AVEVA InTouch HMI is a powerful tool used in industrial automation to monitor and control processes. One of the essential components of InTouch HMI is its tag system, which allows users to manage and manipulate data efficiently. Tags in AVEVA InTouch serve as the backbone of real-time data processing, providing an interface between the software and physical devices such as PLCs, sensors, and other control systems.
- Memory tags
- I/O tags
- Indirect tags
- Miscellaneous tags
- Analog Tags
- Discrete Tags
- String Tags
- Array Tags
- Calculated Tags
- Event Tags
- SuperTags
1. Memory Tags
Memory tags are used to store values within the InTouch application without interacting with external devices. These tags exist only in the system’s memory and are primarily utilized for calculations, internal logic, and temporary data storage. Memory tags can be of different types.
Memory Discrete
Memory discrete tags are associated with the state properties of a process component. The values assigned to memory discrete tags are two possible Boolean states such as:
- 0 or 1
- False or true
- On or off
- High or low
Memory Integer (Analog)
You can assign memory integer tags 32-bit signed-integers between -2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647.
2. I/O Tags
I/O (Input/Output) tags are used to interact with external devices such as PLCs, sensors, and other industrial hardware. These tags enable communication between InTouch and field devices by retrieving real-time data and sending control commands.
Types of I/O tags include:
1. Discrete I/O Tags: Handle binary (ON/OFF) signals for digital inputs and outputs.
I/O discrete tags are associated with component process properties whose values are represented by two possible states such as:
- 0 or 1
- False or true
- On or off
- High or low
2.Analog I/O Tags: Manage continuous signals, such as temperature, pressure, and speed values.
I/O Integer (Analog)
- I/O integer tags can be assigned 32-bit signed-integers between -2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647.
3.String I/O Tags: Exchange text-based data with external systems.
3. System Tags
System tags are predefined tags provided by AVEVA InTouch to monitor and control the application’s runtime environment. These tags offer valuable information about the system status, application performance, and user interactions.
Examples of system tags include:
- $Date and $Time: Display the current date and time.
- $Operator: Identifies the logged-in user.
- $ApplicationName: Shows the name of the running application.
- $AlarmActive: Indicates active alarms in the system.
4. Alarm Tags
Alarms warn run-time operators about process conditions that could potentially cause problems. Typically, you set up an alarm to trigger when a process value exceeds a defined limit. An operator must usually acknowledge the alarm.
Events represent normal system status messages. A typical event is when a system condition occurs, such as an operator logging on to an InTouch application. Operators do not have to acknowledge events.
- Alarm priorities
- Alarm sub-states
- Alarm acknowledgement
- Alarm groups
AVEVA InTouch tags play a crucial role in managing industrial processes, facilitating real-time monitoring, and ensuring seamless communication between software and hardware components. Understanding the different types of tags and their applications helps engineers and operators optimize their HMI implementations for improved efficiency, safety, and productivity. Whether handling memory storage, device communication, alarms, or historical data, each tag type contributes to the overall functionality of an automation system.
