Products

Microlink measurement and control devices are now part of the OPC (Open Process Control) family. This means that you can use the Microlinks with any OPC-enabled application software: spreadsheets, databases, virtual instruments, etc. Let the Microlinks manage the initial data collection and use your favourite software to store, process and present the data.

Part of Microsoft Windows, the OPC standard specifies a common software interface that eliminates the need for individual drivers for each piece of equipment. It makes it easy to combine hardware and software from many different manufacturers into one integrated system. The Microlinks' new OPC capabilities mean they can be quickly added to any OPC-enabled system - working alongside third-party hardware and software with no system-integration headaches or installation downtime.

The OPC Microlinks connect to a PC over either RS232 or RS485 cables. Modular-based they provide digital input and output, analogue input and output, timing and counting for monitoring and control of, for example, voltage, current, resistance, temperature, strain, humidity, force, pressure, level, flow, displacement, vibration, speed and concentration. They can handle almost any type of instrument and sensor.

Examples of OPC software which can now access data from the Microlinks include National Instruments' LabVIEW, Hexatec's Saturn SCADA interface and Microsoft's Excel.

Current serial Microlink users can add OPC compatibility simply by purchasing some OPC-server software from Biodata. This costs £145 (around $230 US or 230 Euros) and runs under Windows 95 and later.

For more information about the OPC standard see our OPC tutorial. For details of the Microlink data acquisition devices contact Biodata or send for a free systems catalogue.

Ordering and Prices

To order a Microlink OPC Server, or to discuss your requirements, please contact us at Biodata Ltd, 10 Stocks Street, Manchester, M8 8QG, UK, Tel: +44 (0)161 834 6688, Fax: +44 (0)161 833 2190, E-mail: [email protected]