ibaPDA
The scalable Core Software in Measuring Value Acquisition
As central part of the iba system, ibaPDA has been proving itself as one of the most versatile data acquisition systems for maintenance and production for years. Client-server architecture, flexible recording, simple configuration owing to auto-detect are just some of the convincing features.
ibaPDA at a Glance

- Data acquisition system for maintenance, production and quality control
- Connection of automation systems of different manufacturers and generations
- Individually configurable online display with client-server architecture
- Several simultaneous acquisitions possible
- Central configuration dialog with integrated online diagnostics
- Additional information on text signals importable
- Output of messages and alarms
- Synchronization of several ibaPDA systems in multi-station operation with microsecond accuracy
Systematic Transparency
The ibaPDA system (Process Data Acquisition System) is the core product of iba applications. ibaPDA is an extremely powerful, PC-based acquisition and recording system for different measured data in automated technical processes.
Continuous long-term acquisition
of measured values to be able to further optimize automation processes
Specific search
for errors
Use as disturbance recorder
with triggered recording in case of failure
"We get along with almost everybody!"
The basis of all process data analysis is the time-synchronous acquisition of relevant data at characteristic places within an automated process. Different signal sources can be combined. Due to isochronous measurement, causal relationships can be detected and understood, even in complex and distributed systems.
Product Highlights
The modular product concept allows highly flexible configuration options and provides perfectly tailored solutions for varying needs.

Signals Galore
ibaPDA is available in numerous variants with regard to the number of signals. Licenses are available for 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192 and an unlimited number of signals.
Broad Connectivity
A special feature of the ibaPDA system is the broad connectivity allowing to acquire data from programmable controllers of all common manufacturers. This includes different process signals, such as analog and digital I/O signals, signals from field and drive buses, data from programmable controllers, communication data, product characteristics, etc.

Scalable Sampling Timebase
For usual acquisition of measured data, the timebase may be set between 1 and 1000 ms. For higher speeds regarding signal changes, special modules can realize shorter acquisition times of down to 10 μs.
Direct Writing to Databases/Clouds
Data can also be written time- based directly from ibaPDA to data bases/clouds. For this pur-pose special data stores subject to licensing are available. The licenses are scaled according to the number of signals. Currently streaming to Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SAP HANA, as well as MindSphe-re, MQTT and Apache Kafka is supported.
Product Features
Client-Server Architecture
The client-server architecture of ibaPDA allows the distribution of configuration, data acquisition, recording and online display to different components.
Broad Connectivity
A special feature of the ibaPDA system is the broad connectivity allowing to acquire data from programmable controllers of all common manufacturers.
OPC Client and Server
The standard function scope of ibaPDA includes an OPC DA client interface. Using the browser function, OPC tags can be conveniently selected and recorded as signals.
IEC 61850 Support
The IEC 61850 client interface of ibaPDA allows to acquire and record data from IEC 61850 capable devices. With MMS modules (Manufacturing Message Specification), single attributes or complete data sets can be queried.
Signals Galore
ibaPDA is available in numerous variants with regard to the number of signals. Licenses are available for 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192 and an unlimited number of signals.
Scalable Sampling Timebase
For usual acquisition of measured data, the timebase may be set between 1 and 1000 ms. For higher speeds regarding signal changes, special modules can realize shorter acquisition times of down to 10 µs.
Simple Configuration with Auto-Detect
All settings relevant to signals and modules are made in a central dialog, the I/O Manager. It provides clear and concise presentation of all necessary setup information.
Configuration Validation
By means of the auto-detect function, ibaPDA automatically detects the connected devices and inserts them into the configuration.
Integrated Online-Diagnostics
Integrated diagnostics in the I/O Manager provide status information and values for all connected data sources enabling the user to easily check the functioning of the system already during the configuration and localize error sources, if necessary.
Versatile Text Signals
In many cases, additional information on the pure measured values facilitates the subsequent assignment and analysis. This information can be transmitted to the ibaPDA system using text signals.
Virtual Signals and Expression Editor
By means of arithmetical and logical connections, arbitrary “virtual signals” can be created in an expression editor.
Generation of Alarms
While monitoring the process, it is important, to immediately detect errors or deviations. Already during data acquisition, the signals can be checked for certain conditions, e.g. comparison with limit values, thus generating warnings and alarms.
Flexible Recording
The measurement and monitoring requirements of different systems are as manifold as the recording options of ibaPDA. Several data storages with specific parameters can be configured in a system.
Comfortable Display and Operation
The display can be configured for each user individually using buttons and drag & drop.
Meaningful Displays
With a multi-client solution, online displays independent from each other can be realized on different clients.
Clearly arranged Signal Groups
When thousands of signals are to be recorded in large systems, there is the risk of loosing track. For better overview, signals from different sources, but related by area of operation, can be combined into any number of signal groups.
Integration in SNMP Monitoring
ibaPDA can be integrated in a company-wide network management system according to SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). ibaPDA serves as SNMP server and supports the SNMP protocols V1, V2c and V3.
Direct Writing to Databases/Clouds
Data can also be written time-based directly from ibaPDA to databases/ clouds.
Synchronization of Several ibaPDA Systems
With the additional license “ibaPDA- Multistation”, several ibaPDA systems can be synchronized via fiber optic cable.
Success Stories
Add-ons for ibaPDA
The ibaPDA system can be modularly extended by a number of useful add-ons with additional functions
Measuring from the Beginning
ibaPDA-PLC-Xplorer offers the full ibaPDA functionality with access to different PLCs. Without additional hardware, this is an inexpensive way of measuring, displaying and recording signals.
Resources
Please contact your local sales partner for details.