Generations of PI connectors

PI connectors add new data to the PI Server by scanning data sources and discovering data items. Customers add new data sources constantly, and so PI connectors are developed as new data sources come into use. Those developments have driven the development of generations of PI connectors, each adding functionalities to meet the evolving needs of customers in a variety of industries.

The following are brief descriptions of the released generations of PI connectors.

Generation 1.0

Generation 1.0 framework of PI Connector is built on the superhost model, illustrated in the following graphic.

In the superhost architecture, PI Connector collects data from a data source and creates a mirror image of that source on the PI Server assets: PI Asset Framework (AF) and Data Archive.

Generation 2.0

Generation 2.0 framework for PI Connector added PI Connector Relay and PI Data Collection Manager, as shown below:

PI Connector Relay passes on the data coming from a PI Connector that is running on a Windows operating system to a PI Server. The Relay can transfer data to one or more PI Server destinations, including elements and event frames in PI AF Servers and PI points in PI Data Archives. The relay can send data that is coming from the connectors to multiple PI Servers. The relay also communicates with PI Data Collection Manager, where you specify settings for configuring data flow.

As shown in the image above, the Relay can be installed separated on a secure host within a DMZ.