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ABB Implementation

OPC-UA for ABB

Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture - platform-independent standard for industrial communication and data exchange.

Type: Industrial EthernetSpeed: Network dependentReleased: 2008Organization: OPC Foundation
Network dependent
Bandwidth
Unlimited
Max Nodes
Network dependent
Max Distance
No
Real-Time

Protocol Overview

ABB AC500 supports OPC UA via Automation Builder (CODESYS) libraries. Native OPC UA server in AC500-eCo V3. Integration with ABB Ability for cloud connectivity via OPC UA.

When to Use OPC-UA

Choose OPC-UA for enterprise integration, cloud connectivity, multi-vendor environments, or Industry 4.0 initiatives requiring secure data exchange.

ABB Hardware Requirements

Compatible Communication Modules

AC500-eCo V3 (built-in OPC UA)
AC500 via CODESYS OPC UA library
TB521-ETH Ethernet interface

Wiring Details

Network Setup

Standard TCP/IP. Port 4840. Uses controller Ethernet interface.

Configuration

Automation Builder: Add CODESYS OPC UA library. Configure server in Tools > OPC UA Server configuration. Select variables to expose.

ABB Software & Programming

Function Blocks & Instructions

CODESYS OPC UA Server
OPC UA Client library
Symbol configuration for published variables

ABB Code Example

// Automation Builder OPC UA Server:
// Tools > OPC UA Server > Configure
// Enable server on port 4840
// Security: Anonymous, Username/Password, Certificate
// Published symbols: Select global variables

// OPC UA Client in CODESYS:
VAR
  UAClient : UAClient_Connect;
  NodeToRead : STRING := 'ns=4;s=ProcessData.Temperature';
  ReadValue : REAL;
END_VAR

UAClient(
  ServerURL := 'opc.tcp://192.168.1.30:4840',
  NodeId := NodeToRead,
  Execute := TRUE,
  => Value => ReadValue
);

ABB-Specific Implementation Notes

CODESYS-based OPC UA provides good interoperability. AC500-eCo V3 has native server. ABB Ability cloud platform uses OPC UA for edge-to-cloud communication. Security via CODESYS certificate management. Supports OPC UA companion specifications via CODESYS add-ons.

Technical Specifications

Physical Layer

  • Physical Layer: IP-based
  • Cable Type: Any IP network media
  • Topology: Any IP network topology
  • Power Over Cable: No

Data Layer

  • Data Link: TCP/IP or SOAP/HTTPS
  • Encoding: Binary or XML
  • Error Detection: Built-in security
  • Frame Size: Network dependent

Performance

  • Scan Time: Configurable subscription rates
  • Deterministic: No
  • Real-Time: No

Certification

  • Certification Required: No
  • License Cost: Open source implementations available, commercial stacks vary
  • Version: 1.05

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • ✓Platform and vendor independent
  • ✓Built-in security (encryption, authentication)
  • ✓Rich information modeling
  • ✓Works across firewalls
  • ✓Supports complex data structures
  • ✓Historical data access
  • ✓Pub/sub and client/server models
  • ✓Industry 4.0 and IoT ready

Disadvantages

  • ✗Not designed for hard real-time
  • ✗Higher complexity than traditional protocols
  • ✗More computing resources required
  • ✗Learning curve for information modeling
  • ✗Overhead for simple applications

Common Use Cases & Applications

Enterprise system integration
MES/ERP connectivity
Cloud and IoT applications
Cross-platform data exchange
Industry 4.0 implementations
Historian integration
Multi-vendor system integration

Industry Adoption

Adoption LevelHigh and growing rapidly
Market ShareGrowing rapidly as Industry 4.0 standard
Geographic PresenceWorldwide
Primary Industries
All industriesParticularly strong in Process IndustriesPharmaceuticalsDiscrete Manufacturing

Supported Message Types

Read
Write
Subscribe
Method calls
Events
Historical access

Supported PLC Brands

SiemensAllen-BradleySchneider ElectricABBBeckhoff
B&R
Mitsubishi
Omron

Quick Links

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