Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Creating virtual devices in the ACCON OPC UA Server

22. January 2024 – Video
The use of virtual devices opens up many possibilities: You can easily test your OPC UA configuration in advance without access to the production system. In addition, communication between two clients can be implemented without a controller. You can find all the details on the exact application in this article.
Creating virtual devices in the ACCON OPC UA Server

How to create a virtual device

To use virtual devices, you must configure them in advance in the Address Space Configurator of the ACCON OPC UA Server. Carry out the following steps there:
  1. Create or load a project: Create a new project or open an existing project in the ACCON OPC UA Server.
  2. Add a virtual device: Create a new device and set the type to "Virtual device".
    Alternatively, operate an existing device virtually: To do this, open the device and click on Show advanced options. In the Virtual Device Mode section, simply activate the option Use this device as a "virtual device".
  3. Add virtual symbols/variables: You can now add your virtual symbols via Configure address space. There are then three different options:
    • Create manually via Add variable: Here you can define the variable name, data type and initial value directly in the user interface.
    • Create via Virtual Symbols XML file: Load a corresponding Virtual Symbols XML file by selecting it on the right-hand side and then clicking on Load. You can now add individual symbols or all symbols at once to the address space. A separate video on the creation and structure of a Virtual Symbols XML file will soon be available on our YouTube channel.
    • Importing UA NodeSets: More information on this soon in a separate tutorial.
  4. Transfer the project to the server: To do this, simply click on Transfer project to server on the start page of the Address Space Configurator and confirm.
  5. Using virtual symbols in the UA Client: You can now open your UA Client application and see the virtual symbols there. These can be used in the same way as other variables.

Virtual device creation as a video tutorial

The entire tutorial on creating and using virtual devices in the ACCON OPC UA Server can also be found as a video on our YouTube channel. This also includes a brief introduction to virtual devices, how they work, their advantages and suitable use cases. Watch the tutorial now. You can also ask your questions about virtual devices in the ACCON OPC UA Server in the comments. You can't use speakers or headphones to watch the video? That's no problem either. The video is available with subtitles in German, English and Spanish.

Questions about the ACCON OPC UA Server?

Do you still have questions about the product? On the product page of the ACCON OPC UA Server you will find all important information as well as a free demo version. On our YouTube channel you can find a whole playlist about the ACCON OPC UA Server with lots of different tutorials. You are also welcome to send us your questions via our contact form or call us on +49 7171 916-120.
Skip product gallery
Tip
ACCON OPC UA Server High-performance, certified OPC UA server for S7 and SINUMERIK

For access to your Siemens controller via OPC UA the ACCON OPC UA Server is the right choice. Besides S7 PLCs, it is also suitable for SINUMERIK machine tool controllers. One of the few servers certified by the OPC Foundation that also supports optimized data blocks.

From €830.00*