Free OPC servers offer an economical solution for test environments and small projects allowing customers to test and assess the capabilities of an OPC server before committing to a premium solution. Small firms and startups with limited funds and resources might also benefit from their use.
However, it is essential to remember that free OPC servers may have limited features, capabilities, support, and documentation. Some free OPC servers may also restrict the number of connected clients or the amount of data that may be sent. Before picking which OPC server to employ, it is essential to carefully assess your project’s requirements.
Listed below are some instances of well-known and commonly utilized free OPC servers:
MatrikonOPC. It also offers a free developer toolkit to facilitate the creation of unique solutions.
Kepware KEPServerEX: This OPC server is free for non-commercial use and supports numerous protocols, such as OPC DA, OPC UA, and OPC XML-DA. Additionally, it offers substantial documentation and support tools to assist users in getting started.
OPC Labs OPC UA Wrapper: This OPC server is free for non-commercial usage and supports OPC DA and OPC UA. Additionally, it offers a straightforward and clear user interface, making it easy to install and operate.
When deciding which OPC server to employ, it is essential to assess the features and capabilities of each candidate to verify that they fulfill the requirements of your project. In addition to the features and capabilities, you should also evaluate the support and documentation offered by each server, as well as their scalability and dependability. This will ensure that you have a dependable and powerful OPC server solution that can fulfill your project’s current and future requirements.
Here is a selection of providers of OPC server software products and some of them offer free trials as well:
Kepware Technologies
MatrikonOPC
Softing AG
Siemens AG
Rockwell Automation
GE Digital
Prosys OPC
OPC Foundation
Iconics Inc
Real-Time Automation
B&R Automation
Software Toolbox
Wachendorff Automation
Matrox Electronics Systems
Softing Industrial Automation
EKON
OPC Labs LLC
Open Automation Software
Moxa Inc
MindDevelopment
This is not an exhaustive list, as there are numerous other providers of OPC server software solutions. In addition, the accessibility of the OPC Server may be restricted to a particular geographic region. It is essential to remember that this is a list of companies that supply OPC Server software and not a personal recommendation; therefore, it is required to check the product and system compatibility prior to purchase. It is also crucial to note that as OPC technology advances and evolves, some of the above-mentioned examples may no longer be available for download, or their pricing or support may change, and I do not recommend them. Please confirm the availability and currency of these instances.
OPC servers are applicable in a variety of industrial applications and situations. Here are some examples of OPC server use cases:
OPC servers are commonly used in process control applications, such as in the chemical, oil and gas, and food and beverage industries, to offer real-time data access and control of process variables, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
OPC servers can be used to acquire and monitor data from a range of sensors and devices, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors, and enable real-time data access to the data for analysis and monitoring.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems: OPC servers can be used to offer real-time data access and remote device and system control in SCADA applications such as water and waste treatment, electricity production, and transportation systems.
OPC servers are commonly used in manufacturing to link and manage various machines and equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, and sensors, in order to collect data and enable data-driven decision-making.
Building Automation: OPC servers can be used in facility automation systems to link and control components such as lighting, HVAC, and security systems in order to ensure the building is operating efficiently and effectively.
Industrial Internet of Things and much more!
These are only a few examples of use cases for OPC servers; the technology is adaptable and may be implemented in a wide variety of additional applications that require real-time data access and control.
Free OPC servers can provide a cost-effective alternative for small projects and test environments, allowing users to test and assess an OPC server’s functionality before committing to a premium solution. However, it is essential to remember that free OPC servers may have limited features and capabilities, as well as limited support and documentation. Before picking which OPC server to employ, it is essential to carefully assess the requirements of your project.
It is also crucial to remember that as OPC technology advances and develops, some of the free OPC servers may no longer be downloadable, or their pricing or support may change. Before utilizing these servers, it is usually prudent to confirm their availability and update their status.
Free OPC servers can be an excellent starting point for modest projects, but larger and more complex systems may require a commercial OPC server solution. Ultimately, it is essential to select an OPC server that satisfies your project’s requirements and delivers the required amount of support and documentation. Using the appropriate OPC server, you can ensure that your automation and control systems are operating successfully and efficiently.
