Simulating a Device with NI OPC Servers

Updated Sep 29, 2022

Environment

Software

  • OPC Servers
  • LabVIEW Datalogging and Supervisory Control Module

I have an NI OPC Server that is not connected to my PLC.  Can I simulate its devices while I'm disconnected?

You can simulate a PLC device in NI OPC Servers by doing the following:
  1. Right-click your device in the Group Area and select Properties.. 
    2021-10-06_15h23_57.png
  2. Left-click the checkbox labeled Simulate Device and select Apply. 
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Figure 1:  Enabling Device Simulation in NI OPC Servers

You can then use LabVIEW DSC or the OPC Quick Client to connect the simulated device's tags.  In simulation mode, tags will not hold values written to them but will simply just verify communication with the client.

Additional Information

Simulation mode is not supported when using the Memory Based and Simulator OPC Drivers.