Siemens has expanded its Simatic S7-400 controller to include the CP 443-1 OPC UA (unified architecture) communications processor. The processor uses the standardised OPC UA interface for the fast, direct exchange of data between automation components from different manufacturers. Users can install the CP 443-1 as both a client and as a server, and so, for example, link a Simatic S7-400 to ERP systems. It is mainly used in Simatic S7-400 applications, e.g. in the automotive, oil and gas as well as food industries. The processor can also be used in traffic engineering, for example in tunnel automation. With this processor, Siemens has created an important basis for comprehensive open communication in industrial networks.
As an OPC UA server, the new communications processor provides data from the S7-400, which OPC UA clients such as HMI, MES, ERP and scada systems can access. This enables, for example, users to read production data such as vehicle information from an ongoing process and transfer it to ERP systems. Used as an OPC UA client, the processor collects and writes data to and from OPC UA servers. This facilitates, for example, communication with an OPC UA-compatible controller from another manufacturer.
OPC UA is a standard for multi-vendor communication in the automation industry. The CP443-1 supports this according to the specification 1.02. Integrated OPC UA security functions (for authenticating, authorisation encrypting and signing data) minimise the risk of unauthorised data access.
Together with software, security and services, industrial communications is one of the four elements of the Siemens Digital Enterprise. The CP 443-1 OPC UA communications processor expands the industrial communication product portfolio and thus represents a contribution toward the digitisation of industry.
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