Device item definitions

The Device Items tab in the New_<Name>PLC_000 Parameters configuration view is used to define aliases to actual PLC items. The Device Items dialog box is the place where the following activities are performed:

• Creating new device item definitions for PLC items.

• Modifying the existing device items.

• Deleting device items.

• Archiving the created list of device items to a .csv file, a file with values separated by commas.

• Bringing a .csv file into the Device Items tab.

Each device item definition should contain a unique name for the PLC associated with it.

The Device Items dialog box has the following two columns:

• Name: This column defines the alias names to actual PLC items.

• Item Reference: The actual PLC item names, linked to the created aliases, are defined in this column.

For example:

Note: When you create or add a new device item, a unique name needs to be entered for it.

Once the Device Items feature is utilized 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 PLC hierarchy node.

Note: Device items have the precedence in addressing items in the controller device at runtime. 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 dialog box.

2. Select the Add command from the shortcut menu.

   • A device item is created in the Name column, and it is numerically named by default.
     For example, Item_0, Item_1, and so on.

3. Change the default name by double-clicking on it and entering the new name.

   • Enter a unique name for the new device item.
     For example, "Timer."

Add item references

Item references for each of the device items that have been created can be added as follows:

4. In the Item Reference column, double-click on the area in the same horizontal line as the selected device item.

5. Type in the actual PLC item name in the frame that appears.

   • For example, "n7:0."

6. Click anywhere in the dialog box or press the ENTER key to have the change take effect.

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

Rename a device item from the list

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

8. Select the Rename command from the shortcut menu and enter the new device item name.

9. Click anywhere in the dialog box or press the ENTER key to apply the change.

Delete a device item from the list

10. Right-click on the device item to be deleted.

11. Select the Delete command from the shortcut menu.

    • The device item and its corresponding actual PLC item name will be deleted from the dialog box.

Note: When you select another part of the ABTCP Communication Driver tree hierarchy, you are prompted to save the modifications to the configuration set.

Clear all device items

12. Right-click anywhere in the Device Items dialog box.

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

    • All the device items listed in the dialog box, including their corresponding actual PLC item names, will be deleted.