Configuring DNP3 Status Points

In addition to input and output data that relates to plant, many DNP3 devices are able to store status information and/or system point data that is internal to the DNP3 device. You can configure ClearSCADA to retrieve such status information using DNP3 Status Points. The values of up to 10 status points can be retrieved and stored per DNP3 Status Points database item. You can associate multiple DNP3 Status Points database items with each DNP3 outstation. ClearSCADA typically retrieves the DNP3 Status Points’ data periodically using a Level 3 Scan. The status values are also updated:

• If returned in a DNP3 Class 0 poll (Integrity poll)
• If the DNP3 Status Points’ Refresh pick action is used to create a Level 3 request for the status values
• If the outstation’s Perform Level 3 Scan pick action is used to retrieve data for the Scan Group with which the status points are associated.

Use DNP3 Status Points database item(s) to retrieve a DNP3 device’s status data if that status data is required in ClearSCADA and:

• The data does not need the ‘overheads’ associated with ClearSCADA points, such as the ability to:
  • generate point alarms and events
  • store point data historically
  • redirect alarms
  • associated the item with an Alarm View
  • use an alternative Alarm Source name for the item
  • override the item’s value
  • format the item’s value for use in ClearSCADA displays (for instance, for an analog’s value to include a set number of decimal places whenever that value is displayed in Lists and reports).

Use individual DNP3 Points, such as DNP3 Binary Points or DNP3 Analog Points, to retrieve DNP3 status data if the status points do require any of the above ‘overheads’. For information on configuring DNP3 points, see Points Used on DNP3 Outstations.

To configure DNP3 Status Points in ClearSCADA, you need to configure the properties on the DNP3 Status Points Form. The Form has several tabs.

Use the fields on the Parent tab to:

• Specify the Outstation from which ClearSCADA is to Retrieve Status Data
• Specify the Scan Group that is Associated with the Status Data Retrieval.

Use the fields on the Points tab to:

• Specify the Status Points for which Data is Retrieved.

Properties on the other tabs are common to many driver items (see Tabs that are Common to Many Configuration Forms in the ClearSCADA Guide to Advanced Drivers).