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How do I set up the PI Interface for OPC DA?

How do I set up the PI Interface for OPC DA?

The PI Interface for OPC DA connects OPC-compliant data sources (PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems) to PI Data Archive.

Prerequisites

  • PI Interface for OPC DA installed (from AVEVA download portal)
  • OPC DA server running and accessible
  • PI Data Archive with write permissions for the interface node
  • PI Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU) installed

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Configure the OPC Server Connection

In PI ICU:

  • Set the OPC Server Name (e.g., Matrikon.OPC.Simulation)
  • Specify the OPC Server Node (hostname or IP)
  • Choose DCOM authentication settings

2. Create Scan Classes

Scan classes define how frequently data is collected:

Scan Class 1: 1 second   (critical process values)
Scan Class 2: 5 seconds   (standard process values)
Scan Class 3: 60 seconds  (slow-changing values like ambient temp)

3. Configure PI Points

For each tag, set:

  • InstrumentTag = OPC Item ID (e.g., Random.Real8)
  • Location1 = Interface ID
  • Location4 = Scan class number
  • PointSource = Interface point source character

4. Test Connectivity

piopclient /node:opcserver /server:"Matrikon.OPC.Simulation" /browse

This lists available OPC items to verify connectivity.

5. Start the Interface

Run as a Windows service for production, or interactively for debugging:

PI_OPCInt.exe -ps X -id 1 -host piserver

DCOM Troubleshooting

DCOM is the most common source of problems:

  • Ensure the interface service account has Launch and Access permissions in DCOM Config
  • Check Windows Firewall — DCOM uses dynamic ports
  • Use dcomcnfg to verify OPC server permissions
  • Consider an OPC tunnel to avoid DCOM across network boundaries

Performance Tips

  • Use advise mode (default) instead of polled mode for better performance
  • Group tags into appropriate scan classes — don't put everything in 1-second scan
  • Enable PI Buffering on the interface node for reliability

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Related Questions

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Dive Deeper

Resolving DCOM Callback Errors for PI OPC DA Advised TagsTroubleshooting 'ERROR' Values in PI Interface for OPC DAABB OPC Server Migration: Configuring the PI OPC DA Interface

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