Secure power supply.

Bedrock Automation has completed a power supply upgrade to protect operations at two Occidental Petroleum well pads from environmental and cyber disruption. The upgrade includes primary and back up power supplies that feature high-performance processing, advanced communications and built-in cyber security.

“If you’re not pumping oil, you’re not making money. If your backup power goes down, it could take a couple of days to get things back up and running, but you never regain that lost production. If you are producing hundreds of barrels a day and going down a few times a month, multiply that downtime by the price of oil and you’ll see it add up pretty fast,” said Ron Moore, electrical lead for Occidental Petroleum engineering team.

The PLCs that control pumping on
these Occidental Petroleum storage
towers require secure, reliable power.

The Bedrock OSA Power units have replaced an internally developed electrical power system that had powered well pad PLCs. Normal temperature cycling and exposure to caliche dust were contributing to disruptive power trips and conflicting alerts from the legacy lead acid power supplies.

Rather than replace the failing units with more of the same, the Occidental engineering team wanted a system that would take them into the future. After evaluating several options, they concluded that the combination of Bedrock Automation’s Secure Power Supply (SPS.500) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS.500) would fulfill their vision of a next generation power solution.

The SPS.500 provides single or redundant supply, using 90-264 Vac main voltage, 50/60 Hz input and is fully certified for use in Class 1, Division 2 locations. Its output of up to 500 watts is software-configurable between 21 to 28 volts. Multiple systems can be daisy-chained to scale up for higher power requirements.

The UPS.500 provides 24 Vdc at 12 Ah of power for hours of consistent backup for a typical PLC or DCS control cabinet. An onboard secure microcontroller controls the Li-Ion battery cell-by-cell, augmenting the high density, rapid charging, extreme temperature tolerance and the extended life that characterizes Li-Ion technology. The Li-Ion technology also recharges 10 times faster than a conventional lead acid battery system. The UPS.500 also has extremely high energy density and a compact footprint.

Both the SPS.500 and UPS.500 are well equipped to handle desert conditions. They are rugged, shock and vibration proof, and designed for use in temperatures between -40° F to +176 °F. They are encased in a sealed aluminum housing and compliant with IP67 and NEMA 4X standards for resistance to water, ice, oil and dust. Both are also MIL-STD 461 certified for EMP resistance without secondary containment.

From a cyber security perspective, the onboard electronics of the SPS.500 and UPS.500 enable Bedrock’s patented ICS cyber security. This initiates transparently and instantly upon startup to manage a deep authentication process and protect the power to Occidental’s hardware, firmware, software and communication throughout its entire lifecycle.

With the secure onboard microcontroller also comes secure 10/100 Mbit Ethernet IPv4 and IPv6 communications and support for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Embedded Web Server and embedded IEC 62541 – OPC Unified Architecture Server. Bi-directional communications enable control, diagnostics and status reporting. More than 35 diagnostic variables can be easily monitored, trended, alarmed and historicized via SCADA.

The Occidental Petroleum configuration has been running flawlessly at both locations since 2019 and are now fully equipped with features that should ensure continued trouble free operation over the coming years.

@BedrockAuto Occidental Petroleum  #PAuto #Cybersecurity #Oil

School for security!

The makers of Bedrock OSA®, the powerful and secure automation platform, has announced that the School of Bedrock™ is now open for free technical training in Open Secure Automation (OSA).  The new school provides online virtual training in the essentials of implementing open standard 61131 engineering tools as well as all the Bedrock high-performance hardware and software products. 

“In our constant pursuit to radically reduce lifecycle costs, Bedrock is transitioning training to a zero-cost virtual service.  This will provide a great benefit to all users of Bedrock by eliminating a significant upfront cost of automation,” said Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock Founder, CEO.  

The core curriculum today is focused on the content that Bedrock Automation requires for certification in its technology, which had previously been delivered primarily through live workshops supplemented by email, video links and PDF exchanges. It is now significantly more automated and available on-demand.

 “Trainees can now interact with all program elements through a single portal. They can work toward the certificate at their own pace. They can track their progress easily, pick up where they left off, and see the history of all their interactions. The whole process is very user-friendly visually pleasing and free,” said Bedrock Customer Service and Technical Support Manager Craig Allen. 

The opening module includes a general introduction to Bedrock Automation and its Open Secure Automation offerings, including the Bedrock OSA, OSA Remote, as well as OSA Power products. It also covers the free IEC 61131-compliant integrated application development environment (IDE) and the Bedrock Device Management Tool which can be used to update all controllers and modules to the latest firmware with a single click.

The hardware portion of the curriculum focuses on the I/O and analog and digital Fieldbus management. The software curriculum covers working with variables and data types, ladder logic, sequential function charts, structured text, functions and user-defined types, a demonstrated understanding of which is necessary for certification.

@BedrockAuto @TizianiWhitmyre #PAuto #Training #CyberSecurity

Security sales organisation strengthened.

Bedrock Automation has appointed Jesse K. Hill as Executive Director of Sales. Hill will lead Bedrock Automation’s expanding programs to sell OSA Open Secure Automation to oil and gas, utilities and other automation-intensive, security-conscious industries.

Jesse K Hill.

“Interest in Open Secure Automation is taking off, as companies in the energy infrastructure are beginning to appreciate the cost, performance and flexibility benefits of open automation but recognize also the need to secure it. To bring OSA to that growing market, we are expanding our sales organization. And with outstanding experience in managing automation sales teams – especially in the oil and gas sector – Jesse Hill comes eminently qualified to lead this effort,” said Bedrock founder and CEO Albert Rooyakkers.

Before joining Bedrock, Hill led automation sales teams for automation technology leaders such as Turck, Wago, and Pepperl+Fuchs. He brings a deep understanding of the automation performance and security needs of the oil and gas market and has a proven track record of delivering them the products that meet those needs.

Hill will lead the Bedrock sales teams in selling all Bedrock products, including the Bedrock OSA industrial control system, the OSA Remote compact control system, OSA Power products and supporting cabling and accessories. For more information about Bedrock Open Secure Automation solutions visit www.bedrockautomation.com/products.

Hill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Information and Operations Management from Texas A&M University. He will be based in Houston (TX USA).

#PAuto @BedrockAuto

Certification for Cyber Hardening.

Bedrock Automation has received Achilles® Level 2 certification from GE Digital (Wurldtech) on its OSA Remote controller.

The OSA Remote delivers the intrinsic cyber security protection for which Bedrock Automation is known in a compact unit that provides powerful PLC and SCADA RTU functionality for monitoring and control of up to 20 universal I/0, as well as serial and industrial Ethernet I/O. The Achilles certification provides users with greater assurance that they can implement their open applications remotely, secure from cyber threats.

“The demand for a secure remote controller is high – especially from the oil and gas market and water treatment plants needing to implement SCADA RTU and PLC applications. Achilles Level 2 provides independent validation of our unique approach to intrinsic cyber hardening,” according to  Bedrock Automation Founder and CEO, Albert Rooyakkers.

Like all Bedrock products, the compact OSA Remote embeds more than 30 cyber security technologies, including public key infrastructure (PKI) with secure keys inserted at birth, and advanced authentication and encryption capabilities for SCADA. All of this is in a system device that fits in the palm of the hand and at prices often below conventional PLCs or RTUs.

The Achilles Test Platform helps manufacturers of mission critical infrastructure solutions ensure that their products are not vulnerable to cyberattacks. It tests communications robustness of networks and operational parameters, identifying vulnerabilities and reproducing, isolating and resolving faults that cause them. The test battery is based on extensive experience in working with critical infrastructure systems and with manufacturers of devices that automate them to verify and validate performance under real-world conditions, such as denial of service (DoS) attacks.

The OSA Remote, is manufactured with a secure supply chain at a Bedrock secure facility. The results are layers of cyber protection and due diligence that are unmatched in its industry. It is now shipping in volume.

@BedrockAuto #PAuto #Cybersecurity @Wurldtech

End-to-End SCADA Security.

Bedrock Automation is demonstrating commercially available end-to-end SCADA security built on the cyber secure root of trust embedded in their control system at this year’s Inductive Automation Ignition Community Conference (ICC) this week in Folsum (CA USA). In this application, Bedrock® Open Secure Automation (OSA®) provides secure, high-performance control of industrial field devices, while also authenticating and encrypting OPC UA communications across Ignition SCADA using the Bedrock Certificate Authority (CA) and public key infrastructure (PKI).

“OPC UA enables open and secure communications across industrial devices. OPC UA’s highest level of security, however, requires authenticating all communications against a cyber secure root of trust, which is what Bedrock uniquely provides. We are pleased to continue working with Inductive Automation to help them deliver authenticated and encrypted SCADA,” said Bedrock CEO and founder Albert Rooyakkers.

At ICC, Bedrock and Inductive are demonstrating a process control application in which a Bedrock® system is sharing production data across a plant network with an Ignition Server. The Bedrock control system provides an authenticated and encrypted message signed by the cryptographic keys built into the Bedrock controller itself and validated against the Bedrock Certificate Authority. Through an exchange of electronic certificates, the Bedrock PKI verifies both the source and the integrity of all data transmitted.

In addition to OPC UA, OSA supports standards such as IEC 61131-3, MQTT and Ethernet IP, with- software selectable universal digital, discrete and analog I/O. The Bedrock® OSA infrastructure is used to authenticate hardware, firmware and software. Users interact with the cyber functions via a simple dashboard.

Bedrock Automation and Inductive Automation have now implemented this architecture at many sites and are in the process of installing at many more. “Cyber security is critical to the next generation of industrial productivity, and we have extensive programs in place to secure our customers’ applications. The industrial certificate authority that Bedrock provides augments the capability, helping to deliver the efficiency and profitability benefits of open connectivity with minimal risk of cyber intrusion,” said Don Pearson, Chief Strategy Officer at Inductive Automation.

 @BedrockAuto #PAuto @InductiveAuto @TizianiWhitmyre  #Cybersecurity

Comparison & Calculation of Industrial Control System Life Cycle Costs.

Bedrock Automation has announced the availability of the fifth in its series of white papers supporting implementation of Open Secure Automation (OSA®). 

The new whitepaper, Chapter Five: Industrial Control Systems Life Cycle Cost Analysis – Quantitative Evaluation, delineates 450 different factors that impact costs across the following six phases of the industrial control system (ICS) life cycle: engineering, installation, commissioning, maintenance, system, and cyber security.

“While increasing open connectivity presents many opportunities for business improvement, it also introduces new control challenges. Mainstream vendors are redefining their offerings to address these new opportunities, but each is approaching the situation differently and may not always present all cost factors in a way that they can be compared easily.  We built an evaluation guide to help users in the process of evaluating different vendor brands of PLC, SCADA, DCS or other industrial control technology,” said Bedrock founder and CEO Albert Rooyakkers.

The Product Evaluation Method is divided into six sections covering different life cycle phases of an ICS asset. Each section defines the criteria against which different vendor’s offerings can be compared. It also provides ranking scores to enable users to rate each vendor’s offerings based on their ability to meet the specific requirement. The document guides users in totalizing and normalizing the ratings to weigh the raw scores according to their overall contribution to the ICS’s life cycle valuation.  An accompanying Excel spreadsheet is available to automatically calculate valuation.

@BedrockAuto #PAuto

Secure automation on filter controls.

A case study describing how the City of Hot Springs, Arkansas (USA) has implemented Bedrock Open Secure Automation (OSA) technology for water filtration modernization is now available. Bedrock OSA has provided Hot Springs an open, secure control platform, which Brown Engineers, of Little Rock, Arkansas, integrated across the City’s existing Ignition SCADA software, leading to dramatic performance improvements.

“The City projected that the nine filters that were currently operating on its main water treatment plant would not be adequate to handle increasing demand. We replaced the antiquated PLCs with modern Bedrock control functionality on six of the filters. We had already installed a communications gateway based on Inductive Automation’s Ignition SCADA software and it was just a matter of creating a hierarchy of control objects, which we did easily using Bedrock’s IEC 61131 integrated engineering environment,” said Brown Engineers principal, Dee Brown.

The project improvement in the automatic backwash process significantly helps conserve water, improves water quality, and initiates collection of filter data needed for extending regulatory run-time limits. And because cyber security is built into the Bedrock OSA control system, the new controls were protected by industry-leading intrinsic cyber security – at no additional cost.

Well-documented results show how the six upgraded controls perform consistently, as if they were a single unit, while performance of the three remaining filters varies wildly, with flow rates varying from 1400 to more than 2000 GPM. Download the fully-illustrated case history here.

@BedrockAuto #Pauto #Water @TizianiWhitmyre

Partnership to battle cybersecurity!

Wunderlich-Malec and Bedrock Automation are partnering to deliver automation solutions that address 21st century cyber threats while simultaneously delivering powerful and affordable edge control solutions. Wunderlich-Malec will deliver Bedrock OSA from its 32 U.S. locations.

“Every day, there are new disclosures about cyber-attacks and vulnerabilities in the digital systems that run our factories and critical infrastructure. Although many companies have strengthened the resiliency of their networks, their control systems continue to utilize outdated technologies that were not designed to protect users against the types of cyber-attacks we are seeing today,” said Mike Norman, Vice President Operations, Wunderlich-Malec.

Bedrock’s award-winning control systems combine standards-based control and embedded security with industrial hardness and state of the art edge control. Bedrock products mitigate cyber security vulnerabilities from the inside out, in a way that legacy control systems can’t. With over 30 different cyber security technologies intrinsically embedded in every system module, the Bedrock® OSA protects against the vulnerabilities and malware affecting all aspects of automation including controllers, power modules, SCADA networks, process sensors, and actuators.

The Bedrock® platform is scalable from RTU and mini PLC applications requiring as few as ten I/O to large DCS projects involving thousands of I/O points. Bedrock’s free IEC-61131 system engineering tools give Wunderlich-Malec’s engineers additional flexibility to meet clients’ control and cyber security needs at lower costs.

“Wunderlich-Malec has a keen understanding of the cyber security threat and extensive experience in open enterprise integration. We welcome them to the Bedrock community and look forward to working together on these important projects,” said Bedrock Automation founder and CEO Albert Rooyakkers.

#cybersecurity #PAuto @BedrockAuto @WunderlichMalec

System includes Intrinsic Anomaly Detection.

Bedrock Automation has announced its Bedrock™ Open Secure Automation (OSA^TM) firmware will include intrinsic Anomaly Detection (AD).  Bedrock OSA AD will be available as standard integrated functionality that continuously monitors the controller’s network and system time to detect intrusions and anomalous behavior.

“Preventing control system intrusion is fundamental to holistic cyber security.  In addition, users need to know when the system security is being challenged.  This is the role of anomaly detection.  At no additional cost or complexity for the user, Bedrock’s AD delivers additional assurance that no one is tampering with your automation,” said Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock founder and CEO.  Bedrock Anomaly Detection includes the following functionality:

• Dynamic Port Connection Monitoring, which records all attempts to connect any controller or communication point and captures identifying information on the intruder
• Network Port Scanning, which detects if hackers are scanning for open ports that might provide access to the control network
• System Time Monitoring, which detects attempts to manipulate log files to conceal malicious activity
• Cryptographic Controller Engineering Key Lock, which permits only users with valid user credentials to change the configuration and operation mode of the controller and records all access 
• Intrusion Event Logging, which records all detected anomalies and reports them to SCADA  software through OPC UA and standard database access for historian, alarming, and trending functions.  Additionally, a tri-color status LED on the faceplate of Bedrock Controllers provides indication locally whenever an intrusion is detected. 

Anomalous behavior detected at the controller level signifies a high likelihood of a cyber security event. Embedding detection into the controller provides advanced cyber defense while reducing complexity and lifecycle cost.  Bedrock AD will be standard on all Bedrock systems and is available as a free firmware upgrade to installed systems as part of Cybershield 3.0 in next March (2018).

@BedrockAuto #Pauto #Cybersecurity

Award for automation platform with intrinsic cybersecurity.

Bedrock Automation has won Chemical Processing magazine’s Vaaler Award for the BedrockTM Open Secure AutomationTM system — the first universal industrial control system to be designed with intrinsic cyber security. Bedrock was one of only two winners in the prestigious award, which is offered only once every two years.

“We established the Vaaler Awards in 1964 to recognize products that promise significant improvement in chemical plant operations and economics. Our panel of impartial judges selected the Bedrock control system because it addresses both operational and economic issues by offering a system with cyber security built-in to its electronics. We congratulate the whole Bedrock team,” said Mark Rosenzweig, Chemical Processing’s Editor-In-Chief.

The award honors John C. Vaaler, chairman of Chemical Processing’s editorial board from 1961 until his death on 1963. This year’s judges represented engineering, safety and sustainability experts from some of the world’s leading chemical companies. They selected the Bedrock Open Secure Automation system, based on its technical significance, uniqueness and breadth of applicability.

Unlike mainstream automation control designers, whose systems are based on fundamental architectures implemented before cyber security was an issue, Bedrock designers started their cyber security solution with a clean sheet of paper. The resulting control and I/O architecture features a pin-less electromagnetic I/O backplane, deeply embedded cyber security and computational power surpassing conventional PLC, RTU or DCS systems.

“We are very honored to have been recognized for our efforts to bring a much needed, simple, scalable and secure control system to market. We are especially gratified to have been selected by a panel of judges representing some of the world’s most respected chemical companies,” said Bedrock Founder and CEO Albert Rooyakkers.

@BedrockAuto #PAuto @Chem_Processing

Wastewater treatment plant!

The City of Lynchburg, Virginia (USA) has selected the Bedrock Automation control system for its wastewater treatment operations. The City implemented Bedrock to control both de-chlorination and storm water remediation operations, and is planning other integration and control applications as part of its ongoing modernization program. Systems integration firm Instrulogic of North Carolina provided programming support to help deploy and integrate the system with the City’s Inductive Automation Ignition™ SCADA HMI network.

“We want to transform from a centralized to a distributed approach using edge controller capabilities. Bedrock enables us to use remote monitoring, bringing many devices online into our SCADA system for the first time,” said Jason Hamlin, SCADA Manager, City of Lynchburg.

The Lynchburg Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant treats an average of 13 million gallons a day for Lynchburg and surrounding communities. The first two phases of its modernization initiative include automation of the residual chlorine removal process and the mitigation and notification of storm water overflows. The Bedrock platform supplied Lynchburg with an affordable alternative for transforming a complex, aging, and connectivity-challenged de-chlorination system.  It also proved the most rapid and cost-effective approach to address their storm water collection and alert-compliance issues.

“Providing public access to the existing scanner/alarm in the current environment meant opening access to the SCADA system, which we could not do. Bedrock’s cyber security allows us to confidently monitor overflows and feed data to the Ignition SCADA system, while providing public notifications,” said Hamlin.

A key to Bedrock’s flexibility is its modern and free Integrated Development Platform (IDE). The ability to switch over to Bedrock without interrupting treatment operations is facilitated by the embedded simulation capabilities that ensure a solution is fully tested before deployment.

Lynchburg continues to find new opportunities to leverage Bedrock’s breadth of capabilities. The team is currently evaluating a request to connect the Ignition SCADA system to the city's business network for secure administrative and reporting, and the Bedrock system would simplify data collection.

"I could probably run the whole plant with one controller if I wanted to. I can also monitor much more than with my previous vendor, across multiple protocols and with no additional system cost,” said Hamlin.

@BedrockAuto #PAuto #Water #USA

Controller certified against cyberattack.

The Secure Control and Communications (SCC) controller, from Bedrock Automation, has received Achilles certification from GE Digital. The Bedrock SCC, the first industrial controller with intrinsic cyber security protection, has achieved Achilles Level 2 Certification for communications robustness testing (CRT).

"“Compliance with cyber security standards is a fundamental objective of our platform. In 2016 we completed certification of the most extreme cyber hardening standard, MIL-STD-461G for EMP immunity, and have now completed Achilles CRT. This year we are focused on completing ISA Secure, as well as Achilles for secure IIoT communications to our field power and UPS products”," said Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock Automation founder and CEO.

The Achilles® Test Platform helps manufacturers of mission critical infrastructure solutions ensure that their products are less vulnerable to cyberattacks. It tests communications robustness of networks and operational parameters, identifying vulnerabilities and reproducing, isolating, and resolving faults that cause them. The Bedrock SCC has achieved Achilles Level 2 certification.

Bedrock Automation joins nine of the top ten global automation vendors in using Achilles test products to verify and validate performance under real-world conditions, such as denial of service (DoS) attacks. The test battery is based on extensive experience in working with critical infrastructure systems and with manufacturers of devices that automate them.

"With the connectivity of devices continuing to increase at a rapid pace, there is a critical need to better understand potential vulnerabilities and ways to eliminate them. By using the Achilles Test Platform and earning the Achilles Communication Certification, Bedrock has demonstrated its commitment to network robustness testing and improving the quality of its products. We congratulate Bedrock on this milestone," said Felicia Nicastro, Senior Cyber Security Director at GE Digital.

@BedrockAuto #PAuto @GE_Digital #Cybersecurity

20-Channel Discrete Output Module.

Bedrock Automation has set a benchmark in I/O price/performance with the release of a cyber secure 20-channel discrete output (DO) module for its Bedrock™ OSA™ system. The new SIO8.20 DO enables software selectable electronic fusing, latching and fail-safe shutdown for each 24 VDC output at 1 A max current per channel. It provides galvanically-isolated output switching in a rugged, all-metal enclosure, and one of the smallest footprints in the industry.

Delivering programmable electrical capability within the cyber secure Bedrock control platform reduces the cost, maintenance and vulnerability of external electrical connectors.

Where electrical and electronic technologies converge
The SIO8.20 is designed with Bedrock’s patented Black Fabric™Cybershield protection built in from the start. Its combination of capabilities and benefits are unprecedented against typical DCS or PLC offerings, including:

• Reduced Footprint, via 20 galvanically-isolated DO channels delivering one of the highest possible density of channels per inch for optimization of rack space.
• Programmable Electronic Fusing. Each of its 20 channels are electronically fused to a programmable threshold up to 1 amp per channel.
• Overcurrent Retry, which enables programming a channel to latch off and retry during overcurrent.
• Failsafe Output, which protects the module if communication with the controller fails, directing output to a configured fail-safe value or holding it at last known value.
• Extreme Hardening and Long Life, thanks to a pinless backplane Interconnection andsealed all-metal construction, protecting against extreme temperature EMI and EMP in compliance with the highest military standards.
• Scalable Redundancy, with user-selectable single/dual/triple redundancy.
• Extreme Digital Performance, with a 32bit Secure ARM and an additional microcontroller on each of the 20 DO channels, to deliver unparalleled speed and diagnostics.
• Integrated Support of IEEE 1588 time precision protocol enables SOE synchronization with +/- 0.5mSec accuracy on all channels.

Control application developers can integrate all such features for discrete, hybrid and continuous control applications using the Bedrock IEC 61131-3 compatible engineering environment, which can be downloaded free on their website.

 @BedrockAuto #PAuto

Agreement on co-operation on automation opportunities.

Bedrock Automation has signed a memorandum of agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group, one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of full-spectrum technical, professional and construction services. Under the agreement, the companies will pursue selected projects with automation system requirements for potential implementation of the Bedrock Open Secure Automation (OSATM) system.

“Our clients are increasingly concerned about both cyber security and advanced automation and we have been creating innovative service packages to meet these needs. Bedrock Automation has excellent experience and superior designs in this area. I am impressed with their comprehensive background and knowledge in the industrial DCS and PLC arena,” said Jacobs’ Mission Solutions Chief Technology Officer Dr. Tommy Gardner.

The BedrockTM control system is known for its patented Black FabricTM Cybershield architecture, which provides an intrinsic cyber secure automation platform to protect user hardware, software and applications. Unlike other conventional industrial control systems, Bedrock was designed from a clean sheet of paper with advanced components and architecture to be simple, scalable and secure.

“Jacobs is taking a leadership role in integrating the next generation of information and automation technologies for its clients,” added Bedrock Automation President Bob Honor. “We see this as a tremendous opportunity to bring our technology and our vision of holistic cyber security to a much larger audience. We look forward to an exciting and mutually beneficial relationship with Jacobs.”

#PAuto @BedrockAuto #JacobsEngineering

Strengthening cybersecurity.

Bedrock Automation has extended cyber security to serial communications with a new SIOS.5 Serial I/O module for its BedrockTM Open Secure Automation (OSA™) control system. The SIOS.5 has five channels, each supported by an independent cyber secure 32-bit ARM processor.

Each channel is software-defined for RS-232, RS-485 or RS-422 communications, extending the range of industrial edge devices that can be secured by users of the Bedrock OSA. Combined with other software-defined I/O modules, Bedrock OSA is the only system that delivers analog, discrete, digital, pulse, Ethernet and Serial data as intrinsically secure I/O.

"We connect every signal type to the Bedrock controller as software-defined I/O,with intrinsic cyber security. The SIOS.5I/O module provides users tight and effortless serial data integration. Extending Bedrock intrinsic cyber to serial communications delivers authentication of the firmware and drivers. The SIOS.5 will be valuable for users and necessary for building a secure IIoT,”" says Bedrock CTO and Engineering VP, Albert Rooyakkers.

Extending cyber security to serial communications results in improved reliability on a wide range of applications:

• RS-232 support enables secure communication with modems, gateways, printers, barcode readers, programmable devices and PC peripherals.
• RS-422 support with a single bus master for process automation (chemicals, brewing, paper mills), factory automation (autos, metal fabrication), HVAC, security, motor control, and motion control.
• RS-485 support for multi master bus/drivers.
• Mainstream protocols such as Modbus and ProfiBusDP.

Each of the SIOS.5 channels is independently configurable to support independent concurrent drivers. Five independent 32 bit ARM™ processors enable real-time performance of communications and control.

“"Edge devices that can be leveraged maliciously are coming into focus as a point of cyber vulnerability. By offering a secure serial module, however, Bedrock Automation has anticipated, and potentially closed, this additional point of entry into the industrial network,”" said ARC Research Group analyst Mark Sen Gupta.

 @BedrockAuto #PAuto 

Intelligent and Cyber Secure PSU.

Bedrock Automation has added an intelligent, standalone power supply to its growing line of simple, scalable and secure control technologies. Seeking to design the ultimate power supply, their engineers started with a blank sheet of paper, as they had in designing the Bedrock™ control system. The resulting universal power supply sets new standards for onboard intelligence, durability, cyber security and physical hardening in a standalone ICS power supply.

SPS.500 PSU

The new SPS.500 Secure Power Supply provides characteristic Bedrock deep trust cyber security authentication and onboard intelligence for diagnostics and secure Ethernet communications. Encased in a NEMA 4X sealed aluminum enclosure, users of any PLC, SCADA RTU, PAC or DCS can retrofit to the new SPS.500 inside or outside enclosures, anywhere in a plant and in harsh environments.

“ICS power supplies are one of the most failure-prone control system components, yet many users just expect them to fail and be replaced more frequently than other ICS modules. However, with advanced analog and digital components, modules and electro-mechanics, we believe that the power supplies should outlive the ICS systems they support.  In addition, all modern digital products must integrally fend off cyber threats. We are confident that our new SPS.500 power supply is the most secure, intelligent and longest lasting standalone ICS power solution available today,” said Albert Rooyakkers, chief technical officer and vice president of engineering for Bedrock Automation.

Onboard intelligence
The Bedrock SPS.500 makes the power supply a viable participant in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with the following features not typically found in power supplies today:

• Ethernet and OPC/UA communications, enabling local or remote monitoring of power supply health for greater system reliability and plant safety 

• A powerful cyber secure microprocessor and onboard memory for diagnostics and software-defined functionality 

• A built-in redundancy module, which simplifies installation and increases reliability by eliminating the need for an external redundancy module • Two built-in, software-configurable Form C contact relays, which provide operating and diagnostic status

Increasing onboard intelligence and Ethernet communications requires integral advanced cyber defense, which Bedrock Automation delivers with its embedded authentication and FIPS140-2 compliant anti-tamper protection.  

Physical Durability
As with all of its system modules, Bedrock Automation has designed the SPS.500 with extreme margins of safety and protection against the physical and electrical forces that induce accelerated wear. Unlike traditional standalone supplies that are housed in open vented metal, the SPS.500 is enclosed in a NEMA4X hermetically sealed solid aluminum metal case. This ground-breaking electro-mechanical design delivers many benefits to users, including protection from severe EMI/EMP, as well as from extreme temperature, shock, vibration and ingress by water and solids. This approach inherently delivers FIPS140-2 anti tamper compliance for cyber defense. The physical hardening makes the SPS.500 especially suitable for remote or extreme applications across the spectrum of automation.

Power specifications

The Bedrock Secure Power Supply provides single or redundant supply, using 90-264 V AC main voltage 50/60 Hz input. Its output of up to 500 watts is software configurable, between 21 to 28 volts. For more information about Bedrock power management, download the second white paper in our Revolution series: Revolution – Chapter Two: Empowering Power.

“The power supply has always been seen as a point of control system vulnerability, but until now, no one has invested much to address the issue. In doing so, Bedrock Automation has essentially created a new category of intelligent and cyber secure control system power supplies,” said ARC Research Group analyst Mark Sen Gupta.

The SPS.500 Power supply is available immediately. It can be mounted easily on pipe or wall, occupying about the same foot print as typical 500-watt power supply with redundancy.

@BedrockAuto #Pauto @cybersecure @TizianiWhitmyre

Best practices award!

Bedrock Automation, the Silicon Valley company that recently introduced its revolutionary Bedrock™ universal control system, has been named Frost & Sullivan’s North American Industrial Control System Entrepreneurial Company of the Year. Bedrock received this award as recognition for bringing to market one of the most significant industrial control system advances in the past 15 years.

“Frost & Sullivan's independent analysis of the Industrial Controls Systems market clearly shows Bedrock Automation has designed and developed a superior system that is secure by design; promises to optimize cost, performance and ensure security; and is suitable for a variety of industrial applications and plant sizes. The system is truly simple, scalable and secure,” said Piyush Dewangan, industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan.  

Frost & Sullivan analysts recommended Bedrock Automation for the award based on an in-depth benchmark study.  Here is a complete copy of the Frost & Sullivan research report. 

The following excerpts highlight the findings:

• Scalability. “The system is scalable for applications requiring very few input/output (I/O) points to those requiring many thousands of I/O points. The unified control system platform is suitable not only for DCS and PLC applications, but also for SCADA remote telemetry unit (RTU) and many other applications.”
• Cyber Security. “Bedrock Automation has designed a control system with layered and embedded cyber security features, starting at the transistor level using secure microcontroller technology that includes secure memory, hardware accelerators and true random number generators (TRNG).”
• Reduced Total Cost of Ownership. “Bedrock Automation’s system design ensures reduced TCO, with cost reduction in all aspects of the project, such as procurement, engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, and also through built-in cyber security capabilities.”
• Pin-less Backplane. “In addition to a secure hardware and software platform, Bedrock also designed a patented Black Fabric^TM backplane to ensure physical protection and security. The Black Fabric^TM backplane has no I/O module pins and provides integral anti-snoop protection.”
• Universal I/O. “Bedrock Automation has designed programmable and smart universal I/O modules that deliver embedded cyber security that starts at the I/O channels. In addition to a simplified series of high-density, high-performance I/O modules, Bedrock offers software-configurable I/O that condenses user applications to three high-performance module types.”
• Power Supply. “Bedrock Automation’s power supply and UPS components offer 32-bit ARM cyber secure microcontrollers with system memory for improved sensing and monitoring experience. Power System variables, such as line, intermediate, channel and output voltages, currents, power factors, and board and component temperatures, can be sensed and monitored. The system also enables dynamic sharing, advanced redundancy, and situational awareness for improved reliability and efficiency.”
• Reduced Engineering. “Bedrock Automation’s system offers a reduction in engineering hours by approximately 33% due to a simplified bill of material (BOM), software configuration of I/O, and standardization of junction boxes.”

“We started out with a blank sheet of paper and a commitment to rethink industrial control technology from the silicon on up. With deep roots in both automation and semiconductors, and unburdened by legacy, we have created not only the most cyber secure system available today, but have also established new benchmarks for performance, scalability and affordability. We are very proud that Frost & Sullivan has recognized this achievement,” said Bedrock Automation President Bob Honor.

New member for ICSI.

Bedrock Automation has become a member with the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI). This is the latest in a growing number of companies to support the ISASecure® Cyber Security Conformance Scheme.

About Bedrock Automation

Bedrock Automation, based in San Jose, California (USA), is the maker of Bedrock™, the world’s most powerful and cyber secure automation platform. This Silicon Valley company has assembled the latest technologies and talents from both the automation and semiconductor industries to build an unprece-dented automation solution for industrial control based on three prime directives—simplicity, scalability and security. The result is a system with a revolutionary electromagnetic backplane architecture and deeply embedded cyber security, which delivers the highest levels of system performance, industrial cyber security and reliability at the lowest cost of ownership.

For more information about the Bedrock revolution, download the first white paper in our series: Revolution – Chapter One: The Backplane.

Bedrock has developed a next-generation industrial control system with a revolutionary electromagnetic backplane architecture and deeply embedded cyber security.

“Bedrock is looking forward to engaging actively in ISASecure’s efforts to provide security best practices and compliance to automation,” said Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock CTO, VP Engineering.

This solution includes layers of patented communication and silicon technologies that result in unprecedented power and flexibility. Software-configured universal analog and discrete I/O with unmatched accuracy and speed provide users the technology to command their process applications.

Bedrock's unique platform provides unparalleled and integral safety and reliability. It starts with redundant controllers running a SIL-certified RTOS, redundant smart power supplies and single/dual/triple I/O. All system modules interconnect on a patented electromagnetic backplane, a never-before-seen technology that eliminates I/O pins, providing a new level of reliability, availability and performance.

It enables transparent instant cyber security that provides 24/7 protection. Traditional industrial control systems are vulnerable to multiple forms of cyber attack, IP and counterfeiting theft. Black Fabric™ Cybershield is Bedrock's embedded deep trust cyber defense using patented processor, memory, communications, interconnections, backplane and packaging technologies to integrate cyber security into every module.

The company provides support for both applications and security. Through a growing network of world-class system integrators and automation solution providers, complete system application and project management are available.

“Bedrock is looking forward to engaging actively in ISASecure’s efforts to provide security best practices and compliance to automation,” said Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock CTO, VP Engineering.

“Bedrock’s control system represents the future paradigm for cyber security,” stated Andre Ristaino, ISCI Managing Director. “We are pleased to include Bedrock as a new supporter of ISASecure and look forward to certifying this exciting new control system.”