithm. log(x)
log10 Base-10 logarithm log10(x)
max Returns larger of a set of values. max(v1,v2,v3,...)
max Returns larger of two values. max(x,y)
max Returns larger of three values. max(x,y,z)
min Returns smaller of a set of values. min(v1,v2,v3,...)

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 Construct Description Examples
min Returns smaller of two values. min(x,y)
min Returns smaller of three values. min(x,y,z)
rand Random value between 0 and 1. rand()

rand Random value between min and rand(min, max)

max.
round Round the fractional part of a number. round(x)
sin Sine. sin(x)

sinh Hyperbolic sine. sinh(x)

sqrt Square root. sqrt(x)

sum Returns the sum of a set of values. sum(v1,v2,v3,...)
tan Tangent. tan(x)
tanh Hyperbolic tangent. tanh(x)
Table 58 - Calculation Functions for Alias Scaling

CSV File Format

Note: The CSV file format does not support Alias Event configuration settings. If aliases are
exported to CSV and then re-imported, all event generation settings will be lost.
The alias import/export file contains lines of comma-separated values. Each line contains the fields
listed in Table 59.
• Values containing commas or spaces are enclosed in double-quotation marks (“ ”).
• Double-quotation marks occurring inside quoted values are escaped with an extra double-
quotation mark.
• Lines beginning with a hash mark (#) are ignored (used for comments).

Field Description
Name of the alias group folder where the alias belongs. Periods in the name indicate
Alias Group subfolders below the root (e.g., North.FIC101 = alias group North under the Alias
Configuration root and alias group FIC101 under that).
Name of the alias. Full alias path name composed of the alias group path, a period,
Alias Name
and the alias name (e.g., North.FIC101.CV for an alias named CV).
Item Path Fully qualified item ID for the OPC item to which the alias refers.
Data Type Decimal number indicating the data type for the alias.
Specifies whether the alias is read-only or read-write.
Read-only 0 = read-write
1 = read-only
Specifies whether the alias is polled continuously or not.
Poll Always 0 = only poll as requested by an OPC client (normal)
1 = poll continuously at the specified update rate

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 Field Description
Update Rate Update rate (milliseconds) to use with the Poll Always option.
Scaling type for the alias.
0 = none
1 = linear
Scaling 2 = square root
3 = gain/offset
4 = expression
5 = calculation
Table 59 - File Import/Export Field Descriptions

When the scaling field specifies linear (1) or square root (2) scaling, the line contains the additional
fields listed in Table 60.

Field Description
High Raw Raw value range (double-precision real).
Low Raw
High Scaled Scaled value range (double-precision real).
Low Scaled
Clamp options.
0 = none
Clamp 1 = clamp low value
2 = clamp high value
3 = clamp both high and low values
Table 60 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Linear/Square Root Scaling

When the scaling field specifies gain/offset (3) scaling, the line contains the additional fields listed
in Table 61.

Field Description
Gain Scaling factor (double-precision real).
Offset Scaling offset (double-precision real).
Table 61 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Offset Scaling

When the scaling field specifies expression (4) scaling, the line contains the additional fields listed
in Table 62.

Field Description
Input Expression Simple formula applied to the value read from the OPC item.
Simple formula applied to values written to the OPC item. The
Output Expression
output formula should be the reciprocal of the input formula.
Table 62 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Expression Scaling

When the scaling field specifies calculation (5) scaling, the line contains the additional fields listed
in Table 63.

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 Field Description
Input Calculation Calculation applied to the value read from the OPC item.
Table 63 - Additional File Import/Export Field Descriptions - Calculation Scaling

Scaling Algorithms
For each type of scaling, a different algorithm (Table 64) is applied to values read from the OPC
item. A reverse algorithm is applied to any values written to the OPC item.

Scaling Algorithm/Example Reverse Algorithm/Example

 Scaled High − Scaled Low   RawHigh − RawLow 
Linear (x − RawLow )  + Scaled Low

(x − Scaled Low )  + RawLow

 RawHigh − RawLow   Scaled High − Scaled Low 

 Scaled High − Scaled Low   RawHigh − RawLow 

Square x − RawLow   + Scaled (x − Scaled Low )2   + Raw
 (Scaled High − Scaled Low )
Root  Raw  Low
 Low
High − Raw Low
2
  

Gain/ x − Offset
Gain  x + Offset
Offset Gain
Expression SQRT(INPUT) + 5 (OUTPUT – 5) * (OUTPUT – 5)
Table 64 - Scaling Algorithms

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Appendix C Standard Data Types
The Standard data types and their descriptions are listed in Table 65.

Hex Dec Data Type Description

0000 0 VT_EMPTY Default/Empty (nothing)
0002 2 VT_I2 2-byte signed integer
0003 3 VT_I4 4-byte signed integer
0004 4 VT_R4 4-byte (single-precision) real
0005 5 VT_R8 8-byte (double-precision) real
0006 6 VT_CY Currency
0007 7 VT_DATE Date
0008 8 VT_BSTR Text (UNICODE)
000A 10 VT_ERROR Error code
000B 11 VT_BOOL Boolean (TRUE = -1, FALSE = 0)
0011 16 VT_I1 1-byte signed integer
0012 17 VT_UI1 1-byte unsigned integer
0013 18 VT_UI2 2-byte unsigned integer
0014 19 VT_UI4 4-byte unsigned integer
2002 8194 VT_ARRAY | VT_I2 Array of 2-byte signed integers
2003 8195 VT_ARRAY | VT_I4 Array of 4-byte signed integer
2004 8196 VT_ARRAY | VT_R4 Array of 4-byte (single-precision) real
2005 8197 VT_ARRAY | VT_R8 Array of 8-byte (double-precision) real
2006 8198 VT_ARRAY | VT_CY Array of currency values
2007 8199 VT_ARRAY | VT_DATE Array of dates
2008 8200 VT_ARRAY | VT_BSTR Array of text values
200A 8202 VT_ARRAY | VT_ERROR Array of error codes
200B 8203 VT_ARRAY | VT_BOOL Array of Boolean values
2011 8208 VT_ARRAY | VT_I1 Array of 1-byte signed integers
2012 8209 VT_ARRAY | VT_UI1 Array of 1-byte unsigned integers
2013 8210 VT_ARRAY | VT_UI2 Array of 2-byte unsigned integers
2014 8211 VT_ARRAY | VT_UI4 Array of 4-byte unsigned integers
Table 65 - Standard Data Types

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Appendix D Microsoft Excel as a DDE Client
Microsoft Excel can act as both DDE client and DDE server. When using Excel as the client, DDE
items can be bound to specific cells in a spreadsheet, creating a read-only “hot link” to the DDE
items. Using Visual Basic, Excel can also be used to transmit (write) the data contained in a specific
cell of a spreadsheet to a DDE server.

DDE Read
To perform a DDE Read using Excel, simply enter a DDE Item as a formula in some spreadsheet
cell:
=SERVICE|TOPIC! NAME
Excel will initiate a DDE Advise loop, or “hot link”, to the topic and item within the service. The DDE
Management system (in this case, Windows) will forward any update sent by the DDE service, to
the appropriate DDE client (in this case, Microsoft Excel). The DDE service is responsible for update
rate/behaviour.
To disable a specific hotlink in Excel, use the Links menu option under the Edit menu.

Special Characters in Excel

Excel reserves the use of specific characters for use in any cell. If a SERVICE, TOPIC, or NAME
contains any special characters, surround the specific field with single quotation characters (‘ ‘):
=SERVICE|TOPIC!’NAME’
=SERVICE|’TOPIC’!’NAME’
=SERVICE|’TOPIC’!NAME
To include single quotation characters in the name, enter two simultaneous single quotation
characters:
=matrikon_opc_simulation_1|’Power.Generator”s Value’!’1000\’

DDE Write
To perform any DDE command other than requests (read) or advise (hot link), a Visual Basic (VB)
function must be used. Most DDE commands are available by using the application object. For
example, the following function will poke (write) the contents of column 1, row 1 to an item in the
OPC Simulation server:
Sub WriteToDDE()

' open a DDE channel. Field 1 = SERVICE, Field 2 = TOPIC

'channel = DDEInitiate("matrikon_opc_simulation", "Bucket Brigade.Real4")

' poke to the Item 1000\, the value of cell A1

DDEPoke channel, "1000\", Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A1")

' close the channel

DDETerminate channel

End Sub

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Net DDE
Since DDE commands are routed by the operating system, it is not possible to establish a DDE
session between two computers unless some transport mechanism is used. This is usually supplied
as a plug-in component of the operating system. In the Windows Environment, the NetDDE
Windows Service allows DDE communication between two computers.

Figure 66 - DDE Share

NetDDE must first be configured using the DDEShare application (DDEShare.exe) as shown in
Figure 66. Each SERVICE and TOPIC pair, or “NetDDE Share”, that is to be available through
NetDDE must be assigned a unique name.

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Appendix E Configuring Dynamic Data
Exchange (DDE)
The server may act as a DDE service. In this way, a DDE client can request data from the server
using the following DDE commands:
XTYP_POKE Write data to an item in the server.
XTYP_REQUEST Read data from an item in the server.
XTYP_ADVREQ Read latest data from an active advice loop.
XTYP_ADVSTART Create and activate an advice loop on a single item in the server.
XTYP_ADVSTOP Stop and destroy an advice loop on a single item in the server.

DDE service can be enabled or disabled using a checkbox (refer to Advanced Options for more
information, including the location of, this checkbox). Note that these options will not be available
if the server does not support DDE.
Items within the server can be referenced using the following syntax:
SERVICE_NAME |ITEM! SCANDETAILS
SERVICE_NAME represents the name of the DDE service. The first edit box specifies the service
name used by this server.
ITEM refers to an Item ID of a point within the server.
SCANDETAILS is a combination of the desired scan rate of the item, and an access path. One or
more delimiting characters separate the scan rate and access path. The second edit box can be
used to change the delimiters. The delimiting characters must be provided when referencing an
item in the server. However, the scan rate and access path are optional. If no scan rate is
specified, only data contained in the server cache is available through DDE, and an advise loop is
not created.
Changes to the DDE options do not take effect until the server is restarted.

Note: DDE Name Syntax – DDE Names may be described in the

following syntax: SERVICE|TOPIC|NAME
In this case, consider the TOPIC to be the item ID, and the NAME to
be a combination of the scan rate and access path.

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Appendix F Security
Introduction
The OPC Framework has implemented the OPC Security Customer Interface version 1.0 of the
specification. Both the IOPCSecurityNT and IOPCSecurityPrivate interfaces are fully supported
(there are no optional pieces).
IOPCSecurityNT describes how NT authentication is used in OPC Security. IOPCSecurityPrivate
describes how proprietary user credentials are used in OPC Security. The OPC Security specification
defines how user credentials are passed from client to server, but very little else. The type of
functionality in an OPC server that is controlled by OPC Security is vendor-determined.

Appendix Structure
This appendix is structured as follows:
• Introduction – this introductory section.
• OPC Security Implementation – description of user access dependencies.
• Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility – describes the utility that is used to
configure security for Matrikon OPC servers.
• Security Details – describes how permissions are applied, how security settings are
stored, and other important details.

OPC Security Implementation

Whether a user has access or not will depend on:
1. Identity – the user behind the OPC client’s actions.
2. Location – the OPC item ID or hierarchy path being accessed.
3. Type – the type of functionality the user is trying to perform.

Identity
Using the IOPCSecurityNT interface for OPC Security, the identity of the OPC client is the domain
user that is running the OPC client and connecting to the OPC server. The OPC Framework will
attempt to impersonate the client that is connected to the server, and use the name from those
credentials for access control. This method does not require any implementation of OPC Security by
the OPC client, since no interface calls are necessary.
Using the IOPCSecurityPrivate interface for OPC Security, the OPC client must make a call to the
OPC server to log on with a user name and password. In this scenario, the OPC client must
implement and follow the OPC Security specification in terms of following the calls necessary to
provide credentials. The credentials provided through the private interface override those provided
from the NT interface. The OPC client may choose to log off, at which point the NT credentials are
used until the log on call is made again.

Location
Some of the interface calls made from an OPC client to an OPC server require the client to provide
an OPC item ID. The OPC Framework will take the OPC item ID provided, and determine whether
access to that location is allowed or not. A particular server installation may want to control access
to a particular device or branch in the hierarchy, and is able to do so by setting permissions for a
partial item ID or path.

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Other interface calls do not provide an ID, but may depend on the state of the server with respect
to previous calls. OPC Browsing (DA 2.0) is an example of this. In this case, the full path up to that
particular location is used for determining access rights.

Type
There are four types of interface functionality in the OPC Framework (specifically the OPC Outer
Layer) that are controlled using OPC Security:
1. Browsing
2. Adding items
3. Reading
4. Writing
Browsing is the least intrusive, followed by adding items, reading values from the items, and finally
writing to the items being the most intrusive. There are multiple interfaces, and functions within
those interfaces, that can be used to perform the types of functionality listed above. Thus, security
control has been added to each possible entry. For example, read control has been added to group
subscriptions call-backs as well as synchronous reads and asynchronous reads – denying read
control would disable reads for the possible types.
A location that is being accessed by an OPC client may have different permissions for the different
types of access. For example, one particular item may be browseable, added, and read, but the
writing permissions might be restricted so that the user cannot interfere with the operation of the
end device.
Note: Of the four functionality types listed above, three of them make use of the full OPC item ID
when an interface call is made from the client to the server: Adding Items, Reading, or Writing.
When browsing, only a partial path leading to an OPC item may be known at any location in the
browsing hierarchy.

Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility

The tag security settings for Matrikon OPC servers are configured and managed via the Matrikon
OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility, a tool that is installed with the server. This utility allows
users to define, per Matrikon OPC server, the following:
• Who has permission
• Which tags/locations they have permissions for
• The type of permissions for those locations
Security settings configured using this utility are read by the OPC Framework and populated in
memory upon server start-up, and are monitored for changes.
Note: In order for the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility to work properly, the
windows user running the utility must have Administrator rights to the computer.
The Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility is a component of an OPC server
installation, and is installed in the following location:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\MatrikonOPC\Common\ACLConfig.exe
The Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility can be run either directly from its
installed location, or from a shortcut found in the Start Menu. If the utility is run from the installed
location, then the user must select the OPC server for which security will be configured. If the
Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility is run from the shortcut, then it will configure
security for the OPC server to which the shortcut belongs.

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To run the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility from its shortcut:
1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Select Programs -> MatrikonOPC -> <OPC Server Name> ->Tag Security.

Figure 67 - Start Menu Navigation

After the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility is run:

1. A window appears asking for a password to be entered. This protects the security settings
and prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing these settings. For servers that
required a security password to be entered during their installation, the Enter server
password window (Figure 68) appears.

Figure 68 - Enter Server Password Window

2. Enter the password created during the installation of the OPC server.
Note: The default password provided for you during installation (if you chose to use the
default) is MatrikonOPC.
3. Click on the OK button.
4. The Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility screen (Figure 69) appears.

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Layout

Figure 69 - Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility Main Screen

The Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility screen displays the name of the OPC
server that is being configured for tag security. In Figure 69 above, the Utility screen shows that
the Matrikon OPC Server for Simulation and Testing tag security is being configured.
The left-hand side of the Utility screen shows a column of action icons that can be clicked upon.
These actions are further described later in this appendix. Some actions may not be applicable,
depending on the context in which they are used, and are identified by greyed-out icons.
In the center of the Utility screen there are descriptions for each of the actions that can be
performed. The appearance of these descriptions can be toggled at any time by clicking on the
Hide Help/Show Help link that exists in the bottom-right corner of the Utility screen. When the
Help screen is hidden, a list of users and groups that have been added appears (Figure 70). By
default, there is always a user named Everyone in the Users & Groups list. This user defines the
permissions used for other NT users that are not configured.

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 Figure 70 - Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility Main Screen: Users & Groups

Note: After any action is performed, the changes made do not take effect until either the OK or
Apply button has been selected. Clicking on the OK button saves the changes and closes the
Utility screen. Clicking on the Apply button saves the changes and keeps the Utility screen open.
Clicking on the Cancel button or the X button on the top-right of the screen, discards any changes
made.

Add User
There are two types of users for which security can be configured: NT Users and Private Users.
Adding a user to the configuration will allow permissions to be defined for that user. For NT users,
the IOPCSecurityNT interface is used, and for Private users, the IOPCSecurityPrivate interface is
used.
NT User
To add an NT user:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, click on the
Add User button.

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 2. The Add User window (Figure 71) appears. The NT User option button is selected by
default. This will allow the addition of a user from a Windows NT Domain.

Figure 71 - Add User Window (NT)

3. By default, the local machine name appears in the From this Location field. To browse to
a different location, click the Locations button.
4. The User field can be entered manually. Clicking on the Check Name button performs
validation on the entered user. The user names are the same as the Windows NT domain
names used on the network. To avoid manually entering a user, click on the Search button,
and select a user from the displayed list of users.
5. To add the selected user, click on the OK button. The user is then added to the list of users
and/or groups currently defined (refer to Figure 72 for a sample list of defined users and
groups).
6. The Edit <Username> window (Figure 77) appears. Follow the instructions in the Edit
User section for adding permissions.

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 Figure 72 - Defined Users and Groups

Private User
Private users have names and passwords associated with them, custom to the OPC client
application, which must implement the OPC Security Private interface for this section to be
meaningful. Private users exist only in the OPC server. They are not created in any NT domains.
To add a Private user:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, click on the
Add User button.
2. The Add User window (Figure 71) appears.
3. Select the Private User option button (Figure 73).

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 Figure 73 - Add User Window (Private)

4. In the Username field, enter a user name.

5. In the Password field, enter a password.
6. In the Password Confirmation field, re-enter the new password.
7. Click OK to create the Private user. It will be added to the list of users and/or groups
currently defined (refer to Figure 72 for a sample list of defined users and groups).
Note: The user name cannot be added if there is already a configured User or Group with
that same name.

Add Group
Groups are used to group users together so that they can share common permissions. Groups are
not necessary to use OPC Security. However, they are convenient when you need to apply common
permissions to multiple users. A group must contain at least one user, and any combination of
users can be grouped together.
Note: A user can exist in multiple groups, but if two or more of the groups have the same
configured path (refer to the Edit User section), and each group defines a permission (Allow/Deny)
for the type of access, then the group whose name alphabetically comes first is used.
There are two types of groups for which security can be configured: NT Groups and Private
Groups.
NT Group
To add an NT group:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, click on the
Add Group button.

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 2. The Add Group window (Figure 74) appears. The NT Group option button is selected by
default. This will allow the addition of an NT group from a Windows NT Domain.

Figure 74 - Add Group Window (NT)

3. By default, the local machine name appears in the From this Location field. To browse to
a different location, click the Locations button.
4. The Group field can be entered manually. Clicking on the Check Group button performs
validation on the entered group. The group names are the same as the Windows NT domain
group names used on the network. To avoid manually entering a group, click on the Search
button, and select a group from the displayed list of groups.
5. To add the selected group, click on the OK button. The group is then added to the list of
users and/or groups currently defined (refer to Figure 72 for a sample list of defined users
and groups).
6. The Edit <Groupname> window (Figure 84) appears (for NT Groups, there is only the
Permissions tab). Follow the instructions in the Edit Group section for adding
permissions.
Private Group
To add a Private Group:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, click on the
Add Group button.
2. The Add Group window (Figure 74) appears.
3. Select the Private Group option button (Figure 75).

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 Figure 75 - Add Group Window (Private)

4. Enter a name for the group to be created. The group is private and will only exist in the OPC
server. The group cannot be created if there is already a configured user or group with that
same name.
5. Click on the OK button to create the group. It will be added to the list of users and/or
groups currently defined (refer to Figure 72 for a sample list of defined users and groups).
6. The Edit <Groupname> window (Figure 84) appears. Follow the instructions in the Edit
Group section for adding permissions.

Duplicate
Another way to create a new user or group is to duplicate an existing one.
To create a new user or group via duplication:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, right-click your
mouse on the user or group you wish to duplicate.
2. From the displayed menu, select Duplicate.
3. The Enter New Name window (Figure 76) appears.

Figure 76 - Enter New Name Window

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 4. Enter a name for the new user or group to be created.
5. Click on the OK button. There must not already be a configured user or group with that
same name. The new user or group will then appear in the list, and will contain the same
properties as the duplicated parent (i.e., original) user or group.

Edit
Once the desired users and/or groups are defined, they must be edited to configure their
respective permissions.
Note: Permissions can also be defined for the user Everyone, which is defined as the default user.
For every NT user not configured in the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility, the user
Everyone is used for determining security permissions.
Permissions for allowing/denying browsing, adding items, reading items, and writing items can be
configured. Permissions are defined for users and groups for a particular location in the server’s
address space hierarchy. A location can either be a tag (i.e., OPC Item ID) or a path leading up to
an item.
Edit User
To edit a user:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, either:
• Double-click your mouse on the user you wish to edit, or
• Right-click your mouse on the required user and select Edit User from the displayed
menu, or
• Click your mouse on the required user, and then select the Edit button.
2. The Edit <Username> window (Figure 77) appears.
Notes:
• In this example, the user being edited is User1 so the window’s title reads Edit
User1.
• There are two tabs on this window: Permissions and General. The General tab
only appears for private users.

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 Figure 77 - Edit <Username> Window (Permissions Tab)

Permissions
On the Permissions tab, the permissions associated with this user relating to browsing, adding,
reading, and writing for any specific paths or OPC items are configured. The Configured Paths
screen section lists the paths and/or OPC items for which permissions are defined. The
Permissions screen section indicates those permissions with option buttons, which can be set to
Allow, Deny, or Unspecified. Selecting Unspecified directs the OPC Framework to look for the
permission higher up in the hierarchy.
From the Permissions tab, when the Add button is selected, the Add Permission screen is
displayed. In the Server Address Space screen section, folders and items are shown as nodes are
selected and expanded.
Red folders indicate a null branch. This means that the item names below this branch do not
contain the branch name, so permissions set on the branch will not reflect on Add, Write, and
Read permissions for the items below the branch. To properly set permissions on the items below
the branch, they have to be set on the items themselves.
Figure 78 provides an example of a null branch and items below it, all of which are outlined in
black.

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 Figure 78 - Add Permission Screen (Server Address Space)

When browsing, using the example in the diagram above, Simulation Items is a null branch
(identified by the red folder), Saw-toothed Waves is a non-null branch, and Int1 is an item.
Setting permissions on the Simulation Items branch does not affect Read, Write, and Add
permissions for the Saw-toothed Waves branch of the Int1 item below that. This is because
when adding the Int1 item, the item ID of the Int1 item is actually Saw-toothed Waves.Int1
and not Simulation Items\Saw-toothed Waves.Int1.
Setting Read, Write, and Add permissions for the Saw-toothed Waves branch will affect the
items below as Saw-toothed Waves is part of the item ID of the Int1 item (Saw-toothed
Waves.Int1), and therefore the Saw-toothed Waves folder does not appear as a red folder like
the Simulation Items folder does.
Note: User permissions override group permissions. For example, if a defined group is denied
writing privileges to an OPC item, Random.Int4, while a defined user (a member of that group) is
allowed writing privilege to Random items (Random.<itemID>), then the user permissions would
take precedence for that OPC item (even though the permissions relating to the group are a better
match for the OPC item, Random.Int4).
To edit a user’s permissions:
1. Click on the Add button to begin configuring permissions for the current user.
2. The Add User Permission window (Figure 79) appears. This window allows you to browse
the OPC server address space to find either a path in the hierarchy, or a particular OPC
item.

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 Figure 79 - Add User Permission Window

3. Expand on the server address space’s root node and continue to browse to the desired path
in the hierarchy, or the desired OPC item.
Note: Branches (i.e., folders) that are red in colour (see Figure 80) are not part of an item’s
path, but rather are used for browsing organization. Configuring permissions for adding,
reading, and writing will not affect items below it. For more information, refer to
Permissions.

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 Figure 80 - Add Permission Window: Browsing Server Address Space

4. Click on the OK button.

5. The selected path or item will be listed in the Configured Paths screen section of the Edit
User window. Permissions can now be assigned, as in the example depicted in Figure 81.
Note: In this example, User1 is allowed to browse the Random path of the OPC server’s
address space. Adding privileges are denied, and Reading and Writing privileges are
unspecified.

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 Figure 81 - Edit <Username>: Example

On the General tab (Figure 82) of the Edit <Username> window, the name and password of the
user can be changed.
To edit a user’s name:
1. Enter a new name in the Name field.
2. Click on the OK button.

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 Figure 82 - Edit <Username> Window (General Tab)

To change the user’s password:

1. Click on the Reset Password button. The Reset Password window (Figure 83) appears.

Figure 83 - Reset Password Window

2. Enter the new password in the Password field.

3. Re-enter the password in the Password Confirmation field.
4. Click on the OK button.

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Edit Group
To edit a group:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, either:
• Double-click your mouse on the group you wish to edit, or
• Right-click your mouse on the required group and select Edit Group from the
displayed menu, or
• Click your mouse on the required group and then select the Edit button.
2. The Edit <Groupname> window (Figure 84) appears.
Notes:
• In this example, the group being edited is Group1 so the window’s title reads Edit
Group1.
• For Private Groups, there are three tabs on this window: Permissions, General,
and Members. For NT Groups, there is only the Permissions tab.

Figure 84 - Edit <Groupname> Window (Permissions Tab)

On the Permissions tab, the permissions associated with this group relating to browsing, adding,
reading, and writing for any specific paths or OPC items are configured. Refer to the Edit User
section regarding configuration on the Permissions tab. Group and user permissions are
configured in the same way.

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On the General tab (Figure 85) of the Edit <Groupname> window, the name of the group can
be changed.
To edit a group’s name:
1. Enter a new name in the Name field.
2. Click on the OK button.

Figure 85 - Edit <Groupname> Window (General Tab)

On the Members tab (Figure 86), the users that are part of the current group are defined. By
default, the Group Members screen section is empty. In Figure 86, User1 has been added to
Group1.

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 Figure 86 - Edit <Groupname> Window (Members Tab)

To add one or more members to the group:

1. Click on the Add button. The Add Existing User window (Figure 87) appears.

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 Figure 87 - Add Existing User Window

2. The Members screen section lists all the defined users from which you may choose. Select
one or more desired users to become members of the group.
3. Click on the OK button. The selected user or users appear in the Group Members screen
section on the Members tab (Figure 86).
To remove a user from the group:
1. Select that user in the Group Members screen section.
2. Click on the Remove button.
Notes:
• If a user name and a group name (to which the user belongs) have permissions
defined for the same location, the user name will be used. If a user belongs to two
groups that have permissions defined for the same location, the group that is
alphabetically first will be used.
• The exact location (full item ID for reading, writing, and adding, or the full path for
browsing) is always looked for first when determining the permission for a particular
user. If the exact location is not found, or is found but does not contain a defined
permission, then the closest match in location is looked at next, and so on. The root
location (i.e., empty string) will always match, and is used if no partial location
match is made.

Delete
To delete a previously added user or group:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility main screen, either:
• Select the required user or group from the list and click on the Delete button
(Figure 72), or

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 • For a group, right-click your mouse on the required group and select Delete Group
from the displayed menu, or
• For a user, right-click your mouse on the required user and select Delete User from
the displayed menu

Change Password
To change the security password for the OPC server:
1. From the Matrikon OPC Security Configuration Utility main screen, click on the
Change Password button (Figure 69).
2. The Change Password window (Figure 88) appears.

Figure 88 - Change Password Window

3. Enter the old password for the current OPC server.

4. Enter and confirm the desired new password.
5. Click on the OK button.
Note: Changes are applied in the Utility main window by clicking on either the OK or
Apply button.

Examples
This section contains examples of tag security settings made via the Matrikon OPC Tag Security
Configuration Utility, and the impact of these settings.
Default
The default tag security configuration provided is quite simplistic as is shown in Table 66:

User/Group Configured Paths Browse Add Read Write

Everyone \ Allow Allow Allow Allow
Table 66 - Default Tag Security

As no users or groups are defined, any NT user connecting to the OPC server will use the
Everyone default user for permissions. Only the root level location is defined under the
Configured Paths list, which gives full permissions to the entire OPC server. An administrator will
want to change these default settings for the OPC server to provide more security on its tags.

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Example 1
Table 67 contains a possible tag security configuration enforces complete restricted access except
for the NT user DOMAIN\Admin:

User/Group Configured Paths Browse Add Read Write

Everyone \ Deny Deny Deny Deny
DOMAIN\Admin \ Allow Allow Allow Allow
Table 67 - Example 1

At this point, more users can be added which belong to a more restricted group. This group may be
denied write capability or restricted to certain areas in the server hierarchy.
Example 2
Following is an example of a tag security configuration for the Matrikon OPC Server for Simulation
and Testing, with sample use-cases. Table 68 lists all defined users and groups and their
associated permissions. Table 69 indicates which users are members of the defined groups.
Unspec. permission indicates Unspecified. Groups in this example are Private Groups.

User/Group Configured Paths Browse Add Read Write

Everyone \ Allow Deny Deny Deny
Everyone Configured Aliases Deny Unspec. Unspec. Unspec.
DOMAIN\john.doe
DOMAIN\fred.stone
DOMAIN\sally.simpson
DOMAIN\the.admin
Supervisor \ Deny Allow Allow Deny
Restricted (group)
Common (group) \ Allow Allow Allow Deny
Common (group) Triangle Waves Deny Deny Deny Deny
Admin (group) \ Allow Allow Allow Allow
Admin (group) Bucket Brigade.Int4 Unspec. Unspec. Unspec. Deny
Table 68 - Example 2: Permissions

User/Group Configured Paths

Restricted DOMAIN\john.doe
Common DOMAIN\fred.stone, DOMAIN\sally.simpson
Admin DOMAIN\the.admin
Table 69 - Example 2: Groups and Members

Tip 1
Adding a user name and not defining any permissions for that user name (or any group it belongs
to), will completely restrict their access to information in the OPC server.

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Case 1
User DOMAIN\john.doe connects. The user is unable to perform any function at any level, since
no permissions have been defined for this user name or the Restricted group to which it belongs.
Tip 2
Use the root location to define permissions for locations that have not been defined. Use the
default user to define permissions for users that are not listed.
Case 2
User DOMAIN\no.name connects. This name is not defined so the default user permissions are
used. At the root level location, the default user can browse but no more. The only other location
where permissions are defined for the default user is Configured Aliases – here browsing is
denied and adding, reading, and writing permissions are not defined. Thus, DOMAIN\no.name
will be able to browse the entire server except the Configured Aliases branch and all aliases
under it. Also, DOMAIN\no.name will not be able to do any item addition, reading, or writing.
Since item addition, reading, and writing permissions were not defined for the default user for
under Configured Aliases, it would use the permissions defined at the root level.
Case 3
User DOMAIN\fred.stone connects. This user belongs to the defined group Common. At the root
level, the group Common can browse, add, and read items, but writing is denied. The only other
location which defines permissions for this group is Triangle Waves. This location has denied all
permissions for the Common group.
Case 4
User Supervisor connects through the private security interface and logs on. This user does not
belong to any group, but its name has a root level permission which allows it to add and read
items. No other locations have permissions defined. Since the user cannot browse, it will need to
know the item syntax for any items it wishes to add and read.
Case 5
User DOMAIN\the.admin connects. This user belongs to the Admin group, which at the root
level has all permissions allowed. The only other location where the Admin group has permissions
defined, is the full item ID Bucket Brigade.Int4. This user is unable to write to that item.
However, the root permissions for browsing, adding, and reading the item apply as they are not
defined at this level.

Security Details
ACL File
The permissions that the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility creates are stored in
a file named ACL.sec that is located in the same directory as the Matrikon OPC server executable:
C:\Program Files\Matrikon\OPC\< OPC Server Name >\.
ACL.sec is encrypted with 256-bit AES using the password key that was provided during
installation (or changed in the security utility).
While the server is running, if the ACL.sec file is moved or deleted from its location above, security
functions as it did before the file was moved. If the server is re-started with the ACL.sec file
missing, no users will have permissions to do anything (i.e., browsing, adding, reading, writing)
and must re-configure their security settings.
Note: It is advised that this file is backed up and stored somewhere safe, once tag security
configuration has been completed. In the event that this file is lost or deleted by accident, simply

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transfer the stored backup (if one was made) to the directory stated above. If ACL.sec becomes
deleted and no backup was made, tag security will need to be re-configured.

Run-Time Tag Security Configuration

Tag security can be configured and updated while a Matrikon OPC server is running. This run-time
security configuration can be controlled using the #MonitorACLFile OPC item (found in the root
branch when browsing the server).
The #MonitorACLFile is a boolean OPC tag that has a default value of True when the server
starts which indicates that the tag security permissions are monitored and applied while the server
is running. By adding this item to an OPC group and writing a value of False to this item, the
server no longer applies tag security configuration changes while the server is running. The server
would need to be stopped and restarted for the changes to take effect.
By disabling the ability of run-time tag security configuration, a malicious user that has access to
the machine cannot delete the ACL file and thus remove all user permissions for OPC security. Run-
time tag security configuration can be re-enabled when changes to the tag security need to be
made, and then disabled again once they have been applied.
Security should be applied to the #MonitorACLFile tag so that unauthorized users are unable to
control this ability described above.
Client Connections and Private Log On
When an OPC client connects to the server, the OPC Framework impersonates the client and
determines the name of the NT user that is running the client. This client name (consisting of the
domain name and the user for that domain) is what the OPC Framework uses when checking
permissions set in the Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility. If this NT user was not
added in the Users & Groups list (Figure 72), then the user Everyone is used instead.
If the OPC client chooses to use the IOPCSecurityPrivate interface, it must call the Logon() function
and provide a name and password. The OPC Framework will immediately look for the private user
in the Users & Groups list (Figure 72). If the user is found and the password provided is correct,
the Logon() result is successful and the user name provided replaces the NT user that was obtained
through impersonation. If not found, the Logon() result is failure and the NT user remains as the
name used for security permissions. When the OPC client calls Logoff(), the NT user becomes the
name used for security permissions.

Determining Permission
Whenever a browsing, item addition, read, or write operation is performed by the OPC client, the
OPC Framework will call a permission routine to determine if permission is allowed or denied. Three
pieces of information are always sent to this routine call:
1. Identity
2. Location
3. Type
Identity is the user name described in the previous section – either the NT domain name, a private
name, or the default user Everyone. In addition, identity includes any groups (private or NT) that
the user belongs to. Location is either the full item ID or a partial path in the server hierarchy.
Type is the access type: browsing, item addition, reading, or writing. Each piece of information is
checked in the order listed above.
The following information details the procedure used in determining permission rights:

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 1. Look for a permission match with the NT domain name or private name. This step occurs
only if the NT domain name or private name has been defined in the Users & Groups list.
2. If a permission match was not yet found, look for one using each group defined in the
Users & Groups list that the NT domain name or private name belongs to. The first group
that contains a permission match will be the one used. An NT domain name does not need
to be defined in the Users & Groups list for a group it belongs to, to have a permission
match. The NT domain name must be part of Group Members for private groups, or in the
Active Directory for NT groups.
3. If a permission match was not yet found, look for a permission match using the default user
Everyone.
The procedure used in finding a permission match for a particular identity is as follows:
1. Check whether the exact location is found in the Configured Paths list for the identity. If
found:
a. Check whether the permission type (browse, add, read, or write) is specified
(Figure 81). If the permission type is specified for the action being performed, a
match is found and the permission (either allow or deny) is used.
2. If a permission match was not found in step 1a, check whether a partial match of the
location is found in the Configured Paths list for the identity. A partial match is always a
sub-string of the given location that starts with the same characters. This represents
starting from the root location and moving down the browsing hierarchy.
For example, the location Random is a partial match of the full item ID Random.String.
However, String is not a partial match (even if it is a sub-string) because it does not match
the first seven characters. The root location \ is considered a partial match for every full
item ID.
For each partial match from step 2, apply step 1a. The best partial match (i.e., the one that
has the most characters) that is successful in step 1a is the one whose permission is used.
Example
The following is an example of a tag security configuration. Table 70 lists all defined users and their
associated permissions.

User/Group Configured Paths Browse Add Read Write

Everyone
DOMAIN\john.doe \ Allow Allow Allow Allow
DOMAIN\john.doe Random Allow Deny Deny Deny
DOMAIN\john.doe Random.Int Allow Allow Allow Allow
Table 70 - Example 2: Permissions

The user DOMAIN\john.doe wants to read the item Random.Int4. The permission routine would
not be able to find an exact location match under the Configured Paths list. However, it would
loop through each partial match in the Configured Paths list looking for a defined permission. The
location Random.Int would be the closest match and the permission would be ALLOW.
The user DOMAIN\john.doe wants to read the item Random.Real4. The permission routine
would not be able to find an exact location match under the Configured Paths list. However, it
would loop through each partial match in the Configured Paths list looking for a defined permission.
The location Random would be the closest match and the permission would be DENY.

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 Appendix G Offline Mode
Introduction
Offline mode allows the Matrikon OPC Server Framework to be disconnected to the end device, but
still return data as if the date was coming from it. This is useful in two situations:
1. A configuration can be set up with to interact with any hardware, allowing any problems in
the configuration to be worked out without having them affect the device.
2. Diagnosing problems becomes much simpler when an implementer can remove the device
hardware from the architecture.
Offline mode can be applied to the entire configuration of a Matrikon OPC server or to a portion of
it.

Offline Mode Toggling

A Boolean control item, named #OfflineMode, is provided at each branch in a Matrikon OPC
server browsing hierarchy. Adding this item will allow an OPC client to monitor the offline mode for
that location using read operations and provide the ability to toggle offline mode for that location
using write operations.
When reading the item #OfflineMode, the value True represents enabled and the value False
represents disabled. Likewise, writing a value of True to #OfflineMode enables offline mode and
writing a value of False to #OfflineMode disables offline mode. When offline mode is toggled at a
particular location in the hierarchy, it also toggles offline mode for all branches underneath it in
hierarchy. For example, if offline mode was enabled at the root in the hierarchy, every branch
would have its offline mode enabled. Upon server start-up, every branch has the #OfflineMode
item set to False (i.e., offline mode is disabled).

Offline Mode Item Values

When offline mode is enabled at a particular location in the browsing hierarchy, all OPC items at
that location generate random values according to their data type (the Date data type is the one
exception to this). Table 71 shows the value behaviour for each data type:

Data Type Behaviour

Boolean (VT_BOOL) True or False.
Character (VT_I1) Value between -128 and 127.
16-bit Integer (VT_I2) Value between -32768 and 32767.
32-bit Integer (VT_I4 and VT_INT) Value between -2147483648 and 2147483647.
Byte (VT_UI1) Value between 0 and 255.
Word (VT_UI2) Value between 0 and 65525.
Double Word (VT_UI4 and VT_UINT) Value between 0 and 4294967295.
Float (VT_R4) Value between -13388.5962 and 13388.5962.
Value between -8345.512588035 and
Double (VT_R8)
8345.512588035.
Date (VT_DATE) Current system time.

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 Data Type Behaviour
String (VT_BSTR) Simulated or Data.
Table 71 - Offline Mode Item Values

Operational Effects
When offline mode is enabled at a particular location in a server’s hierarchy, there is no
communication between the server and the end-device/application to which the location refers.

Note: Some servers allow communication to multiple

devices/applications. To ensure there is no communication in the
entire server, offline mode should be enabled at the root level.

To ensure that there is no communication when offline mode is enabled, the Matrikon OPC Server
Framework will disable the object associated with that branch. When an object is disabled due to
offline mode, the Enabled checkbox will be cleared (i.e., unselected) in its panel within the
configuration utility. Enabling the object will have no effect while the object has offline mode
enabled. When offline mode is disabled for that particular object, the Matrikon OPC Server
Framework will re-enable it and the Enabled checkbox will be selected (i.e., checked) once again.

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Appendix H Installation
Once the system requirements have been met, you are ready to install the software.

Note: As part of the installation process, the Matrikon OPC

Analyzer tool is installed and used to detect the system settings that
affect the use of this software. No information is communicated back
to Matrikon. Information is stored on this system only for future use
by Matrikon OPC Support to assist with troubleshooting, if required.

To install the software:

1. Insert the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs CD into the CD drive.
2. If the Matrikon OPC InstallAware screen does not automatically appear, double-click the
installation .exe file. The Matrikon OPC Server – InstallAware Wizard verifies its
contents (Figure 89).

Figure 89 - InstallAware Wizard Verification Window

3. Either a Pre-Requisites screen (Figure 90) appears, or you are taken directly to the
Licensing Agreement (Figure 91) screen. If the Licensing Agreement screen is the
displayed screen, go to step 5.
4. If the Pre-Requisites screen appears, then click on the Next button to install the listed
pre-requisites.

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 Figure 90 - Pre-Requisites Screen

5. After all pre-requisites have been installed, the License Agreement screen (Figure 91)
appears.
Note: From the License Agreement screen, you have the option of selecting the I reject
the license agreement option. Selecting the I reject the license agreement option
button disables the Next button so your options are to return to the previous screen, cancel
the install by clicking on the Cancel button, or select the I accept the license agreement
option button enabling you to proceed through the install.

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 Figure 91 - License Agreement Screen

6. Read the Software License Agreement, using the scroll bar to view the entire message.
7. Select the I accept the license agreement option button.
8. Click on the Next button. The Setup Type screen (Figure 92) appears.

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 Figure 92 - Setup Type Screen

9. Select the type of setup to be performed.

Note: Matrikon OPC recommends that you select the Express Setup option.
Note: this is a sample screen. The server name, destination folder, and start menu group
name depend on the product being installed.
10. Click on the Next button.
11. If you have selected Express Setup the default options will be used. Go to step 18 (Figure
96); otherwise the Destination Folder screen (Figure 93) appears.

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 Figure 93 - Destination Folder Screen

12. Select the folder in which to install the Matrikon OPC server, or accept the default location
displayed in the Folder path field.
13. Click on the Next button. The Start Menu screen (Figure 94) appears.

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 Figure 94 - Start Menu Screen

14. Select the Start Menu group and specify whether you want shortcuts created only for
yourself, or for all users, by selecting the applicable option button.
15. Click on the Next button. The Enter Password screen (Figure 95) appears.

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 Figure 95 - Enter Password Screen

16. A default password is supplied for you in the Password and Confirm Password fields.

Notes:
• The default password provided for you is MatrikonOPC. Note
this password for future reference.
• If you need to change the password at a later date, access the
Tag Security shortcut from the Start menu. Click on the
Windows Start button. Select Programs -> MatrikonOPC ->
<OPC Server Name> -> Tag Security. For more
information, refer to Appendix F – Security.

17. Click on the Next button to accept the default password. The Licensing screen (Figure 96)
appears.

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 Figure 96 - Licensing Screen

18. Select the applicable licensing option.

19. Click on the Next button. The Ready to Install screen (Figure 97) appears.

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 Figure 97 - Ready to Install Screen

20. Click on the Next button. The Installing MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs screen
(Figure 98) appears, installation begins, and the product files are copied to the computer.
Note: Prior to starting the installation, you have the option of clicking on the Back button
to change any of the installation information. Click on the Cancel button if you wish to stop
or cancel the installation.

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 Figure 98 - Installing Matrikon OPC Server Screen

21. When the installation has finished, the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Setup
Complete screen (Figure 99) appears stating that the Matrikon OPC server has been
successfully installed.

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 Figure 99 - Matrikon OPC Server Setup Complete Screen

22. At this point, you have the option of launching any or all of the following by selecting the
necessary checkbox or checkboxes:
• Configuration panel
• Release Notes
• User’s Manual
23. Click on the Finish button to complete the installation and exit the Wizard.
24. The necessary files have now been copied to the target computer, the software components
are registered, and shortcut icons are created in the Start menu.

Note: At this point, it is recommended that you verify the DCOM

settings. Reference to the DCOM configuration can be found in the
DCOM Manual. This configuration varies for different operating
systems.

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 Appendix I Installed Files
The installation program copies all necessary files to the target computer and creates shortcut
icons in the Start menu.
For information on files not specific to the server that are installed on the system, please refer the
Matrikon OPC Server User’s Manual.
The files specific to this server, listed in Table 72, are installed by default in the following location:
C:\Program Files\Matrikon\OPC\SiemensPLC

File Name Description

ACL.sec Access control list containing users and permissions configured for
the server.
ACLSecure.exe Command-line security utility used to encrypt/decrypt the ACL file.
Altova.dll
AltovaXML.dll
CalcEngine.dll
CalcEngineResource.dll
CalcEngineServerPS.dll
CalcEngineWrapper.dll
CalculationGraph.dll
clipsdll.dll
dbghelp.dll
icudt40.dll
Calculation Engine binary files.
icuin40.dll
icuuc40.dll
log4cxx.dll
lsapiw32.dll
NetPortalQueryServerPS.dll
ProcessNetDataDelivery_u.dll
RmsApiProxy.dll
Scheduler.dll
ScriptLibrary.dll
Xerces-c_2_8.dll
Licensing Procedures.pdf Licensing Procedures document.
OPCSiemensPLC.exe Matrikon OPC Siemens PLCs executable.
OPCSrvSiemensPLCWizard.exe Siemens PLC configuration wizard.
MatrikonOPC Server for
Siemens PLCs Release Release Notes for this product.
Notes.pdf
MatrikonOPC Server for
Siemens PLCs User Manual.pdf This User’s Manual.

ProgID.txt Security information file used by the encryption utility.

PSTCFGMPILib.ocx ActiveX configuration panels.

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 File Name Description
PSTCFGPPILib.ocx ActiveX configuration panels.
PSTCFSiemensPLCLib.ocx ActiveX configuration panels.
PSTCFGTi5Lib.ocx ActiveX configuration panels.
security.cfg Security settings.
ServerOpts.ini The initialization file for recording the server’s initial settings.
SS7DBSymImport.exe Siemens Step 7 Symbol Import utility.
Table 72 - Files Installed in "SiemensPLC" Folder

The files listed in Table 73 are installed by default, in the following location:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\MatrikonOPC\Common

File Name Description

OPCAnalyzer Logs\ Logs generated by Matrikon OPC Analyzer.

ACLConfig.exe Matrikon OPC Tag Security Configuration Utility that configures tag-
level security in Matrikon OPC servers.
EULA.pdf License document.
OEM_Matrikon_OPC.dll Matrikon OPC OEM Badge Library.
Matrikon OPC Automation Component – enables developers to access
OPCAuto.dll OPC data from client applications developed using Automation tools
such as Visual Basic, VBA, and VB Script.
opcda20_auto.doc Matrikon OPC Automation Component Interface Standard
Matrikon OPC Automation Component – enables developers to access
OPCDAAuto.dll OPC data from client applications developed using Automation tools
such as Visual Basic, VBA, and VB Script.
opchda10_auto.doc Developer documentation for the HDA Automation Component.

opchda_ps.dll The proxy-stub file to allow OPC Clients to make remote connections
to an OPC HDA server.
Matrikon OPC HDA Automation Component – enables developers to
OPCHDAAuto.dll access OPC HDA data from client applications developed using
Automation tools.
PSTCFG.exe Matrikon Product Configuration Utility.
PSTCFGBasicInnerLayerLib.ocx Server ActiveX configuration panel.
PSTcfgps.dll Matrikon Product Configuration Marshalling Library.
PXPComfigps.dll Matrikon Product Configuration Library.
Table 73 - Files Installed in "Common" Folder

The files listed in Table 74 are installed in the WINDOWS\system32 folder:

File Name Description

EXPREVAL.DLL Expression Evaluation Library for Alias Equations.

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 File Name Description
OPC_AEPS.DLL OPC Alarms and Events 1.0 Interfaces Marshalling Library.
OPCBC_PS.DLL OPC Batch Custom 2.00 Proxy/Stub Library.
OPCCOMN_PS.DLL OPC Common Interfaces and Marshalling Library.
OPCDXPS.DLL OPC Data eXchange 1.00 Proxy/Stub Library.
OPCENUM.EXE OPC Server List Component.
OPCHDA_PS.dll OPC Historical Data Access 1.20 Proxy/Stub Library.
OPCPROXY.DLL OPC Data Access 2.0 and 1.0a Interfaces and Marshalling Library.
OPCSEC_PS.DLL OPC Security 1.00 Proxy/Stub Library.
ACTXPRXY.DLL ActiveX Interface Marshalling Library.
Table 74 - Files Installed in "system32" Folder

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Appendix J Un-Installation
To successfully un-install MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs, using the Add or Remove
Programs from the Microsoft Windows Control Panel is recommended.
To un-install MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs:
1. Click on the Start button and highlight the Control Panel item.
2. From the displayed menu, select Add or Remove Programs.
3. The Add or Remove Programs window (Figure 100) is displayed.
4. Scroll through the list of currently installed programs and updates to find and select
MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs.

Figure 100 – Add or Remove Programs

5. Click on the Remove button associated with the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs
program to initiate the un-install process.
6. The MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs – InstallAware Wizard appears, and the
Welcome to MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Maintenance screen (Figure 101)
is displayed.

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 Figure 101 - Welcome to MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Maintenance Screen

7. Select the Remove option button to un-install MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs
entirely.
8. Click on the Next button. The Ready to Uninstall screen (Figure 102) is displayed.

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 Figure 102 - Ready to Uninstall Screen

9. Click on the Next button.

10. The Uninstalling MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs screen (Figure 103) appears
and the un-install takes place.

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 Figure 103 - Uninstalling MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Screen

11. When the un-install has finished, the MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Setup
Complete screen (Figure 104) appears stating that Matrikon OPC Server for Siemens PLCs
was successfully un-installed.

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 Figure 104 - MatrikonOPC Server for Siemens PLCs Setup Complete Screen

12. Click on the Finish button to complete the un-install and exit the Wizard.
13. The program no longer appears listed in the Add or Remove Programs window.

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