KEPServerEX

KEPServerEX is the modular ORS-server providing communication with more than 100 different controllers, drives and software modules, loading the specific driver.

KEPServerEX supports consecutive and Ethernet-connections with the range of industrial devices: Allen Bradley, AutomationDirect, BACnet, DNP 3.0, GE, Honeywell, Mitsubishi, Modicon/Modbus, Omron, Siemens, Texas Instruments, Yokogawa and many others.

The ORS-server can be connected to the equipment via cable modems. It has special modem settings which allow to work with the remote systems. With their help it is possible to set modem connection, to control a status of communication and to finish a session automatically. Support the modem it is performed at the data link layer of the ORS-server.

Work with Ethernet: KEPServerEX allows to transfer information obtained through a serial port, through Ethernet. The driver works in the Ethernet Encapsulation mode over Ethernet with the device ORS-server. It allows to integrate in a single system of the device, working through consecutive protocols. Encapsulation of Ethernet is supported at the data link layer of KEPServerEX.

2017

There was version 6.3

On September 28, 2017 the Kepware company announced release of the upgraded KEPServerEX version 6.3 platform.

In the list of the main completions the optimized functions:

• creations,
• readings,
• updates
• removals (CRUD) in the configuration API interface,
• possibility of time synchronization for drivers with functions of electronic measurement of a flow in the pipeline (EFM),
• Keyence KV Ethernet-driver,
• remote loading of projects by means of the platform IoT ThingWorx.

As a part of release 6.3 Keyence KV Ethernet-driver. He allows users of a PLC of KEYENCE to set reliable connection for programmable controllers of the KV series with various devices and application programs, including OPC clients and IoT-solutions.

Entered version 6.3:

• the CRUD functions for the configuration API interface: users of the configuration interface of application programs can save projects in any version of the KEPServerEX program, create objects with child hierarchy or at once several objects using one transaction. Users of the API interface can also make mass changes to a configuration and start ATG that allows to adjust large projects quicker. KEPServerEX version 6.3 saves users from need for the large volume of local settings and allows to create with ease the general codes for objects in different projects.
• Function of time synchronization for drivers with opportunities of EFM: from now on users can set individual threshold values of time synchronization for any driver with the EFM functions and prevent any operations on synchronization before exceeding of the set deviation limit. The algorithm of time synchronization OnPoll included in version 6.3 allows users to configure activation of function after EFM test. It reduces workload on network and provides to users additional resources of management of time synchronization needlessly in additional communication with the device.
• Remote loading of projects with ThingWorx help: using the advantage existing safe the client interface of ThingWorx which is built in KEPServerEX users from now on can import projects of KEPServerEX from a local file store and direct them to any attached device with the set KEPServerEX software. After transfer of the file from the platform in the local version of KEPServerEX the project is loaded into runtime environment. Users can adjust network settings and activate projects of KEPServerEX in the remote mode - operating all the vehicles by means of the single interface ThingWorx.

Inclusion in the structure of ThingWorx

At the beginning of 2017 PTC announced conclusion of an agreement about merger of Kepware which delivers means of communication with situations of industrial automation. KEPServerEX will become a strategic komponenty technology platform of ThingWorx which is key the IoT-solutions elements from PTC. This a component will allow to integrate data from products of clients and to concentrate this information in ThingWorx for the automatic analysis.