DNP3 Data Set Descriptor configuration page

A descriptor contains information such as structure, order, and type about the data values within a data set. Each data set must have a descriptor. A project supports up to 10 data set descriptors. Each data set descriptor supports up to 11 elements.
DNP3 Data Set Descriptor configuration settings
Setting
Description
Index
Shows the element index.
When you delete a variable, the indices of the remaining variables remain consecutive. For the best practice, edit the existing variables instead of deleting or creating variables.
Descriptor Code
Specifies the descriptor code for the element. Possible descriptor codes are:
  • NAME
    : An optional code that designates the name of the data set. When using
    NAME
    , consider the following:
    • NAME
       must be entered into element 2.
    • NAME
       must be specific to the data set and ideally unique among all data sets for a slave. For example, consider using "Feeder 42 Amperage" for the data set related to amperage on that specific feeder.
    • Enter the name for
      Ancillary value
      , which contains 1 to 64 characters.
    • Index
      3
       must use a
      Descriptor Code
       of either
      DAEL
       or
      PTYP
      .
    • If elements 4 to 11 are used,  they must use a
      Descriptor Code
       of
      DAEL
       or
      PTYP
      .
  • DAEL
    : A data element. You must add at least one
    DAEL
     or
    PTYP
     element to a DNP3 data set descriptor.
  • PTYP
    : An optional setting that references a prototype. When you select
    PTYP
    , its sub-elements are added to the table.
  • NONE
    : A placeholder.
Data Type Code
Specifies the format of data in this element. The setting is applicable for
DAEL
 (data element).
  • NONE
    : Data type does not exist. Can be used as a placeholder.
  • VSTR
    : Visible ASCII characters that can be printed or displayed. Specify a
    Max Data Length
     of 1–82 bytes.
  • UINT
    : Unsigned integer. Specify a
    Max Data Length
     of 1, 2, or 4 bytes.
  • INT
    : Signed integer. Specify a
    Max Data Length
     of 1, 2, or 4 bytes.
  • FLT
    : Floating-point integer. Specify a
    Max Data Length
     of 4 bytes.
  • OSTR
    : Octet string. 1–255 bytes.
  • BSTR
    : Bit string. 1–255 bytes.
  • TIME
    : DNP3 time. Maximum of six bytes.
Max Data Length (B)
Specifies the maximum number of octets for this element. The value is from 1 through 255.
Ancillary Value Length (B)
Specifies the length of the ancillary value associated with the element. The value is from 1 through 32.
Ancillary Value
Provides an additional description when the code alone is not sufficient.
  • If the
    Descriptor Code
     is
    NAME
    , enter the data set's name as an ASCII string (VSTR). The name can have a maximum of 32 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, underscores, and hyphens.
  • If the
    Descriptor Code
     is
    DAEL
    ,
    Ancillary Value
     is optional. If used, specify the ASCII name associated with the data value in the data set. The maximum length is 32 characters.
  • If the
    Descriptor Code
     is
    PTYP
    , enter the Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) of the referenced prototype. For more information about UUID, see DNP3 Data Set Prototype configuration page.
Point Address
Specifies the element's point address, which is of the
Standard DNP3 Point
 type. Available point addresses are:
  • BI
    : Binary Input; point index range: from 0 through 4095.
  • B2I
    : Double-bit Input; point index range: from 0 through 2047.
  • C
    : Counter; point index range: from 0 through 255.
  • AI
    : Analog Input; point index range: from 0 through 255.
  • BCD
    : Binary Coded Decimal; point index range: from 0 through 255.
When the Point Type and Point Index are pointing a specific point, if the value of the point is changed, an event is generated.
Read
Selects this checkbox to configure events.
The slave generates a data set event. Significant occurrences, such as state changes, values over a threshold, or newly available information, are called events in the DNP3 protocol.
Enable event
Selects this checkbox to configure events.
The slave generates a data set event. Significant occurrences, such as state changes, values over a threshold, or newly available information, are called events in the DNP3 protocol.
Event class
Specifies the event class, including
1
,
2
, and
3
.
Trigger event
Generates events unconditionally. The parameter is available for the BOOL data type.
You can also use ladder logic to generate timed events. Once the parameter is set by ladder logic or communications, the controller automatically clears it after generating an event at the end of the scan.
The parameter is stored as a bit in the corresponding data set descriptor.
To configure trigger event
  1. Select Browse button.
  2. In the variable selector, select a variable, and then select
    Select
    .
Disable change Event
Temporarily inhibits this data set from generating events for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes.
The parameter is available for the BOOL data type.
To configure disable change event
  1. Select Browse button.
  2. In the variable selector, select a variable, and then select
    Select
    .
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