Web-based Communication in Automation

01.02.2010 - 31.01.2012
Research funding project
Interoperability has become a key factor in modern automation systems. In this context, the OPC standards provided by the OPC foundation are most prominent. While classical DCOM based speci cations like OPC Data Access (DA) are dedicated to Windows based systems, the upcoming OPC Uni ed Architecture (OPC UA) speci cation provides platform-independence thanks to the use of Web-based technologies. Moreover it also includes a meta model guaranteeing interoperability not only on the protocol level but also regarding the semantics of exchanged data. The resulting increased complexity of OPC UA is an entry barrier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, the EraSME project "Web-based Communication in Automation" (WebCom) has been initiated. The main goals of WebCom are to thoroughly analyze the OPC UA speci cation and to provide concentrated information for SMEs. This includes evaluating OPC UA and comparing it with alternative approaches as well as providing guidelines and enhanced information models for its use. Additionally, laboratories will be set up that allow a distributed interoperability testing over the Internet. On the road of the project, all tasks shall be solved in close cooperation between SMEs and participating Research and Development Organizations (RTOs).

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FFG - Österr. Forschungsförderungs- gesellschaft mbH (National) Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Research focus

  • Computer Engineering: 70%
  • Energy Active Buildings, Settlements and Spatial Infrastructures: 30%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
AutomationAutomation
Infmormationsmodellierunginformation modeling
OPC Unified ArchitectureOPC Unified Architecture

External partner

  • HB-Softsolution e.U.
  • NETxAutomation Software GmbH

Publications