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:
-
Dymotec - Open Lines in a ‘Perfect Storm’Read moreCOVID-19 and global component scarcity threw the industry into a ‘perfect storm’. Industrial automator Dymotec and Breemes kept the phone lines constantly open to tackle the scarcity problem together with creativity and proactivity. Dymotec in Olen (B) focuses on industrial automation spanning a broad spectrum of industries, from food and pharma to logistics and metal. The company has been around for 30 years and joined the Jeco Energies Group in 2022. Dymotec now has some 50 employees and also has a flexible shell with technicians, programmers and project engineers. Ever since its establishment, the company from Kempen has had a relationship with (the predecessors of) Breemes.
-
Enduro - Complete package for heavy-duty workRead moreEnduro Softslings builds machines for the manufacture of its own heavy lifting soft slings. For a new machine, it called in itsme for the full package: advice on the drives, supply of components and programming of the controls. “We completed the entire project in just over six months. That’s fast for such a specialised machine.”
-
Stimac - Good technical support for ever-changing specificationsRead moreIf the description for an automation project is clear from the start, it is easy for the industrial automation specialist to give it substance. In practice, however, specifications often change during the course of a project. This happened to Stimac/SNK when designing the control technology for a horticultural machine. For the problems that arose during the process, itsme quickly provided Stimac/SNK with a solution. “When a customer calls us, we respond immediately. So it’s nice to have a supplier like itsme who can also help immediately.”
-
Innovatec - Hatching Better ProcurementRead moreInnovatec Hatchery Automation launched a process of professionalisation for its procurement process last year. The company partnered with itsme because of its technical expertise, logistics concepts and intensive contacts with manufacturers. “First we were dating, but now we’re thinking about moving in together.”
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
-
TIAP-NETWORKRead moreavailable in Dutch
-
FREQ-FC300 - Danfoss Frequency Converters FC300Read moreThe workshop provides information on the design, commissioning and maintenance of the FC 300 frequency converter and its applications.
-
TIAP-ScadaRead moreavailable in Dutch