How to Install and Configure OPC Client/Server Software

Name: How to Install and Configure OPC Client/Server Software
Rating: 4.6 (1013 reviews)

Learn how to install and configure OPC Client/Server software applications

Created byEmile Ackbarali

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Have an appreciation of the reason OPC was developed
Understand how OPC is able to achieve cross-platform software integration
Become aware of the various OPC specifications
Be able to choose the appropriate OPC software application based on technical needs
Understand the structure of OPC DA and HDA
Download and configure an OPC server application and connect with it using an OPC client application
Simulate an OPC conversation using a Modbus slave simulator
Configure an OPC server application to communicate with a physical programmable logic controller (PLC)
Connect an HMI OPC Client to the OPC Server and link graphics

Course content

8 sections • 47 lectures • 2h 2m total length

Introduction1:28
Accessing Attached Resources and Setting Optimal Video Resolution2:23
Course Guide - What to Expect2:17

The reason for OPC - An Example Scenario3:07
The reason for OPC - An Example Scenario
The reason for OPC - The Pre-OPC Mess2:50
The reason for OPC - The Pre-OPC Mess
The reason for OPC - The Eventual (Pre-OPC) Solution2:21
The reason for OPC - The Eventual (Pre-OPC) Solution
OPC is Developed Through Pressure from Customers1:23
An industrial automation task force is chartered to developed OPC.
OPC Compliance by Vendors3:35
An overview of the basics of what vendors had to do to comply with the OPC standard.
The Client-Server Model of OPC3:13
OPC follows the client-server model just as in Modbus TCP/IP, and it is also similar to the Master-Slave paradigm in Modbus RS485.
OPC - Multiple Clients and Servers1:34
An OPC client can communicate with multiple OPC Servers and vice versa.
OPC and Data Type Normalizaion3:42
Different applications will inevitably represent data using different data types and structures.
Solving the original Customer Problem with OPC3:22
We look a solution to the customer problem using OPC technology.
Section Recap2:07

The various Specifications within OPC2:46
We look at the different types of specifications and their versions since the inception of OPC
Choosing OPC Application Software - What to Keep in Mind1:55
Factors to consider when choosing OPC software
OPC and COM/DCOM Microsoft Technologies1:40
Classic OPC uses communication methods based on COM/DCOM, both of which are Microsoft Technologies.
Understanding the OPC Data Item3:21
OPC clients and servers exchange data items, and each item consists of a value, quality and time stamp.
Exploring OPC DA2:52
We look at the functions of these three OPC specifications.
Exploring OPC HDA3:41
We look at the function of OPC HDA.
Exploring OPC A&E2:47
We explore the function of OPC A&E.
OPC Quality Codes2:56
A look at the available codes for Quality and what they mean.
Section Recap3:03

PLEASE! ... Learn by doing1:28
The Software Tools that we will be using in this section2:58
The Software Tools that we will be using in this section
How we will be setting up the Software Tools2:09
A list of the various software tools that we will be using to simulate OPC communication.
Downloading Modsim32 and Virtual Serial Port3:33
Downloading Modsim32 and Virtual Serial Port
Downloading the Modbus OPC Server and the OPC Client1:49
Downloading the Modbus OPC Server and HMI OPC Client
Configuring Virtual Serial Port and Modsim322:42
Configuring Virtual Serial Port and Modsim32
Configuring Matrikon Modbus OPC Server3:56
Configuring Matrikon Modbus OPC Server
Using OPC Server documentation to determine Data Item formats3:36
Using OPC Server documentation to determine Data Item formats
Configuring Matrikon OPC Explorer (OPC Client)6:35
Configuring Matrikon OPC Explorer (OPC Client)
Performing a Write to a Data Item2:44
Performing a Write to a Data Item
Section Recap1:34
Finalising the Software Tools Setup

Modifying the Software Tools Setup1:02
Modifying the Software Tools Setup
Overview of the Direct Logic 05 PLC1:42
A look at the different physical characteristics of the Direct Logic 05 PLC.
Looking at the Direct Logic PLC on my desk1:03
I show you my Direct Logic PLC and how it is powered and connected as it resides on my desk.
DL05 PLC Modbus Addressing2:29
Modbus Addressing.
Configuring the Software Tools for connection to DL06 PLC3:42
Configuring the Software Tools for connection to DL06 PLC
Running the Hardware/Software Setup for OPC Communication2:44
Running the Hardware/Software Setup for OPC Communication

The Software Tools Setup we will be using2:00
The Software Tools Setup we will be using
Introduction to the OPC Server Simulator1:41
Introduction to the OPC Server Simulator
Downloading the Matrikon OPC HDA Explorer1:07
Downloading the Matrikon OPC HDA Explorer
Connecting to the OPC Server Simulator with the OPC Explorer2:54
Connecting to the OPC Server Simulator with the OPC Explorer
Configuring and Running the OPC HDA Explorer2:45
Running the Simulation

Requirements

Basic working knowledge of the Modbus RTU protocol.
Familiarity with the installation of software applications on the Windows OS platform.

Description

The key to getting ahead in the process automation field is to acquire higher value added skills. You have to gain knowledge on subjects like programmable logic controllers, intelligent devices, data communications, and enterprise plant software solutions.

One of the key skills that will make you very valuable is knowing how to connect plant devices to enterprise software such as human machine interfaces and historians.

And to do that you will need to have a practical working knowledge of the technology called OPC and that is what this course will give you.

By the end of this course, you will be able to install and configure OPC software to connect data from plant devices to enterprise software. You will be able to add significant value to your organization or your clients making you a very valuable team member.

And the more valuable you are, the more income you can command.

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers
Electrical Technicians
Electrical Tech or Engineering Students
Process Control Technicians and Engineers
Process Automation Engineers

How to Install and Configure OPC Client/Server Software

What you'll learn

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Course content

The Roadmap3 lectures • 6min

Why OPC Exists and Why You Need To Know It10 lectures • 27min

The OPC Standard - Just What You Need You Need to Know and No More!9 lectures • 25min

Simulation of OPC DA Client - Server Communication11 lectures • 33min

OPC DA Client - Server Communication using the DL05 PLC6 lectures • 13min

Simulation of OPC HDA Client - Server Communication5 lectures • 10min

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)2 lectures • 7min

Bonus Section - How to Always get the Lowest Prices for my Courses1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: