Device item definitions

To make it easier to remember lengthy or strictly structured item names, the Communication Driver enables you to create aliases for these item names. For example, it may be easier for you to remember the item syntax "T4:1.acc" as "Timer1."

The Device Items tab in the OI Server Manager user interface is used to create new, modify, delete, export, or import device item definitions for an object. The configuration is performed in the Device Items dialog box, which you can open by clicking the Device Items tab in the LOGIX5000_CLX, LOGIX_FLX, ML_EN, LOGIX_CPLX, SLC500_EN, PLC5_CN, SLC500_CN, PLC5_DHP, SLC500_DHP, ML_DH485 or SLC500_DH485 node configuration view.

Once the Device Items feature is used to configure item names, it provides the Communication Driver with the capability to perform OPC Item browsing. When the Communication Driver is running and an OPC client requests item information, the configured items will show up under the controller hierarchy node.

Note: Device items have the precedence in addressing items in the controller device at run time. Items request from the client would be searched from the Device Items Name list first before going out to the controller.

Create or add device items

1. Right-click in the Device Items box.

2. Select the Add command from the shortcut menu.

3. Type the item name (symbolic name) of your choice in the Name column.

   • The device item name must be unique and is limited to 32 characters long.

4. Double-click the line on the Item Reference column and enter the correlated item reference (the actual I/O item name in the device) for the device item name you have just selected.

   • For example, "n7:0."

5. Click the Save icon (the floppy disk icon in the upper right corner).

   Note: System items are not valid item references, but Communication Driver-specific system items are valid.

Rename device items

6. Right-click on the device item to be renamed.

7. Select Rename from the shortcut menu, then make the change.

8. Click the Save icon (the floppy disk icon in the upper right corner).

Delete device items

9. Right-click on the device item to be deleted from the list.

10. Select the Delete command from the shortcut menu.

11. Click the Save icon (the floppy disk icon in the upper right corner).

Clear all device items

12. Right-click in the Device Items box.

13. Select the Clear All command from the shortcut menu.

    • The OI Server Manager confirmation box appears.

14. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

    • All the device items listed will be cleared.