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Allen-Bradley Implementation

OPC-UA for Allen-Bradley

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

ControlLogix/CompactLogix support OPC UA via Kepware or FactoryTalk Gateway. Newer firmware (V32+) adds native OPC UA server. Studio 5000 integrates with FactoryTalk Linx for OPC UA connectivity.

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.

Allen-Bradley Hardware Requirements

Compatible Communication Modules

1756-L8x series (ControlLogix V32+ with OPC UA)
1769-L33ER/L36ERM (CompactLogix with OPC UA)
Any controller via Kepware OPC UA server

Wiring Details

Network Setup

Standard Ethernet TCP/IP. Port 4840 (configurable). Uses controller's Ethernet interface.

Configuration

Studio 5000 V32+: Controller Properties > OPC UA > Enable. Or configure Kepware KEPServerEX for legacy controllers.

Allen-Bradley Software & Programming

Function Blocks & Instructions

Native OPC UA server (V32+)
Kepware driver configuration
FactoryTalk Gateway setup

Allen-Bradley Code Example

// Native OPC UA (V32+):
// Studio 5000: Controller Properties > OPC UA > Enable
// Configure security: None, Basic128Rsa15, Basic256
// Add users: Administrator, Operator roles
// Tag filter: Select which tags to expose

// Kepware configuration (legacy):
// Add driver: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Ethernet
// IP: 192.168.1.10, Path: 1,0 (backplane, slot 0)
// Tags automatically discovered via Studio 5000 import
// OPC UA endpoint: opc.tcp://PC-IP:49320

Allen-Bradley-Specific Implementation Notes

Native OPC UA server in newer firmware (V32+). Kepware widely used for legacy controllers. FactoryTalk Linx provides OPC UA gateway for entire Rockwell ecosystem. Supports tag browsing directly from Studio 5000 tag database. Security via user roles (Admin, Operator, Observer).

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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