Made possible by: Controller-to-controller communication, PackML / OPC UA companion specification
Starting position
Three separately manufactured machine modules are combined to form a complete system. This requires definition and implementation of the communication interfaces between the machine modules. The machine modules are each equipped with two POWERLINK and two Ethernet interfaces.
Problem
- Time-consuming: Describing and defining communication interfaces
- Complex: Building, maintaining and troubleshooting separate networks
- Cost-intensive
Solution
Step-by-step integration of OPC UA into the machine modules. Modules described using PackML / OPC UA companion specification. Communication between the modules is made possible by controller-to-controller communication based on the OPC UA publish/subscribe mechanism.
Advantages
- Uniform descriptions of interfaces and functions with PackML
- Cabling costs cut in half
- Simplified maintenance and diagnostics
- Reduced costs