Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Automation now offers OPC UA communication between OT and IT also with the iQ-F compact PLC
OPC UA was until recently only available on large and heavy-duty controllers and PC-based controllers. Mitsubishi Electric now also has an OPC UA module available for the MELSEC iQ-F series compact PLCs, the FX5-OPC.
This provides the ability to communicate safely and reliably to high-level IT systems even for smaller applications. Also, an iQ-F Series with the OPC UA module can be used as a gateway between existing automation with controls from different manufacturers and ERP. The iQ-F Series OPC UA server module (FX5-OPC) integrates the OPC UA server directly into the equipment's control system as a robust alternative to computer-based configuration.
What is OPC UA?
OPC UA is a platform-independent communications standard developed by the OPC foundation, USA. OPC UA stands for "open platform communications unified architecture." Basically, this means that OPC UA should serve as a constantly evolving universal language for machines in a manufacturing environment. It enables data exchange between supplier and OS neutral products, and provides secure and reliable data communication between production levels and high-level IT systems.
OPC UA is an architecture for the exchange of information between an application and a device. In a format similar to FX5-OPC, information is exchanged between OPC UA client (a remote application or device) and OPC UA server (FX5-OPC). The information to be exchanged is composed of objects and references as a set. The special protocol built in TCP/IP network layers is used to exchange information. OPC UA communication is suitable for use in all networks, including the Internet, thanks to its robust end-to-end security.
- FX5-OPC enables data integration between stand-alone devices and high-level systems.
- No integrated controller or OPC UA compatible gateway computer is required. Simply link through your trusted Mitsubishi Electric compact PLC.
Access data from the FX5U(C) CPU module via the FX5-OPC, which acts as a server. The encrypted communication capability of the FX5-OPC protects your sensitive information, such as process data, from unauthorized access.
Benefits:
- Centralized control of individual data from devices/systems. OPC UA is not tied to a specific operating system or programming language. This means it can be used on a variety of hardware platforms (PC hardware, cloud-based servers, etc.) and operating systems (Windows, Apple OSX, Android and more).
- Simplified data management
- An addition of an FX5-OPC to the existing installation enables a collective takeover of all data.
- Secure data exchange with watertight security. OPC UA is a firewall-friendly platform that offers different levels of encryption, authentication, control and user management.
- OPC UA is a highly future-oriented system designed to integrate tomorrow's technologies. It is designed to provide technologies that have not even been invented yet, but also remain compatible with existing products even as they evolve.
- OPC UA is an extension of the original OPC technology, which can still be easily integrated into the new and improved system.
- Comprehensive security
The MELSEC iQ-F series features password protection and an authentication function to protect your sensitive data from an ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks. Certificates are exchanged between FX5-OPC and the connected device to block unauthorized access and ensure secure communication with the high-level device or system.
Stay up to date with the latest news:
-
Mitsubishi - FX5S seriesRead moreThe FX5S PLC brings the outstanding performance, superior drive control, and user-centric programming of the MELSEC iQ-F series compact controllers to budget-conscious customers. Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. expands its line of MELSEC iQ-F series compact controllers to now offer a basic model providing OEMs with an all-in-one controller for small machines up to 60 I/O with integrated Ethernet connectivity. The FX5S PLC is a solution for simple automation applications at a more affordable price than the original FX5U high-performance model and FX5UJ mid-range model.
-
Mitsubishi - MailabRead moreThe innovative data science tool, MELSOFT MaiLab (Mitsubishi Electric AI Laboratory) helps companies realize productivity improvements on production lines.
-
Manage all processes from the comfort of your armchairRead moreNo one can be everywhere at the same time. However, it would be convenient to be able to view and control all processes or even troubleshoot failures from any location. Mitsubishi Electric fulfils this demand perfectly with GOT Mobile.
-
Mitsubishi's control panels for optimal production processesRead moreAdvances in technology are changing the way almost every industry operates. To remain competitive in the market, manufacturers are constantly looking for the latest and greatest innovations, strategies and systems. The increasing demand for IoT solutions like accessible information at all levels, predictive and preventive maintenance, mobile and cloud solutions, security, seamless integration, plug & play etc. are often expensive and complex.
Check out our other success stories:
-
TR Service - Future-proof low-voltage panelRead moreTR-Service provides industrial maintenance using all disciplines, from electrical and mechanical to hydraulic and pneumatic. With support from Breemes, the company installed a large low-voltage panel. ‘After discussing my summary plan with them, I decided to just do it,’ says director-owner Raoul Tielens. At Breemes' suggestion, the panel was future-proofed by preparing it for power monitoring.
-
Peeters - Young Company, New EquipmentRead moreSince its founding a few years ago, Peeters Robotic Solutions has been rapidly developing, working on projects both domestically and internationally and providing standard solutions for industrial palletizing. The company stays up to date with the latest technology, including Festo’s electrical and pneumatic drives. To achieve this, it relies on itsme. “Thanks to their expertise and skills, we can bring innovation to the forefront for our customers.”
-
Kusters - Putting weight behind itRead moreKusters was looking for a weighing solution for its banknote devaluation machines that was easy to integrate into the Siemens control system. Through itsme, they came into contact with the right knowledge carriers at Siemens. ‘For us as Kusters, itsme is not only a supplier but also a source of knowledge, with which we co-engineer certain components and process steps, such as this weighing system.’
-
Eneco - Green light for green electricity and steamRead moreEneco Bio Golden Raand, located in the port area of Delfzijl, converts biomass into green electricity and green steam. Each year, the plant processes approximately 300,000 tons of waste wood from the Netherlands and neighboring countries. As part of Eneco’s climate ambitions, a project began in 2022 to replace the existing fluorescent lighting in and around the boiler room. The project was carried out under the supervision of itsme. “Two factors were important in this process: the cost, of course, but also the level of service.”
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
-
PROFINET CPNERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
PROFIBUS CPERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
WinCC-SCADA2Read moreavailable in Dutch
-
PCS7-SAFE V9Read moreavailable in Dutch