Baumüller has implemented data access, security and methods within the standardized OPC UA interface and with the ProDataX software tool, provides an OPC UA server for its control units.

Baumüller, the drive and automation specialist, opts for OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) as an interface for the transmission of data between different nodes, e.g. visualization or edge controllers, etc. and to this end, has developed a new software tool for communication via the control technology through to the drive level:
ProDataX.

OPC UA serves as a common data exchange standard for secure, reliable, manufacturer and platform-independent communication in IoT, M2M and industry 4.0 environments. The requirement for communication between the components of different manufacturers via OPC UA to work is that each device involved in the communication must meet the current specifications of the OPC Foundation.

Baumüller has now implemented the three most important parts of the extensive catalog of OPC UA Foundation specifications for its applications:

• DA (Data Access)for access to machine data and parameters

• Security via certificates, to ensure that only authorized nodes have access to the OPC UA server

• With OPC UA methods, the oscilloscope function of the Baumüller devices can also be used for other suppliers, for example Baumüller control units with OPC UA server

The basic idea of OPC UA is that all hardware manufacturers involved in a system provide an OPC UA server for their components connected to the communication. Baumüller offers the ProDataX software tool for this purpose.

ProDataX provides an OPC UA server interface that can run not only on the Baumüller control hardware but also on standard PCs with the Windows operating system. ProDataX can be configured using the Baumüller ProMaster and ProDrive programming/operating tools.

Based in Nuremberg, Baumüller is a leading manufacturer of electric automation and drive systems. At production sites in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and China as well as in over 40 branches worldwide, around 2,000 employees develop and produce intelligent
system solutions for machine manufacturing and e-mobility.

In addition, the range of services offered by the Baumüller Group includes engineering, assembly and industrial relocation as well as services, thus covering all aspects of life cycle management.