$images\ico_drv.gif$ Overview: IGSS drivers

Definition

An IGSS driver is a control program enabling the system to communicate with the devices (typically PLCs) which control the process. 7-Technologies has developed drivers for a wide range of communication protocols.

Use

You set up the driver(s) for a given configuration in the System Configuration program. Once defined, you can select these drivers in the Definition program and they will be activated when you start the configuration.

How it works

Click here to get a graphical overview of how drivers are defined.

Types of drivers

The supported PLC drivers can be divided into two main groups:

PLCs using polled communication
PLCs using the SICOS protocol (event-based communication)

If your driver is using the SICOS protocol, additional parameters must be specified.

The interface(s) and topology supported by the individual drivers differ. The visual presentation in System Configuration will thus vary dependent on the driver used.

Supported drivers

The list of drivers supported by IGSS is continuously expanded. An up-to-date list is available on the 7T Web Site. From the Drivers Available Now page, driver details such as hardware and software requirements are available.