Pvi.py

Python wrapper for B&R PVI (process visualization interface). This documentation applies to version 1.2.x.

In times of more modern protocols like OPC-UA, this may seem a bit old-fashioned. But PVI has some hidden strengths and is also very versatile. Have a look into the documentation of the 'Lines' (ANSL, INA2000, NET2000, MTC, ADI, DCAN, SNMP, MODBUS, MININET) and what they are used for. In most cases it is used just to communicate with B&R PLCs with 'ANSL' and 'SNMP'. Unfortunately its native C-language interface is very complex and also PVI Services (.NET) can be a high barrier to entry. It's a lot more fun with Python !

PVI installation and license

PVI needs a previous installation of 'PVI Development Setup' from B&R's homepage. Without a PVI license 1TG0500.02 (+ TG Guard e.g. 0TG1000.02) PVI will run for two hours ("Trial license")).

After this period all PVI based programs will stop working (or will not even start). In that case PVI-Manager must be stopped and restarted again. This can be very annoying if Automation Studio is being used in the background at the same time, because it then has to be restarted as well. Contact your local B&R office to buy a valid license if trial license is not sufficient for you.

Pvi.py is tested with PVI 4.1 - 64 Bit version (PviCom64.dll). Older version might work but 32 Bit versions won't.

Pvi.py will search in the path given by environment variable 'PVIPY_PVIDLLPATH' for PviCom64.dll. If this is not set it will search in Windows registry which is the most common way.

And: PVI is only available for Microsoft Windows, so Pvi.py is also restricted to the Windows operating system.

Python

Pvi.py is tested with 3.8 so it could not run on Windows XP or earlier.

Installation

pip install pvipy

Source Code

Find it on GitHub github.com/hilch/Pvi.py