Basic concept

The TwinCAT Scope is divided into two main components: the Scope View and the Scope Server. The Scope Server performs the actual data recording. It can connect to control systems via ADS or OPC UA and record data. The configuration necessary for this is done in the Scope View. Apart from the configuration, the recorded data are also graphically displayed there in various types of chart.

The Scope View normally runs on the engineering systems of the service or commissioning engineers or on machine computers intended to prepare recorded data graphically for the machine personnel. It is therefore intended for commissioning and also for the continuous monitoring of machines and plants.

An ADS connection is necessary in order to be able to start a recording with a Scope View on a Remote Scope Server. A disconnection is also possible from version 3.3.3140.0. This means that the configuration is downloaded to the server and continues to run autonomously there. Alternatively the remote server can be controlled by a PLC function block. If no Scope Server is installed on the control system, the Scope Server on the device with the Scope View –the so-called local server –can also be used. For this there must be a constant connection to the remote device during the recording.

Apart from many properties in the Scope View for the graphic display and analysis of the data streams, the Scope also offers the option of triggered, i.e. event-based operation. Furthermore it is possible to export the recorded data in various file formats to external tools for further processing.