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gundersen123 · Junior Joined: 25 Apr 2018 Posts: 7

Hi. We usually deliver a stand alone system which we are currently controlling with a controllogix plc. This time however the customer wants to get certain tag-information from the PLC to their system.

What we proposed to them was to two ControlLogix Modbus TCIP/IP adapter module (MV156E-MNET) routed to a Ethernet to fiber media converter where they could hook up fiber to their system.

We got a comment from them recently where they wanted OPC UA and OPC AE interface (quote):

"Condition monitoring signals shall be transferred via OPC UA and alarm and event
signals via OPC AE.
All raw data from the UCP must be available to COMPANY by remote log-on. COMPANY
shall have full ownership of all data."

I proposed to have an extra ControlLogix Modbus TCIP/IP adapter module which could go to their OPC server and thus be the OPC interface they requested.

It's just that I don't fully understand the set up they are requesting, and it is a long time since I worked with OPC. The last time I used OPC was for a windows HMI where I connected the PC to the PLC by Ethernet/IP with OPC software installed, but my understanding is that OPC can use both Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP modules as communications protocols?

I'm sorry if I'm wording myself badly, but it's just a long time since I worked with this. If any of you could correct my reasoning with an explanation or provide suggestions to what extra hardware I need for the OPC interface I would greatly appreciate it.

elmb · Junior Joined: 01 Apr 2018 Posts: 5

Taking into consideration the requirements the best solution is eATM OPC UA Server Module for ControLogix
The eATM OPC UA Server has been certified by the OPC Foundation
OPC interface for ControlLogix 1756 OPC UA Server Module for ControLogix

OPC interface for ControlLogix 1756 OPC UA Server Module for ControLogix

Take some considerations about:
https://industrial.softing.com/en/products/plc-connectivity/integration-of-plc-data/in-chassis-connectivity-modules-for-rockwell-automation-controllogix-plcs/eatm-opc-ua-server-module-connect-controllogix-plc-to-opc-ua-clients.html

gundersen123 · Junior Joined: 25 Apr 2018 Posts: 7

Thanks for the reply. I considered that solution so I might go for that. Why would you not use either a Ethernet/IP or modbus TCP/IP module (1756 series) to their system, and let them do the configuration to their OPC server?

elmb · Junior Joined: 01 Apr 2018 Posts: 5

When a company asks you
"All raw data from the UCP must be available to COMPANY by remote log-on. COMPANY shall have full ownership of all data."

that means they know what they need and you shall put a pressing point on that special request.
Why that?
All the actual OPC servers have a lot of vulnerabilities including solutions from Rockwell.
An OPC UA server is particularly more exposed to vulnerabilities taking into account you have to access data through a remote logon.
In all these kind of requests the dedicated hardware for such UA Servers is the best solution.
Good luck!!!

gundersen123 · Junior Joined: 25 Apr 2018 Posts: 7

I understand, and thank you very much. I will look more in to this solution.

ebyar · Junior Joined: 29 Mar 2018 Posts: 3

did you see this variant?
https://openautomationsoftware.com/products/communications/opcua-iot/

how many tags?

gundersen123 · Junior Joined: 25 Apr 2018 Posts: 7

I have not, but it looked interesting. This is software only right?

gundersen123 · Junior Joined: 25 Apr 2018 Posts: 7

About 200 tags potentially.

ebyar · Junior Joined: 29 Mar 2018 Posts: 3

get in atingere with them because they can help you with a cheaper solution.