The following OPC Foundation member companies have product news to announce in this issue: ABB, Arburg, Beckhoff, Exor, GE, IBH, Moxa, and Softing. Click on the headline or picture for a given product to read the full press release.
ABB integrates FDI into its FIM software
Now that the FDI specification has been released, ABB announced the first version of its “Field Information Manager” (FIM) software. It is the first tool available on the market that supports field device integration (FDI) with non-proprietary, universal FDI common host components. This will also include the FDI Device Model based on OPC UA for general access to device information.
Arburg: Complete data management via OPC UA
Arburg opted for the OPC-UA application protocol for the exchange and archiving of all data and process parameters in the host computer system (ALS) because it can be used across manufacturer platforms and operates quickly, efficiently and reliably. The example of the process chain at the Hannover Messe 2015 demonstrated how the OPC-UA application protocol can actively be used for the data management of overarching automated production sequences.
Beckhoff Embedded PC with OPC UA Client and Server
The CX8091 is the newest member of the CX8000 product family, which currently includes the smallest Embedded PCs available from Beckhoff. With support of the OPC UA protocol, a 400 MHz ARM9 CPU and a wide range of connectable K-bus or E-bus I/O terminals, it represents a universal small controller for almost any application.
Exor HMI Brings OPC UA into Harsh Environments
Exor, a producer of HMI interfaces and JMobile HMI software, is proud to announce that all new JMobile software driven HMI solutions are now OPC UA compliant. The introduction of the OPC UA client communication protocol makes the product even more appealing for integration with the level of security that the industry demands. The implementation of OPC UA client communication in JMobile HMI offers seamless connection with any OPC UA server device.
GE Releases New OPC-UA Standard with Global Discovery Server
GE today announced that it is the first to implement and release a new Global Discovery Server (GDS) based on the new Part 12 of the OPC UA standards. This specification enables the Industrial Internet with improved ease of connectivity across devices and equipment. The Proficy GDS automatically discovers OPC UA devices on the network and connects to them with no configuration, saving time and reducing costs.
Integrating S5 and S7 Controllers in the OPC UA World
The IBH Link UA, OPC UA server / client module with firewall, is designed to connect the SIMATIC controllers S5 and S7 series into the OPC UA communication. This allows the PLC to communicate with controllers from other manufacturers via OPC UA. The IBH Link UA has three Ethernet ports for the machine level and one Ethernet port for the management level.
Moxa Introduces MX-AOPC UA Server
Moxa is pleased to announce the release of MX-AOPC UA Server, a new automation software solution that helps users facilitate efficient yet seamless SCADA device data management. MX-AOPC UA Server is Moxa’s first OPC UA software solution that addresses big data challenges related to the industrial Internet of Things.
Easy Import of Symbols from Siemens TIA Portal
The new version of Softing’s dataFEED OPC Suite supports the direct import of symbols from Siemens TIA Portal projects. The new dataFEED Exporter tool, which is now part of Softing’s dataFEED OPC Suite (V 4.03) allows importing symbols from Siemens TIA Portal projects (version 13 or 13 SP1) for a direct OPC Namespace configuration.
OPC UA – Product Development with Premium Support
As per May 1st, 2015, Softing Industrial Automation adopts a service oriented model for its OPC UA .NET Development Toolkits. Softing’s new offering combines a free license for the use of the OPC UA .NET Development Toolkits with a 3-year maintenance and support agreement which supersedes the previous fee-based license acquisition.
OPC UA Development Toolkits Certified
Softing’s OPC UA .NET Client and Server Development Toolkits as well as the OPC UA C++ Server Development Toolkit for Linux now have the OPC Foundation’s official lab certification. With the lab certification of their OPC UA.NET OPC client and server development toolkits and OPC UA Server C ++ development toolkit for Linux, Softing completes the certification process for its entire portfolio of development toolkits for OPC Classic and OPC UA.