IT in Manufacturing


Real-time capable data communication via OPC UA

February 2017 IT in Manufacturing

Direct integration of OPC UA Pub/Sub UDP communication into the TwinCAT 3 runtime paves the way for straightforward configuration of publishers and subscribers, as well as exchange of data in realtime.

With a new extension of the OPC UA specification, which Beckhoff played a prominent role in helping to develop, the publisher/subscriber principle is being introduced into the established and standardised OPC UA communication protocol. Through the early integration of the Pub/Sub UDP extension, Beckhoff has emerged once again as an early adopter of OPC technologies.

One particular advantage is the much simplified configuration resulting from direct integration into the TwinCAT 3 engineering environment. Communication is initiated directly from the TwinCAT 3 runtime, creating a deterministic and therefore real-time-capable communication channel via OPC UA.

Advantages of publisher/subscriber communication

Conventional client/server applications are decoupled from one another in publisher/subscriber-based data communication and no longer need to ‘know’ each other. The publisher simply sends its data, as a UDP multicast in this case, to a multicast group. The subscribers receive the data by subscribing to the multicast group instead of the actual device.

These advantages can be utilised in all areas of machine design, plant engineering and building automation technology. This is especially true in M2M scenarios within machine networks, for example, in small manufacturing systems as well as complex machines and buildings.

According to the current roadmap for the OPC UA specification, this extension is expected to be finalised by the OPC Foundation in early 2017. Accordingly, Beckhoff plans a timely product release in TwinCAT 3.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, [email protected], www.beckhoff.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Next-generation road-legal race car.
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will move to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software and use it to develop the next generation of its single-seater road-legal race car, Mono.

Read more...
Cybersecurity at a crossroads
IT in Manufacturing
here’s a growing unease in boardrooms, data centres and cabinet offices across South Africa. It’s not just about economic headwinds or political uncertainty, it’s about something quieter, more technical and yet just as dangerous - the rising tide of cyber threats.

Read more...
Enabling a sustainable industrial organisation
IT in Manufacturing
This article explains the top sustainability trends and key actions that you can leverage to become a more sustainable organisation.

Read more...
Navigating discrete manufacturing in South Africa through digitalisation
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s discrete manufacturing sector faces mounting pressure from global competition, fragmented supply chains and outdated infrastructure. In this complex environment, digitalisation is a critical lever for survival, resilience and growth.

Read more...
Africa’s pragmatic approach to AI and how data centres are enabling it
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
In Africa, the current AI momentum is driven by a fundamental need, building a resilient digital infrastructure that addresses the real-world challenges of the continent’s communities.

Read more...
World first simulation of error-correctable quantum computers
IT in Manufacturing
Quantum computers still face a major hurdle on their pathway to practical use cases, their limited ability to correct the arising computational errors. In a world first, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have unveiled a method for simulating specific types of error-corrected quantum computations.

Read more...
Platform to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric has launched Zeigo Hub by Schneider Electric, a powerful new digital platform designed to help organisations decarbonise their supply chains at scale.

Read more...
Future-ready data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The white paper ‘Future-Ready Data Centres’ by Black & Veatch outlines how integrating sustainable design principles not only helps meet ESG goals but also ensures reliability, operational efficiency and business continuity in the face of climate change and growing digital demand.

Read more...
Sustainable energy management
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Utilising its innovative ONE approach technology, Siemens provides complete transparency on resource consumption and offers data-driven optimisation recommendations for sustainable energy management.

Read more...
Pluggable system solution helps tackle skills shortages and addresses DC power supply needs
Beckhoff Automation Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As a replacement for the conventional control cabinet, the MX-System from Beckhoff is a uniform modular automation system that can be used to completely replace traditional control cabinets with function modules in many applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved