Industrial automation systems use Ethernet application layers technologies like EtherNet/IPTM and Profinet which often have issues related to bandwidth and payload. To overcome these shortcomings, Beckhoff Automation, a German automation company came forward with a Fieldbus system called the Fast Light Bus. This eventually evolved into EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology), which was launched in 2003 by the same company.
EtherCAT works on the basic principle of pass-through reading and combines the benefits of “on the fly processing” and its well-built infrastructure, some of which includes better efficiency and higher speed.
Utthunga’s industry protocol implementation experts understand this new concept of EtherCAT. We integrate the best EtherCAT practices that enhance your hardware and software communication. This in turn, enhances the overall productivity of the automation system.
Beckhoff promoted EtherCAT protocol through the EtherCAT Technology Group or the ETG. It works along with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which has led to the standardization of EtherCAT over the years.
The EtherCAT standard protocol IEC/PAS6246, which was introduced in 2003, has since then been standardized by IEC to became IEC 61158. One of the main features of EtherCAT is its versatility to work within most of the industrial plant setups. This flexibility allows it to be the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology suitable for both hard and soft real-time requirements in automation technology, in test and measurement and many other applications.
Another feature of EtherCAT is that the EtherCAT master mostly supports various slaves with and without an application controller. This makes the implementation seamless and succesful.
EtherCAT switches are another unique feature of the EtherCAT. Here the switching portfolio refers to all the managed, unmanaged, and configurable switch product lines. An example of the EtherCAT switch is the Fast Track Switching that offers perfect decision-making capabilities even in a mixed communication network under any circumstances. Most of these switches are quite economical to be used in the switch cabinets. They have robust metal housing and support via either VLAN support, IGMP snooping, or other SNMP management features.
To get the best out of the EtherCAT implementation in your industrial plants, you need to have a robust implementation strategy in place. For this matter, we have jotted down the strategies you can use to implement EtherCAT in the following lines:
EtherCAT infrastructure
The EtherCAT infrastructure is quite powerful as it includes various safety and communication protocols and includes multiple profile devices. If we go deep into the architecture, we see that the EtherCAT master uses a standard Ethernet port and network configuration information. The data can be easily fetched from the EtherCAT Network Information file (ENI). The EtherCAT Slave Information files (ESI) that are unique for each device and are provided by the vendor form the basis of these ENI.
If you are working on a load-dependent servo task, the location (Master or Servo Drive) plays a key role in selecting an EtherCAT mode of operation.
EtherCAT Slave & EtherCAT Master devices
EtherCAT slave devices are connected to the master over the Ethernet. Various topologies of EtherCAT can be implemented to connect slaves to the Ethernet Configuration tool. The Ethernet configuration tool is connected to the EtherCAT master via the above mentioned EtherCAT network information file. This configuration tool plays a pivotal role in implementing EtherCAT and connecting the slaves to the master in the right way. The tool generated a network description known as the EtherCAT Network Information file based on the EtherCAT Slave Information files and/or the online information at the EEPROM of the slave devices, including their object dictionaries.
Several EtherCAT slave devices work synchronously with the EtherCAT master devices through various tuning methods. Here the tasks such as setting outputs, reading inputs, copying memory, etc. can be considered, wherein the synchronization between the logical level of the devices plays an imperative role. In order to implement an EtherCAT slave with a master, all you need is an EtherCAT master that works on the lines of a standard Network Interface Controller (NIC, 100 MBit/s Full duplex) protocol. To seamlessly integrate master and slave, a master software with actual run time drives the slaves.
EtherCAT Operation Modes and Network Topology
One of the challenging parts of implementing EtherCAT to your control system is choosing the right operation modes. The reason being, each mode demands differently from the operating system and master. The possible cases of dynamic changes of loads or custom control loop algorithms and the demands of an “on the fly processing system” needs to consider while choosing the operating mode. Here we are going to give you a brief idea of three of the important operating modes that are: CAN over EtherCAT, File over EtherCAT, EtherNet over EtherCAT.
CAN over EtherCAT (CoE)
One of the most widely used communication protocols, the CANopen, is used in this mode. It defines specific profiles for different devices. This operating mode ensures a higher speed EtherCAT network.
File over EtherCAT (FoE)
This operating mode gives you access to data structure or the information files in the device. This enables the uploading of standardized firmware to devices. This does not depend on whether they support other protocols like TCP/IP.
Ethernet over EtherCAT (EoE)
This operating mode allows communication between Windows client applications with an EtherCAT device server program via Ethernet that uses the EtherCAT network. It the simplest way master and slave connect and reduces the overall implementation time.
EtherCAT is one among the many Ethernet based fieldbus protocols but has garnered significant popularity for industrial automation applications. These are optimized for industrial devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), I/O, and sensor-level devices. Implementation of EtherCAT offers higher efficiency of the control system, reduction in error, and connect 65,553 nodes in the system with low latency in each slave node.
Utthunga’s services help you to implement EtherCAT in the best possible ways so your industrial automation systems can enjoy the benefits from its versatility to the fullest.
Industrial revolution 4.0 has already set in, and industrial automation is a profound part of it. One of the crucial aspects of implementing a successful automation ecosystem in any industry is seamless communication between devices. For a long time, the traditional field buses like PROFIBUS, HART, FF, Modbus and a few others have been the been the standard communication solution for field layer connectivity.
However, with the ubiquity of Ethernet in the layers above sensors/PLCs and to take advantage of the IT tools and technologies in the OT layer, Ethernet is increasingly being looked as a communication bus in the field layer also. this has led to the idea of the Ethernet Advanced Physical layer (APL).
Ethernet-APL is a subset of the widely used Ethernet standard and it is describes the physical layer of the Ethernet communication specially designed for industrial engineering services. With high communication speeds over long distances and a single, twisted-pair cable for power and communication signal supply, this layer proves to be a robust solution for a better bandwidth communications link between field-level devices and control systems in process automation applications. In simple terms, Ethernet-APL is the upgraded link between Ethernet communication and instrumentation.
Ever since BASF, a German chemical company and the largest chemical producer in the world successfully tested Ethernet APL for the first time in 2019, many companies have successfully implemented the same in various IIoT networks. In February 2020, ABB’s trials proved that Ethernet APL effectively eliminates gateways and protocol conversions at various industrial network levels.
Ethernet-APL makes infrastructure deployment a seamless process as the devices connected over it share the same advanced physical layer. This also indicates that it enables devices in the industrial network to be connected at any time, irrespective of where they are placed in the factory or processing plant.
There are numerous reasons why industries willing to integrate IIoT must consider Ethernet-APL. We have discussed them in the next sections.
Ethernet-APL enables seamless integration of various processes and creates effective communication between the control and plant field devices for long distances process variables, secondary parameters, and asset health feedback and seamlessly communicating them over long distances.
Some of the major benefits of incorporating Ethernet APL in industrial automation applications are:
Improved Plant Availability
In addition to pure process values, modern field devices provide valuable additional data. With Ethernet-APL, plant operators can make the most of the devices in real-time, centrally monitor their components’ status, and identify maintenance requirements early on. This avoids unplanned downtime and increases plant availability significantly.
Cost-Effective Plant Optimization
Ethernet-APL supports the trunk-and-spur technology established in the process industry and is applicable to any industrial Ethernet protocol such as EtherNet/IP,HART-IP, and PROFINET. This simplifies integration for planners, plant designers, and plant operators since existing installations and infrastructures can still be used and investments are protected.
Adds Flexibility to the Plant
IEEE and IEC standards layout communication protocol, testing, and certification of products to implement Ethernet-APL into any plant automated systems in any part of the world. This way, in an industrial environment, devices from different manufacturers, irrespective of their state of origin, can have interoperable communication within the working ecosystem.
Coherent Communication at all levels
Ethernet-APL allows a common communication infrastructure for all levels of process management. This is because field devices can be easily connected to the higher-level system. The high transfer speed of 10Mbit/s and the full-duplex infrastructure make it suitable for data transmission over a length of approximately 1000 m.
APL – For IIoT Applications
The Industrial Internet of Things is undoubtedly an integral part of the industrial automation workspace. Therefore, the high-speed, industrial Ethernet-based Ethernet-APL is touted as the future of industrial communication systems. Many of the leading communication protocol associations like the OPCFoundation, ODVA, PROFIBUS, and PROFINET International are in the process of supporting APL, which makes it compatible with any existing processing system.
It supports 2-WISE (2-wire intrinsically safe Ethernet) and therefore eliminates the need for numerous calculations, which makes it simpler to verify the intrinsic safety of devices within the Ethernet-APL automation network.
Ethernet-APL comes as a blessing for the manufacturing and process industry in particular, as they lacked a standard network capable of high-speed transfer of data within field devices irrespective of their implementation level in the Industry 4.0 architecture.
How APL is Serving the Special Requirements of Process Industries
Ethernet-APL is specially crafted for process industries. Since these industries involve works at hazardous and explosive areas, deployment of industrial Ethernet seemed like a far thought for quite long. However, with the introduction of an advanced physical layer into the Ethernet, 2-WISE became a reality.
The 2-WISE infrastructure makes it safe to be deployed in such hazardous areas. This improved the overall plant availability and brought remote access to many devices in the process industry 4.0.
Conclusion
Advanced Physical Layer or APL has brought in a new ray of hope for effective adoption and implementation of IIoT in the industries. Utthunga’s innovation-driven team is ready to support you in your APL plans. Get in touch with us and get the best industrial engineering services that elevate the efficiency of your plant and plant assets for increased ROI.
The term “simulator” means “imitator of a situation or a process”. In the digital sense, we can say that a protocol simulator or a network simulator is a computer-generated simulation of a protocol before bringing the product to the market.
There is a paradigm shift in industries like industrial OEMs, discrete, power, and process utilities to move towards automation. This implies more interconnected devices over the internet with interlinked communication between the devices. In order to carry out a reliable and seamless automated working ecosystem in IIoT, many foundations like OPC, ETG, PI and others have laid down certain industrial protocols that a product must follow.
Protocol testing is a crucial element that product engineering companies like Utthunga take care of. It is imperative as it checks the alignment of the hardware or software product with the industrial protocol standards. This helps to address an issue, be it a design glitch, or points out the challenges in implementing it. Protocol simulation is a part of product testing and it helps to check if a hardware or software is working as per the communication protocol standard and purpose.
Protocol simulation is mainly carried out for checking the accuracy and latency of the communications over the wire. It is done by creating scenarios that are similar to the real-time use cases. These mimic the exact situations that are similar to the real-time use cases and help you evaluate the possible risks and challenges associated with the product. Knowing these before its release helps you create a product that stands apart in quality among your competitors.
How Simulation Can Save Your Product Development Time And Cost?
Simulation can be carried out in various ways, it all depends on your ultimate goal. If a reduced product development time and cost is on your checklist, then you can use the simulation approaches that we have listed down:
Protocol simulation to test for design reliability
In industries, especially in the current automated ecosystem, the device which you manufacture must be in compliance with the industry standards. When you create a device prototype and simulate it to test the design capabilities, you get to interact with the unknown design features and may discover some loopholes as well. This saves you product development time, as you optimize your product before it reaches the market. This way you can fix the glitches and then move on mass production.
Finite element analysis
Industrial devices are subjected to a lot of unpredictable scenarios and stresses that requires your product to be robust enough to handle such unforeseen situations. The finite element analysis helps you to validate your product in this context. It ensures your product can endure unpredictable stresses (in the connectivity/communications context) up to a certain limit. You can carry out FEA even in the design stage, to get a real idea as to what to expect from your product and the areas which need improvements.
It helps to improve the reliability of the product before an untested product reaches your customers and ruins your brand image. It also makes manual testing a lot easier.
APIs in protocol simulation allow easy integration of your product to various software frameworks. This means test engineers can leverage better test automation solutions to carry out protocol simulations with high precision. Utthunga’s protocol simulators are configurable as a server-side application in your industrial devices. So, it enables remote control of the devices through various programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and others.
Industries have complex systems. Protocol simulators like master simulators and slave simulators when used in the product development cycle, help them to create a reliable product.
Since such a simulator is capable of providing practical feedback at the designing stages itself, it comes across as a time and cost saver. It also empowers design engineers to understand the possible glitches in the design and create an optimum layout for the same.
These allow simulation of the required prototype at the luxury of the lab, or during R&D or engineering. The control systems can be built to test the devices in various load and real-time scenarios. These can run on a desktop and be integrated with the control systems and another master systems that communicates with these field devices. Therefore the overall infrastructure, cost to procure, deploy and maintain the devices can be considerably reduced.
In research and development, these protocol simulators act like a perfect aid to train the operational personnel and get an in-depth knowledge of the functionalities of the product. It also helps the R&D department to come with innovative ideas for creating a better product that matches the growing demands of the users.
Conclusion
A protocol simulator helps create a virtual representation of the product even in its design stage. It helps design and product engineers understand the dynamics of the device’s operation at each phase of the production cycle.Choosing the protocol simulator, therefore, should be a well-thought decision, if you are keen on creating error-free, top-quality devices. Utthunga’s protocol simulator is carefully created by our panel of experts who have gained years of experience in this field. Get in touch with our team, to know more about our exceptional services tailored to get you Industrie 4.0 ready. Utthunga has deep capabilities in industrial protocols, and our protocol simulators are an extension of Utthunga’s rich and deep protocol expertise. All our protocol simulators are built on top of our uSimulate framework – tried and tested in the field for years. We support several protocols like Modbus, EtherCAT, IEC-104, GE-GSM and others. Adding a new protocol (legacy or proprietary) to the simulator family is fairly easy as well.
The current wave of the industrial revolution, also known as the Industrie 4.0, has proven to improve the production process in various aspects. To realize the promised benefits, a strong communication protocol that allows semantic interoperability among interconnected devices is needed. In manufacturing industries where processes are greatly dependent on the industrial sensors and actuators, there are a few challenges that hinder seamless plant floor communication.
Take for example, the use of 4-20mA analog signals for communication between proximity switches and sensors. Although this produced satisfactory results, it did not provide any scope for diagnostics. So, the issues in the process go unnoticed until the whole system comes to a standstill. The combination of digital and analog devices also requires multiple cable and hence a tedious installation and maintenance process.
To overcome such challenges, the IO-Link Consortium Community, an organization in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the IO-Link technology. With over 120 members and strong support in Europe, Asia and the Americas, IO-Link has become the leading sensor and actuator interface in the world. The common goal of these companies is to develop and promote a unified and bi-directional communication architecture that involved an easy implementation process and the ability to diagnose the errors at the right time. The IO-Link protocol thus came as a knight in shining armor for the industries to help them gain the best of the Industrie 4.0.
IO-Link is a robust; point-to-point communication protocol specifically designed for devices like actuators and sensors. The IO-Link client is independent of the control network and communicates with an IO-Link master port. This port is placed on a gateway and transfers the data and or signals to the control system for further operations.
IO-Link proves to be beneficial for the factory automation processes especially in the digital era of Industrial Automation. With embedded software systems now becoming an inevitable part of industries, more IO-Links help them to leverage the power of Industrial automation and IIoT.
To get a gist of the benefits you can expect through the proper implementation of IO-Links, read the entire blog.
IO-Link Wired setup enhances factory automation communication for Industry 4.0 applications
Incorporating automation processes into an existing manual based manufacturing end processes are a primary challenge that IR4.0 possesses. To overcome this, many factory communication protocols have been introduced by various institutions.
For the device level, the communication IO-Link protocol is the most viable options to choose from. The reason being many, that we shall discuss in the next section. On the factory floor, IO-Link has long been seen as a wired communication network.
A basic IO-Link communication cycle involves:
A request from the master device
Waiting Time- for the request to reach the client device
Processing time of the request from the client device
Answer from the device to the master.
Waiting Time- for the answer to reaching the master.
In general, factory automation units have wired IO-Links that offer high flexibility and enhances the communication systems between the controllers and the system actuators and sensors. However, with the advent of reliable wireless networks, industries are now adopting wireless IO-Link set up these days.
The popularity of the IO-Link for the communication between sensors, actuators, and the control level is steadily increasing with each passing year. In a wireless setup, an approximate 5ms maximum cycle is achievable with high probability. In addition to this, it also provides the required flexibility in automation solutions and opens door to the possibility of using battery-powered or energy-harvesting sensors as well.
As already mentioned, IO-Link be it wired or wireless creates ripples of benefits for OEMs and ends users.As already mentioned, IO-Link be it wired or wireless creates ripples of benefits for OEMs and ends users. One of the advantages of IO-Link is that by incorporating the smart sensors with IO-Link, you can optimize your smart factory with powerful data and diagnostics and prepare them for the future – to increase your uptime and productivity. Along with faster time to market and lower total cost of ownership, OEMs and end usersalso benefit from improved asset utilization and risk management.
Typically a smart sensor functions as a regular sensor unless it’s connected to an IO-Link master. When connected, you can leverage all the advanced configuration data capabilities that IO-Link has to offer.
Let us have a look into some of the key advantages of implementing IO-Link for OEMs and end users.
Enables better maintenance
One of the main reason behind the popularity of the IO-Link is its diagnostic capabilities. It means the servers are informed well in advance about any forthcoming issues. This makes them ready for need-oriented maintenance and a better factory automation system.
Efficient operation
As IO-Link sensors are independent of the control network and their accessibility no longer plays a role in automation, you can place them directly at the point of operation. This means the machining process can be optimized to operate at maximum efficiency in the minimum time frame.
Consistent Network
The IO-Link being a standard communication protocol between IO sensors/actuators and the control network brings consistency in your automation network. So you get to integrate more devices into your IO-Link protocol network and introduce flexibility to your network.
Makes your system versatile and future proof
IO-Link sensors and actuators do more than just process and transmitting data to and from the control network. IO-Link protocol integration facilitates reliable and efficient communication between devices. Having IO-Link devices means your system has access to integrated diagnostics and parameterization which also reduces the commissioning time to a great extent. Overall it imbibes versatility to your system and makes it ready for the future of IIoT.
Enables processing of three types of data
With the IO-Link, you can access and process three types of data namely process data, service data, and event data.
Process data includes data such as temperature, the pressure that is transmitted by the sensors or actuators upon request from the IO-Link master request.
Service data refers to the one related to the product and not process and includes manufacturer name, product model number, and the like.
Event data usually comes from sensors when any event notification has to be raised like an increase in pressure.
Provides IODD for each IO device
IO-Link protocol integration assigns each IO device with an IODD or IO Device Description such that the master manufacturers display the same IODD for each of their devices. This way, the operability of all the IO-Links is uniform irrespective of the manufacturer.
Reduces or eliminates wired networks
Since IO-Link protocol integration allows uniformity among the sensors, actuators, and control system, there is no need for separate wires. This way the number of wires can be reduced to a great extent. As wireless networks reign the IIoT arena, the concept of wireless IO-Link protocol integration is also gaining popularity.
Increases machine availability
With IO-Link protocol porting, you can enjoy an errorless and fast data exchange between sensors, actuators, and the control system. This increases the operation speed and reduces the downtime and improves the commissioning processes. Overall the machine errors are reduced thereby giving you more out of the machines.
The 21st century has paved the way to better industrial processes through the advent of industrial automation or the IR4.0. IO-Link protocol porting and IO-Link protocol integration has greatly helped OEMs and end-users alike, in making their production process in compliance with the IIoT set up. If you are looking for a reliable and flexible IO protocol integration for your plant, we at Utthunga have the state of the art technologies.
Open Process AutomationTM Standard (O-PASTM Standard) or “Standard of Standards” as it’s popularly known is an initiative to create a new age automation system with a different architecture than the existing process automation systems that uses Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). As automation applications require ultra-high availability and real-time performance, process automation systems have always been highly proprietary. The reason behind developing this standard is to transform from a closed, proprietary, distributed control systems towards a standards-based open, secure and interoperable process automation architecture.
In 2016, The Open Group launched the Open Process AutomationTM Forum (OPAF) to create an open, secure and interoperable process control architecture to:
Facilitate access to leading-edge capacity
Safeguard asset owner’s application software
Easy integration of high-grade components
Use an adaptive intrinsic security model
Facilitate innovation value creation
This blog aims to show why and how OPC UA can be applied to realize the Open Process AutomationTM Standard. Before that, let us be familiar with the Open Process AutomationTM Forum. In simple terms, The Open Group Open Process Automation™ Forum is an international forum that comprises users, system integrators, suppliers, academia, and organizations.
These stakeholders work together to develop a standards-based, open, secure, and interoperable process control architecture called Open Process AutomationTM Standard or O-PASTM. In version 1 of O-PASTM, published in 2019, the critical quality attribute of interoperability was addressed. In version 2, published in January 2020, the O-PASTM Standard addressed configuration portability, and version 3.0 will be addressing application portability.
Version 1.0 of the O-PASTM Standard unlocks the potential of emerging data communications technology. Version 1.0 was created with significant information from three existing standards:
The seven parts that makeup the latest preliminary 2.1 version of O-PASTM Standard are:
Part 1 – Technical Architecture Overview
Part 2 – Security (informative)
Part 3 – Profiles
Part 4 – Connectivity Framework (OCF)
Part 5 – System Management
Part 6 – Information Models based on OPC UA (Multipart specification ranging from 6.1 to 6.6)
Part 7 – Physical Platform
Part 1 – Technical Architecture Overview
This informative part demonstrates an OPAS-conformant system through a set of interfaces to the components.
Part 2 – Security
This part addresses the cybersecurity functionality of components that should be conformant to O-PASTM. This part of the standard also explains the security principles and guidelines incorporated into the interfaces.
Part 3 – Profiles
This part of the version defines the hardware and software interfaces for which OPAF needs to develop conformance tests and ensure the interoperability of the products. A profile describes the set of discrete functionalities or technologies available for each DCN. They may be composed of other profiles, facets, as well as individual conformance requirements.
Part 4 – O-PASTM Connectivity Framework (OCF)
This part forms the interoperable core of the system, and OCF is more than a network. OCF is the underlying structure that enables disparate elements to interoperate as a system. This is based on the OPC UA connectivity framework.
Part 5 – System Management
This part covers the basic functionality and interface standards that allow the management and monitoring of functions using a standard interface. The system management addresses the hardware, operating systems, and platform software, applications, and networks.
Part 6 – Information and Exchange Models
This part defines the common services and the common information exchange structure that enable the portability of applications such as function blocks, alarm applications, IEC 61131-3 programs, and IEC 61499-1 applications among others.
Part 7 – Physical Platform
This part defines the Distributed Control Platform (DCP) and the associated I/O subsystem required to support O-PASTM conformant components. It defines the physical equipment used to embody control and I/O functionality.
The O-PASTM Standard supports communication interactions within a service-oriented architecture. In automation systems, it outlines the specific interfaces of the hardware and software components used to architect, build, and start-up automation systems for end-users. The vision for the O-PASTM Standard V2.0 addressed configuration portability and can be used in an unlimited number of architectures. Meaning, every process automation system needs to be “fit for a reason” to meet specific objectives.
Why OPC UA is important for Open Process AutomationTM Forum
The lower L1, L2 layers of the automation pyramid is heavily proprietary with a tight vendor control over the devices where the PLC’s, DCS, sensors, actuators and IO devices operate. This is where the vendors have strong hold over the end-users. As a revenue generating path, they are reluctant to lose this advantage. Additionally, this poses interoperability, security and connectivity issues causing significant lifecycle and capital costs for the stakeholders.
This inherent lack of standardization in the lower OT layers is a constant pressure point for the automation industry. O-PASTM Standard solves this standardization & connectivity issue and uses OPC UA as one of the foundation for developing this standard. This de-facto standard is used for open process automation integrating controls, data, enterprise systems and serves as a fundamental enabler for manufacturers.
Building the basic components of this standard (like DCN, gateways, OCI interfaces, OCF) using OPC UA helps them achieve secure data integration and interoperability at all levels of the IT/OT integration. This involves leveraging the OPC UA connectivity (Part 4 of O-PASTM and information modeling capabilities (Part 6 of O-PASTM) which play a key role in the O-PAS™ reference architecture.
How O-PASTM leverages OPC UA
From the below architecture diagram it’s evident that a Distributed Control Node (DCN) is the heart of the OPAF architecture. Here a single DCN is similar to a small machine capable of control, running applications, and other functions for seamless data exchange with the higher Advanced Computing Platform (ACP) layers. This component interfaces with the O-PASTM Connectivity Framework (OCF) layer that is based on the OPC UA connectivity framework.
The connectivity framework allows interoperability for process-related data between instances of DCNs. It also defines the mechanisms for handling the information flow between the DCN instances. The framework defines the run-time environments used to communicate data.
Basically each DCN has a profile which describes a set of full-featured definition of functionalities or technologies. For example:
The DCNs (i.e. O-PAS conformant components) are built conforming to anyone of the primary profiles specified in the O-PASTM:
OBC
O-PAS Basic Configuration
OCF
O-PAS Connectivity Framework (OPC UA Client/server, OPC UA PubSub profiles)
OSM
O-PAS System Management
NET
Network Stack
CMI
Configuration Management Interface
SEC
Security
DCP
Distributed Control Platform (Physical hardware)
The OPC UA information model capability is used to define and build these DCN profiles. Part 6 of the O-PASTM and its subparts defines related set of information and exchange models, such as basic configuration, alarm models, or function block models. This provides a standard format used for the exchange of import/export information across management applications. It also provides standard services used for the download/upload of information to O-PASTM conformant components.
According to the report OPC UA Momentum Continues to Build published by the ARC Advisory Group and endorsed by the OPC Foundation, it provides timely insights into what makes OPC UA the global standard of choice for industrial data communications in process and discrete manufacturing industries. From an IIoT and Industry 4.0 perspective, the report examines how the OPC UA technology is the standard that solves the interoperability challenges.
Key take-away from the report that help maximize OPC UA adoption include:
OPC UA standard is open and vendor agnostic, and the standard and Companion Specifications are freely available to everyone.
OPC UA is an enabler for next-generation automation standards that will, potentially change the industry structure of process automation e.g. Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL), NAMUR Open Architecture, and the Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF)
OPC UA is arguably the most extensive ecosystem for secured industrial interoperability
OPC UA is independent of underlying transport layers. As such, it uses the most suitable transports for the right applications (ex. TCP, UDP, MQTT, and 5G)
OPC UA is highly extensible via its Information Modeling (IM) capabilities. This makes OPC UA an excellent fit for use by automation vendors and other standards organizations wishing to express and share semantic data seamlessly across all verticals.
The OPC Foundation Field Level Communications (FLC) Initiative is defining a new OPC UA Field eXchange (OPC UA FX) standard that is supported by virtually all leading process automation suppliers.
OPC UA FX will extend OPC UA to the field level to enable open, unified, and standards-based communications between sensors, actuators, controllers, and the cloud.
Forward-looking companies should make OPC UA a crucial part of their long-term strategies today because the changes this technology brings will become a necessity faster than most people anticipate
OPAF is making outstanding records in creating a comprehensive, open process automation standard. Since it is partially built on other established industry standards like OPC UA, the O-PASTM Standard can improve interoperability in industrial automation systems and components.
OPAF fulfills its mission to deliver effective process automation solutions with the collaborative efforts of the OPC Foundation. Utthunga’s expertise in OPC UA standard and by adopting our OPC related products and solutions, businesses can benefit from low implementation and support costs for end-users and enable vendors to experiment around an open standard.
Get in touch with our OPAF experts to experience a new-age open, secure by design and interoperable process automation ecosystem.
Most professional advice will point towards a cloud-based service if your company explores hosting options for its official platform. Similarly, when you dive deep into the intricacies of cloud computing, you’ll find yourself bumping into Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS as the two most viable options.
Since choosing between these two most popular options can be a little perplexing, we decided to clear the air for you. So, here’s a detailed comparison of Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.
Let’s get started.
A Closer Look at Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a leading cloud computing platform that renders services like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS). It is known for its cloud-based innovations in the IT and business landscape.
Microsoft Azure supports analytics, networking, virtual computing, storage, and more. In addition, its ability to replace on-premises servers makes it a feasible option for many upcoming businesses.
Microsoft Azure is an open service that supports all operating systems, frameworks, tools, and languages. The guarantee of 24/7 technical support and 99.9% availability SLA makes it one of the most reliable cloud computing platforms.
The data accessibility of data Microsoft Azure is excellent. Its geosynchronous data centers supporting greater reach and accessibility make it a truly global organization.
It is economical to avail of cloud-based services, as users pay only for what they use. Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, Data Factory, Databricks, and Azure Synapse Analytics are the services offered through this cloud-based platform. Microsoft Azure is especially popular among data analysts as they can use it for advanced and real-time analytics. It also generates timely insights by utilizing Power BI visualizations.
Azure provides seamless capabilities to developers for cloud application development and deployment. In addition, the cloud platform offers immense scalability because of its open access to different languages, frameworks, etc.
Since Microsoft’s legacy systems and applications have shaped business journeys over the years, its compatibility with all legacy applications is a plus point. Since converting on-premises licenses to a fully cloud-based network is easy, the cloud integration process becomes effortless.
In many cases, cloud integration can be completed through a single click. With incentives like cheaper operating on Windows and Microsoft SQL Servers via the cloud, Microsoft Azure attracts a large segment of IT companies and professionals.
Amazon AWS is the leading cloud computing platform with efficient computing power and excellent functionality. Developers use the Amazon AWS platform extensively to build applications due to its broad scope of scalability and adaptation to various features and functionalities.
It is currently the most comprehensively used cloud platform in the world. More than 200 cloud-based services are currently available on this platform.
Amazon Web Services include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, respectively. In addition, the platform is highly flexible to add or update any software or service that your application exclusively requires.
It is an Open Access platform where machine learning capabilities are also within reach of the developers – all thanks to SageMaker.
This platform has excellent penetration and presence across the globe, with 80 availability zones in 25 major geographical regions worldwide. But, just like Microsoft Azure, the Amazon AWS model is highly economical.
Businesses only need to pay for the services they use, including computing power and cloud storage, among other necessities.
The Compute Cloud offering allows you to use dynamic storage based on the current demands of your operations. You can use any operating system and programming language of your choice to develop on Amazon AWS.
Besides, all cloud integration services on the Amazon AWS platform are broad-spectrum and practical. The comprehensive tech support available 24/7 is a silver lining too.
The Amazon AWS platform enjoys excellent popularity with several high-profile customers. The transfer stability in the Amazon AWS offerings is quite good, implying that you won’t lose any functionality during migrations.
The instances of latency problems and lack of DevOps support are minimal with this platform.
Comparing Azure and AWS
By Computing Power
Azure and AWS have excellent computing power but different features and offerings. For example, AWS EC2 supports the configuration of virtual machines and utilizing pre-configured machine images. Further, images can be customized with the Amazon AWS platform.
Unlike the machine instance in Amazon AWS used to create virtual machines, Azure users get to use Virtual Hard Disks (VHD). Virtual Hard Disks can be pre-configured by the users or by Microsoft. Pre-configuration can be achieved with third-party automation testing services based on the user’s requirement.
By Cloud Storage
Storage in Amazon AWS is allocated based on the initiation of an ‘Instance.’ This is temporary storage because it gets destroyed once the instance is terminated. Therefore, Amazon AWS’s cloud storage caters to the dynamic storage needs of the developers.
Microsoft Azure also offers temporary storage through D drives, Page Blobs, Block Blobs, and Files. Microsoft Azure also has relational databases and supports information retrieval with import-export facilities.
By Network
The Virtual Private Cloud on Amazon AWS allows users to create isolated networks within the same Cloud platform. Users also get to create private IP address ranges, subnets, network gateways, and route tables. You can avail of test automation services to check the networking success.
The networking options on Microsoft Azure are like that of Amazon AWS. Microsoft Azure offers Virtual Network (VNET) where isolated networks and subnets can be created. Test automation services can help in assessing existing networks.
By Pricing
Amazon AWS’s pricing is based on the services you use. Its simple pay-as-you-use model allows you to pay only for the services you use – without getting into the hassle of term-based contracts or licensing.
Microsoft Azure, too, has a pay-as-you-go model, just that their calculations are by the minute. Also, Azure offers short-term packages where pre-paid and monthly charges are applicable.
The Bottom Line
We hope you’ve got enough to decide which cloud computing platform is most suitable for your needs. For more advice on Cloud Application Development, reach out to our team at [email protected]
Utthunga is a leading Cloud service provider catering solutions like cloud integration services, automation testing services, and digital transformation consulting. To know more about what we do, contact our representatives today.
