OPC and DDE communication with Other Applications

FluidSIM can exchange data with other applications; thus it may coupled with programmable logic controllers, PLC, for instance. Prerequisite for such a coupling is the ability of the partner application to provide an “OPC interface” and to act as a so-called “DDE client”, respectively. From within a FluidSIM circuit the DDE coupling is realized by means of two electrical DDE components, each of which providing eight inputs and outputs respectively.

  Further information and examples regarding the DDE communication can be found on the FluidSIM-CD in the DDE directory.

            Firstly, enable the option “OPC mode” in the Options- EasyPort/OPC/DDE Connection....

            Drag an input (or output) component from the component library and open the property dialog box by double clicking the component or by clicking on Edit- Properties....

The following dialog box opens:

Description of the dialog box:

• OPC ServerEnter the OPC server here or click on Select ... and select a server from the list.
• Item
  Enter the data item here or click on Select ... and select an item from the list.
• Reverse Function
  Inverts the logical values of the DDE components. Normally, current flow corresponds to a logical 1.

        

            Select a DDE component from the library, place it onto the drawing area, and open its property dialog box by either double clicking or via Edit- Properties....

The following dialog box opens:

Description of the dialog box:

• Label
  Label of the DDE component. This label is used from within the partner application to request or to set values in FluidSIM via DDE.
• FPC Address
  If FluidSIM is coupled with an application that also provides FPC addressing support, the addresses of assembly, word, and byte can be entered here. These settings are necessary only if the option FPC mode is active.
• Reverse Function
  Inverts the logical values of the DDE components. Normally, current flow corresponds to a logical 1.