Networking standard enables interoperability

OPC Foundation (Scottsdale, AZ) recently showed the interoperability of its OPC Data eXchange (DX) standard with a working, multivendor system using products from 10 of its member companies, including Emerson Process Management, Hertzler Systems Inc., Indusoft, Intellution, Invensys, Kepware Technologies, Progea SRL, Rockwell Software, Siemens Energy & Automation, and Wonderware.

By Staff January 1, 2003

A 2002 EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS WINNER

NETWORKS & COMMUNICATIONS

OPC Foundation (Scottsdale, AZ) recently showed the interoperability of its OPC Data eXchange (DX) standard with a working, multivendor system using products from 10 of its member companies, including Emerson Process Management, Hertzler Systems Inc., Indusoft, Intellution, Invensys, Kepware Technologies, Progea SRL, Rockwell Software, Siemens Energy & Automation, and Wonderware. Rockwell Automation, Emerson Process Management, and Siemens provided the controllers used in the exhibit.

Use of OPC DX also showed horizontal and vertical interoperability between programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems, and HMI/SCADA systems across an Ethernet network coexisting with Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet and High-Speed Ethernet (HSE) protocol standards from three fieldbus organizations. Manufacturers can use OPC DX to achieve seamless exchange of plant information and integration among different fieldbus communication systems running over Ethernet.

The main objective of the OPC DX standard is to deliver horizontal interoperability across an Ethernet network connected to a wide range of industrial fieldbuses and measurement and automation systems.

OPC DX leverages the huge installed base of products using the OPC Data Access (DA) industry standard. OPC DA is typically used to provide vertical data integration among measurement devices and controllers on factory floors and HMI, MES, ERP, and supervisory control applications.

OPC DX will deliver peer-to-peer data exchange horizontally and vertically between different Ethernet fieldbuses and automation systems that provide an OPC DX-compliant server.

To achieve this seamless integration, the OPC DX specification also defines a new device configuration interface.

OPC DX defines a new standard to overcome communication barriers between Ethernet fieldbus networks and deliver true, multi-vendor interoperability.

www.opcfoundation.org

  • Delivers horizontal interoperability across an Ethernet network connected to fieldbuses and measurement and automation systems

  • Leverages installed base of products using the OPC Data Access (DA) industry standard

  • Will deliver peer-to-peer data exchange horizontally and vertically between different Ethernet fieldbuses and automation systems that provide an OPC DX-compliant server

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