OPC UA – communication standard<\/span><\/h1><\/div>Industry 4.0 has triggered rapid development in the world of industrial automation in recent years. In this context, the OPC UA communication standard has established itself as a central building block for networking and communication in modern manufacturing and production environments. OPC UA, which stands for “Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture”, is an open and platform-independent communication standard that was developed specifically for the requirements of Industry 4.0. The importance of OPC UA for Industry 4.0 can hardly be overestimated. As the basis for interoperability and communication between different components within a factory or even across company boundaries, the standard enables the seamless integration of machines, sensors, controllers and other systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
BITMOTECO Factory Data Hub<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"OPC-UA](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%273000%27%20height%3D%271688%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%203000%201688%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%273000%27%20height%3D%271688%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\")
<\/a><\/span>BITMOTECO Factory Data Hub<\/div> <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The modular Factory Data Hub with OPC UA server and client for your production<\/a> supports a wide range of communication protocols and industry standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
ROI in 6 months<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Basic system for further optimisation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Ready to use in no time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Suitable for every machine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Data sovereignty without a cloud service<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>
Arrange a demo appointment now to coordinate your test operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Schedule a demo<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Basics of OPC UA<\/h2><\/div>OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an open and platform-independent standard for industrial communication. Its origins date back to the 1990s, when the OPC Foundation developed the OPC Classic standard. OPC UA is the further development and focuses on interoperability, security and expandability.
\nWhile OPC Classic was based on specific technologies such as COM\/DCOM, OPC UA is much more flexible. It is based on modern IT standards such as XML, JSON and binary coding, making it easy to adapt to different use cases. <\/p>\n
OPC UA milestones in standardization<\/h3>\n\n- 2008:<\/strong> Publication of the first OPC UA standard.<\/li>\n
- 2015:<\/strong> Introduction of OPC UA Pub\/Sub.<\/li>\n
- 2020:<\/strong> Cooperation with TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) for deterministic networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Differences to other communication protocols<\/h3>\n
OPC UA differs from other protocols such as MQTT<\/a> and Modbus<\/a> due to its comprehensive data modeling and security functions. MQTT, for example, is a lightweight protocol for the transmission of telemetry data, but does not offer comprehensive semantic functions. Modbus, on the other hand, is a traditional protocol that is mainly used for communication with PLC systems, but does not support security mechanisms or complex data models. <\/p>\nOPC Foundation<\/h3>\n
The OPC Foundation, a globally recognized organization, is responsible for the maintenance and further development of the OPC UA standard. It ensures that the standard remains up-to-date and meets the changing requirements of the industry. The Foundation works closely with industry partners to continuously improve and expand the standard.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
OPC UA architecture<\/h2><\/div>The architecture of OPC UA comprises two basic communication models:<\/p>\n
\n- Client-server model:<\/strong> Enables synchronous data queries and control.<\/li>\n
- Publish\/subscribe model (Pub\/Sub):<\/strong> Particularly suitable for transferring large amounts of data in real time and supports integration with protocols such as MQTT and UDP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
OPC UA client-server architecture:<\/h3>\nOPC UA server<\/h4>\n
The OPC UA server provides data and services. It can collect data from various sources, such as sensors or machines, and make it accessible to clients. The server offers both historical data and real-time data. This enables a client to retrieve relevant information for well-founded decisions. <\/p>\n
OPC UA Client<\/h4>\n
The OPC UA client is responsible for requesting and receiving data from the server. A client can be an application, a monitoring system or another device that requires data. The client retrieves data from the server, writes data to the server and also responds to events. In this way, the standard enables the efficient control and monitoring of processes. <\/p>\n
What information is required for networking via OPC UA?<\/h4>\n
To establish a connection to an OPC UA server, the correct endpoint must first be selected. This usually has the following structure: opc:\/\/:\/… In addition, the correct signing and encryption parameters must be selected to ensure the security of the communication. This includes the selection of security policies, certificates and encryption algorithms that ensure both the authentication and the integrity of the data. The correct configuration of these parameters is crucial to ensure a secure and reliable connection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"OPC](\"https:\/\/www.bitmotec.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/content_opc-ua_architektur.png\" "\\"content_opc-ua_architektur\\"")
<\/span>OPC UA server-client architecture<\/div> <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
OPC UA Publish\/Subscribe model (Pub\/Sub):<\/h3><\/h3><\/div>This communication architecture has been specially developed for efficient and scalable data transmission in industrial networks. In contrast to the classic client\/server model, pub\/sub enables decoupled communication in which data can be sent from a publisher (e.g. a machine or a sensor) to several subscribers. The publisher publishes the data on so-called topics<\/em> in a network. A subscriber then subscribes to these topics in order to receive the corresponding data. The model optimizes the data flow and thus conserves network resources. This makes this model particularly suitable for scenarios with high data volumes (e.g. condition monitoring<\/a> or OEE calculations<\/a>) and real-time requirements. Pub\/Sub supports various transport protocols, such as MQTT or UDP, and can therefore be used flexibly in different network environments. It also enables integration into cloud systems and promotes interoperability between different devices and systems in Industry 4.0<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Industry 4.0 has triggered rapid development in the world of industrial automation in recent years. In this context, the OPC UA communication standard has established itself as a central building block for networking and communication in modern manufacturing and production environments. OPC UA, which stands for “Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture”, is an open and platform-independent communication standard that was developed specifically for the requirements of Industry 4.0. The importance of OPC UA for Industry 4.0 can hardly be overestimated. As the basis for interoperability and communication between different components within a factory or even across company boundaries, the standard enables the seamless integration of machines, sensors, controllers and other systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
BITMOTECO Factory Data Hub<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span>BITMOTECO Factory Data Hub<\/div> <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The modular Factory Data Hub with OPC UA server and client for your production<\/a> supports a wide range of communication protocols and industry standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
ROI in 6 months<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Basic system for further optimisation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Ready to use in no time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Suitable for every machine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n
Data sovereignty without a cloud service<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>
Arrange a demo appointment now to coordinate your test operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Schedule a demo<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Basics of OPC UA<\/h2><\/div>OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an open and platform-independent standard for industrial communication. Its origins date back to the 1990s, when the OPC Foundation developed the OPC Classic standard. OPC UA is the further development and focuses on interoperability, security and expandability.
\nWhile OPC Classic was based on specific technologies such as COM\/DCOM, OPC UA is much more flexible. It is based on modern IT standards such as XML, JSON and binary coding, making it easy to adapt to different use cases. <\/p>\n
OPC UA milestones in standardization<\/h3>\n\n- 2008:<\/strong> Publication of the first OPC UA standard.<\/li>\n
- 2015:<\/strong> Introduction of OPC UA Pub\/Sub.<\/li>\n
- 2020:<\/strong> Cooperation with TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) for deterministic networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Differences to other communication protocols<\/h3>\n
OPC UA differs from other protocols such as MQTT<\/a> and Modbus<\/a> due to its comprehensive data modeling and security functions. MQTT, for example, is a lightweight protocol for the transmission of telemetry data, but does not offer comprehensive semantic functions. Modbus, on the other hand, is a traditional protocol that is mainly used for communication with PLC systems, but does not support security mechanisms or complex data models. <\/p>\nOPC Foundation<\/h3>\n
The OPC Foundation, a globally recognized organization, is responsible for the maintenance and further development of the OPC UA standard. It ensures that the standard remains up-to-date and meets the changing requirements of the industry. The Foundation works closely with industry partners to continuously improve and expand the standard.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
OPC UA architecture<\/h2><\/div>The architecture of OPC UA comprises two basic communication models:<\/p>\n
\n- Client-server model:<\/strong> Enables synchronous data queries and control.<\/li>\n
- Publish\/subscribe model (Pub\/Sub):<\/strong> Particularly suitable for transferring large amounts of data in real time and supports integration with protocols such as MQTT and UDP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
OPC UA client-server architecture:<\/h3>\nOPC UA server<\/h4>\n
The OPC UA server provides data and services. It can collect data from various sources, such as sensors or machines, and make it accessible to clients. The server offers both historical data and real-time data. This enables a client to retrieve relevant information for well-founded decisions. <\/p>\n
OPC UA Client<\/h4>\n
The OPC UA client is responsible for requesting and receiving data from the server. A client can be an application, a monitoring system or another device that requires data. The client retrieves data from the server, writes data to the server and also responds to events. In this way, the standard enables the efficient control and monitoring of processes. <\/p>\n
What information is required for networking via OPC UA?<\/h4>\n
To establish a connection to an OPC UA server, the correct endpoint must first be selected. This usually has the following structure: opc:\/\/:\/… In addition, the correct signing and encryption parameters must be selected to ensure the security of the communication. This includes the selection of security policies, certificates and encryption algorithms that ensure both the authentication and the integrity of the data. The correct configuration of these parameters is crucial to ensure a secure and reliable connection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>OPC UA server-client architecture<\/div> <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
OPC UA Publish\/Subscribe model (Pub\/Sub):<\/h3><\/h3><\/div>This communication architecture has been specially developed for efficient and scalable data transmission in industrial networks. In contrast to the classic client\/server model, pub\/sub enables decoupled communication in which data can be sent from a publisher (e.g. a machine or a sensor) to several subscribers. The publisher publishes the data on so-called topics<\/em> in a network. A subscriber then subscribes to these topics in order to receive the corresponding data. The model optimizes the data flow and thus conserves network resources. This makes this model particularly suitable for scenarios with high data volumes (e.g. condition monitoring<\/a> or OEE calculations<\/a>) and real-time requirements. Pub\/Sub supports various transport protocols, such as MQTT or UDP, and can therefore be used flexibly in different network environments. It also enables integration into cloud systems and promotes interoperability between different devices and systems in Industry 4.0<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"OPC-UA](\"https:\/\/www.bitmotec.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bitmoteco_platform_integration-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The modular Factory Data Hub with OPC UA server and client for your production<\/a> supports a wide range of communication protocols and industry standards.<\/p>\n<\/div> ROI in 6 months<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li> Basic system for further optimisation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li> Ready to use in no time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li> Suitable for every machine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li> Data sovereignty without a cloud service<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Arrange a demo appointment now to coordinate your test operation.<\/p>\n<\/div> OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an open and platform-independent standard for industrial communication. Its origins date back to the 1990s, when the OPC Foundation developed the OPC Classic standard. OPC UA is the further development and focuses on interoperability, security and expandability. OPC UA differs from other protocols such as MQTT<\/a> and Modbus<\/a> due to its comprehensive data modeling and security functions. MQTT, for example, is a lightweight protocol for the transmission of telemetry data, but does not offer comprehensive semantic functions. Modbus, on the other hand, is a traditional protocol that is mainly used for communication with PLC systems, but does not support security mechanisms or complex data models. <\/p>\n The OPC Foundation, a globally recognized organization, is responsible for the maintenance and further development of the OPC UA standard. It ensures that the standard remains up-to-date and meets the changing requirements of the industry. The Foundation works closely with industry partners to continuously improve and expand the standard.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The architecture of OPC UA comprises two basic communication models:<\/p>\n The OPC UA server provides data and services. It can collect data from various sources, such as sensors or machines, and make it accessible to clients. The server offers both historical data and real-time data. This enables a client to retrieve relevant information for well-founded decisions. <\/p>\n The OPC UA client is responsible for requesting and receiving data from the server. A client can be an application, a monitoring system or another device that requires data. The client retrieves data from the server, writes data to the server and also responds to events. In this way, the standard enables the efficient control and monitoring of processes. <\/p>\n To establish a connection to an OPC UA server, the correct endpoint must first be selected. This usually has the following structure: opc:\/\/:\/… In addition, the correct signing and encryption parameters must be selected to ensure the security of the communication. This includes the selection of security policies, certificates and encryption algorithms that ensure both the authentication and the integrity of the data. The correct configuration of these parameters is crucial to ensure a secure and reliable connection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> This communication architecture has been specially developed for efficient and scalable data transmission in industrial networks. In contrast to the classic client\/server model, pub\/sub enables decoupled communication in which data can be sent from a publisher (e.g. a machine or a sensor) to several subscribers. The publisher publishes the data on so-called topics<\/em> in a network. A subscriber then subscribes to these topics in order to receive the corresponding data. The model optimizes the data flow and thus conserves network resources. This makes this model particularly suitable for scenarios with high data volumes (e.g. condition monitoring<\/a> or OEE calculations<\/a>) and real-time requirements. Pub\/Sub supports various transport protocols, such as MQTT or UDP, and can therefore be used flexibly in different network environments. It also enables integration into cloud systems and promotes interoperability between different devices and systems in Industry 4.0<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Basics of OPC UA<\/h2><\/div>
\nWhile OPC Classic was based on specific technologies such as COM\/DCOM, OPC UA is much more flexible. It is based on modern IT standards such as XML, JSON and binary coding, making it easy to adapt to different use cases. <\/p>\nOPC UA milestones in standardization<\/h3>\n
\n
Differences to other communication protocols<\/h3>\n
OPC Foundation<\/h3>\n
OPC UA architecture<\/h2><\/div>
\n
OPC UA client-server architecture:<\/h3>\n
OPC UA server<\/h4>\n
OPC UA Client<\/h4>\n
What information is required for networking via OPC UA?<\/h4>\n
<\/span>OPC UA Publish\/Subscribe model (Pub\/Sub):<\/h3><\/h3><\/div>