Adding a container

OPC UA containers allow access to the information model of OPC UA servers. The node IDs of the data to be collected are combined in a container and entered in connected servers via a corresponding subscription.

To add a container, proceed as follows:

  • At least one OPC UA server and one endpoint have been created.
  1. Open the "Containers" tab.
  2. Click [+ Add].
    • The "Container configuration" dialog window appears.
    • The container can be configured via the following setting fields:

Setting field

Description

Name

Enter a name for the container.

The name is used in the tool configuration process and in the file structure when storing the JSON files.

Identifier (this is generated)

Unique identifier of the container that is generated automatically by the software and used internally for further processing. This identifier forms part of the name of the target directory on the associated endpoint.

Description

Add optional description text. The description text is displayed under the "Containers" tab.

Update strategy

Specify the update strategy of the container:

  • Cyclic

Update interval

Specify the update interval for cyclic data acquisition. The update interval describes the time between two successive cycles. Each cycle consists of reading and transferring data and takes about 100 ms. For example, an update interval of 5 ms results in a cyclical output interval of approx. 105 ms.

The maximum value for the update interval is 31 days.

Options

Enable container

Activate or deactivate the data recording function of the container.

Transmit data events of this container to endpoint

Activate or deactivate data transmission from this container to the selected endpoints.

Endpoints to store data events

Select one or more of the configured endpoints as the storage location for the recorded data. All of the entries that are created in the "Endpoints" menu are available here.

Read and publish asset ID from device

Enable the asset ID reading function of data nodes.

Read asset ID from data node

Select the data node for reading the asset ID.

Alternative external ID

Specify an alternative external ID.

Server

[+ Add] button

Add an OPC UA server to read data for data recording. All of the entries that are created under the "Servers" tab are available here.

Data node

[+ Add] button

Add a data node for reading data values of selected parameters for data acquisition. It is possible to add multiple parameters to a container here.

Trigger

Activate a trigger event

Activate a trigger event, the occurrence of which should cause data to be published, and use the choice boxes that appear to enter the data node ID, the first edge value, the second edge value, and the delay between the values.

Force a cyclic trigger

Activate the forcing of a cyclic trigger. A cyclic job periodically writes configured edges to the trigger node and causes a change in the added subscription element, which triggers the OPC UA server to publish the data for the subscription.