What is OPC UA?
OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an open, platform-independent communication standard for industrial automation. The standard enables secure, reliable, and cross-vendor communication between machines, control systems, and IT applications – a central component of Industry 4.0.
OPC UA is an advancement of the classic OPC standard.
Core Characteristics of OPC UA
- Platform Independence
Operates across different operating systems and hardware platforms – high flexibility for various use cases - Security
Built-in mechanisms such as authentication, authorization, and encryption protect data and prevent unauthorized access - Scalability and Extensibility
The standard can be easily extended to support new technologies and requirements - Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
The modular structure enables clear separation and simple integration of services and data - Semantic Description
Data is not only transmitted but also described in a machine-readable format – essential for automated systems
Areas of Application
- Industrial Automation
Communication between controllers, sensors, actuators, and control systems - Machine-to-Machine (M2M)
Efficient networking of machines and equipment - Cloud Integration
Transmission of production data to cloud systems for analysis and optimization - Process Control Systems
Integration and visualization of data from various sources
Benefits of OPC UA
- Increased Interoperability
Enables communication between devices from different manufacturers - Reduced Complexity
Simplifies configuration and maintenance of communication interfaces - Improved Security
Protects against unauthorized access and data manipulation - Future-Proof
The open standard provides a solid foundation for future developments in industrial communication
