Danfoss iC7-Automation Frequency converters: is integrated with OPC UA, a robust protocol that provides numerous advantages for secure asset management, cloud connectivity, and SCADA/HMI integration.
Secure asset management
The integration of iC7-Automation with OPC UA facilitates the identification and connection of devices within your network, whether they are located in the cloud or on-site. Future enhancements, including a digital identity feature, will streamline device management and enable software updates, thereby minimizing downtime and offering a comprehensive overview of all factory devices. This simplifies both setup and management processes.
Furthermore, iC7-Automation enhances security by segregating fieldbus (horizontal communication) from cloud communication (vertical communication). By activating OPC UA on X0, customers can connect devices to the internet while ensuring a physical separation between the internet and the fieldbus.
Cloud connectivity
Utilizing iC7-Automation with OPC UA for cloud connectivity eliminates the necessity for additional gateway devices. Drives can function as sensors, facilitating seamless connections to the cloud through firewalls. This setup can be implemented cost-effectively by utilizing the same cable for both the controlling fieldbus and the internet connection or by employing a separate port to distinguish between the two. OPC UA also supports predictive maintenance, cloud-based data analysis, and integrated device functionalities without incurring extra hardware expenses.
In summary, iC7-Automation with OPC UA presents a user-friendly and economically viable solution that enhances efficiency and fosters innovation in industrial environments. Its straightforward features and financial benefits position the OPC UA protocol as a crucial element in developing a more competitive, intelligent, and interconnected industrial landscape. Additionally, the capability to upgrade iC7-Automation in the field without requiring extra hardware ensures a future-proof solution for customers.
SCADA/HMI integration
The integration of iC7-Automation with OPC UA eliminates the need for additional hardware in drives, transforming them into sensors for straightforward external connections. Users can easily access and control all parameters, allowing for expansion and enhanced functionality.