OPC UA Module & Drivers

Cross-platform OPC UA functionality

The OPC UA module for Ignition provides powerful and versatile functionality for both server and client connections. With this module, you can easily connect to a wide range of industrial devices, such as PLCs and systems. Ignition enables you to connect your system via the OPC UA standard, ensuring reliable and secure communication between different devices and systems. The OPC UA module and its associated core drivers are included as standard with the Ignition platform.

Key features of the OPC UA module

Server & client functionality
As a server, the module seamlessly integrates with popular core drivers for devices from brands such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, Modbus, and Omron. As a client, the module can connect to external third-party OPC UA servers. Additionally, the module provides an open API, allowing you to develop custom drivers for specific applications.

Based on modern IT protocols
The OPC UA module uses the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), which means you no longer need to deal with complex DCOM configurations. Connections are established via IP addresses, making it just as easy to connect to a remote machine as to a local one.

Compatible with major desktop operating systems
Thanks to the use of open technologies, the Ignition OPC UA module works on various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The module is designed to run on any system that supports Java, ensuring maximum flexibility and accessibility.

Security
Because the module is based on TCP, you benefit from robust security methods, including easy integration of RSA encryption. This provides a secure connection to your systems and devices, which is essential for industrial applications.

Excellent performance
The Ignition OPC UA module is optimized for speed by using high-performance binary TCP encoding and the OPC UA transport model. The multi-threaded device model ensures fast data updates and allows the processing of a large number of simultaneous tags, delivering excellent performance even in larger systems.

Core drivers included with the Ignition platform

Modbus Ethernet Driver
This driver connects to devices that support the Modbus TCP protocol, allowing you to use them within Ignition.

UDP and TCP Drivers
These drivers provide an efficient way to collect data from barcode scanners, weigh scales, analytical equipment, and other similar devices.

BACnet Driver
This driver supports BACnet/IP and connects to building automation systems, such as HVAC, lighting, access control, fire detection, and other systems that use BACnet.

Allen Bradley Driver Suite
This driver allows you to connect to Allen Bradley Ethernet controllers for use within Ignition.

Siemens Driver
This module connects to Siemens S7 controllers (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500) for use in Ignition.

DNP3 Driver
This driver connects to DNP3 outstations via TCP/IP and supports data collection, both based on polling and unsolicited messages.

Omron Driver
This driver supports connections to the latest Omron devices via EtherNet/IP and older devices via FINS.

IEC 61850 Driver
This driver connects to IEC 61850-certified devices for energy management, such as IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), and provides support for data collection and control operations.

Mitsubishi Driver
This driver offers reliable connections to Mitsubishi PLCs, including iQ-R, iQ-F (FX5U), Q, and L series, and supports data exchange with OPC clients.

Additional connectivity drivers

In addition to the standard drivers, Ignition offers the ability to add extra connectivity drivers, such as the EFM Emerson ROC module for flow computers and the Opto 22 groov EPIC SNAP PAC module for Opto22 products.