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.

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