OPC UA – Structured data up to the cloud
Smart. Semantic. The open, Ethernet-based communication standard OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) offers optimal conditions for digitalization. Ideal for communication between machines and vertical connectivity to the cloud. For real-time communication at the field level, Siemens combines OPC UA with PROFINET in a common Industrial Ethernet network.
OPC UA – A milestone for digital automation
Convergent, end-to-end, secured networks are needed to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s industry. Networks that are flexibly scalable, dynamically adaptable, and able to accommodate large numbers of users with extremely fast response times. OPC UA is key component for to achieving these goals.
Speed up the transformation to the digital factory with OPC UA
The open, platform-neutral, and flexibly scalable communication standard OPC UA features a unique information model. With its semantic capabilities, OPC UA supports more than just data transmission. Proven mechanisms like authentication, authorization, and encryption guarantee security. In addition, PROFIsafe mechanisms are being prepared to permit uniform, safety-related communication with OPC UA. Moreover, OPC UA can run on the existing PROFINET infrastructure without compromising performance.
Siemens relies on OPC UA as the interface from the control level to higher-level SCADA, MES, and ERP systems all the way to the cloud.
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Line integration with OPC UA
OPC UA and its companion specifications enable fast and cost-effective line integration with high scalability, fault-free commissioning, and a fast factory acceptance test. Thanks to the internationally defined OPC UA companion specifications, you benefit from the line integration of standardized data interfaces and status models – allowing you, for example, to easily adapt machine interfaces and reuse modules for different plants.
Communication mechanisms for different requirements
OPC UA client/server
OPC UA with client/server communication is used extensively in automation. With this proven, one-to-one communication mechanism, each OPC UA client obtains access to the data on the OPC UA server via point-to-point communication. The OPC UA client sends a request to the OPC UA server, from which it receives a response. This allows for a reliable, secure, encrypted data exchange with reduced bandwidth and no loss of data, even if the environment and network quality are sub-optimal and are experiencing disturbances. Client/server communication is always based on TCP/IP.
OPC UA PubSub
In the OPC UA with PubSub (publish/subscribe) model, a one-to-many or many-to-one communication mechanism is used: A publisher makes data available that can be received by any number of subscribers in the network. OPC UA PubSub communication can be transmitted via UDP or directly on layer 2. Depending on the technology used, this can result in short cycle times. In conjunction with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), OPC UA PubSub therefore enables real-time communication at the control level and meets the demands of time-critical applications.
Time-Sensitive Networking – The new foundation for OPC UA
Guaranteed, scalable bandwidths, optimized Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, real-time capability, and very low transmission latency: Siemens relies on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) to get the very best out of automation networks, together with even faster and more reliable communication from machine to machine and from machine all the way up to the operator level.
Good reasons to use OPC UA
Products and systems with OPC UA interface and supporting tools
Siemens offers a comprehensive hardware and software portfolio for Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) that extends from the field level to the control and operater levels. As an open communication standard, OPC UA plays an important role for the entire TIA portfolio.One step ahead with the OPC UA webinars
Visit our webinar series on all aspects of OPC UA, where our experienced experts provide simple and clear explanations of important topics relating to the Ethernet-based communications standard.
Development with outstanding prospects
Open Platform Communications – Unified Architecture (OPC UA) was developed by the OPC Foundation, which was created in 1996 with Siemens as a founding member. The OPC Foundation is an international nonprofit organization with over 850 members from all sectors of industry. It works closely with users and vendors to continually optimize the open, vendor-independent standard.
Downloads and support for OPC UA
Take advantage of additional sources of information to learn more about OPC UA, the open communication standard for the digital future and Industrie 4.0. Brochures, informational materials, technical data, FAQs, and services – you’ll find them all here!
Security information
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial security concept. Siemens’ products and solutions only form one element of such a concept. For more information about industrial security, please visit.
