Overview

The TwinCAT Analytics Logger records process and application data of the machine controller in synchronization with task cycles. The logger is characterized by its high performance as it operates directly in the real-time context of the TwinCAT controller.

The TwinCAT Analytics Logger may either act as an MQTT client and transmit the data to a MQTT message broker on a regular basis (called MQTT-mode) or store the data locally in a file on the hard disk of the machine controller (called file-mode). The configuration required is performed in Microsoft Visual Studio®. All variables of the process image and the PLC application can be added easily to the configuration via check boxes without the need for programming.

When used as an MQTT Client the Logger is able to bypass short disconnects to the Message Broker using a ring buffer functionality to prevent loss of data temporarily. Used in file-mode, a ring buffer can also be configured, which may be useful in case of limited storage capacity or if there is no need for data to be recorded (henceforth referred to as logged) permanently, instead focusing on a fixed time interval.

The logged data may be used in various ways but its main intention is data analysis with TwinCAT Analytics as wells as data visualization with TwinCAT Scope.

Components

• Configuration surface in TwinCAT project tree
• Description files TcAnalytics.tmc and TcIotBase.tmc
• Drivers TcAnayltics.sys and TcIotDrivers.sys

List of key features