Product Data Sheet

Unitronics VISION Communication Server

The Klinkmann Automation Unitronics VISION Communication Server (formerly M90 Communication Server) is a Microsoft Windows application program that acts as a communication protocol Server and allows other Windows application programs access to data from UNITRONICS Programmable Logical Controllers (PLCs) using the serial and Ethernet communications, by using Unitronics PCOM and Modbus protocols. The Ethernet connection needs Vision PLC with embedded Ethernet module or serial/Ethernet converter or gateway to be used at PLC side to enable conversion from/to serial data and Ethernet packets. The use of Ethernet also is necessary to enable the communication via wireless GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) connection or intra- and internet.

Any Microsoft Windows program that is capable of acting as a DDE, FastDDE, SuiteLink or OPC Client may use the VISION Server.

There are following VISION Server versions available:

- VISION DDE & Suite Link Server (32-bit), can be used on MS Windows NT, XP, W2K and 95 (98);
- VISION OPC & DDE Server, can be used on MS Windows NT, XP, W2K and 95 (98).

The VISION Communication Server replaces the former Klinkmann Automation M90 Communication Server. To use the existing M90 configuration with VISION Communication Server, rename existing M90.CFG to VISION.CFG and copy it (overwrite default VISION.CFG) to location where the VISION configuration resides.

FEATURES

The OPC support for VISION Server OPC & DDE version conforms to OPC Data Access Custom Interface Specification 2.04. The VISION Server OPC & DDE version is tested for compliance and is compatible with OPC Foundation OPC Data Access Compliance Test Tool.

The VISION Server DDE & Suite Link version (if running on MS Windows NT, 2000 or XP) supports the Wonderware Suite Link communication protocol.

The Server is intended for serial communication with the controller through the Programming Interface (RS-232 or RS-485) on the Unitronics PLC. Connection to the host computer is through the RS-232 serial port.

In Ethernet mode the VISION Server is capable to work as TCP Client, UDP Client, TCP Server and UDP Server.

The maximum size of response capacity can be adjusted by specifying how many consecutive values can be received by one poll request message.

Minimizes system message traffic by dynamically calculating and optimizing poll lists for client-requested items/points.

Supports multiple topics for each PLC, allowing different data update rates.

Provides a communication status flag for each topic.

Supports standard DDE among multiple applications.

SPECIFICATIONS

Hardware: IBM or compatible 386/486/Pentium equipped with a minimum of 16 MB RAM. For effective use the following is recommended - CPU: 586 133 MHz or faster, 32MB RAM or more. May require more memory to run other Windows programs simultaneously.

Software: Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP

Maximum Connections: For serial connections point-to-point connection to one Unitronics PLC (one PLC to one serial port); for certain Unitronics PLC models equipped with CANbus or RS-485 port up to 62 additional controllers can be interconnected over the CANbus or RS-485 network. For Ethernet connection no limitation; for certain Unitronics PLC models equipped with CANbus or RS-485 port up to 62 additional controllers can be interconnected over the CANbus or RS-485 network.

Accessible Data Types:
VISION Server can access the following types of Unitronics VISION 120/130/230/260/280/530/290/350/570 PLC memory areas: memory bits, memory integers (16-bit and 32-bit), memory floats, digital inputs, digital outputs, system bits, system integers (16-bit and 32-bit), timers, counters and real time clock.

VISION Server can access the following types of Unitronics M90/M91/Jazz PLC memory areas: memory bits, memory integers, digital inputs, digital outputs, system bits, system integers, timers and real time clock.

VISION Server can access the following types of Unitronics M200 PLC memory areas: memory bits, memory unsigned words, digital inputs, digital outputs, system bits and system integers.