I/O for automation applications.

Intelligent, Ethernet-based input/output unit combines multi-signal, multifunction sensing with PoE-powered edge data processing for instant IIoT connection to real-world signals

Opto 22 has announced groov RIO, a family of intelligent, distributed input/output (I/O) for IIoT and automation applications. groov RIO represents a first-in-class solution for its ability to quickly connect traditional wired switches and sensors directly to Ethernet networks, software applications, and cloud platforms without intermediary control or communication hardware, such as PLCs, PACs, or PCs.

Features Include:
• 8 multi-signal, multifunction channels supporting analog input sensing (V/mV/mA), temperature sensing (ICTD, TC B/E/J/K/N/R/S/T), discrete input sensing (DC input or dry contact status), analog output (V/mA), and discrete output (DC sinking)
• 2 mechanical Form C relays supporting normally-open or normally-closed circuits
• Intelligent analog and discrete signal processing, including scaling, ramping, filtering, counting, TPO, frequency/period measurement, and on-/off-time totalization
• Analog outputs and self-wetting inputs that can be powered over Ethernet
• Analog input accuracy from 0.002%–0.03% of span
• Compatibility with any Modbus/TCP master, or groov EPIC via PAC Project Basic or Pro
UL Hazardous Locations approval and ATEX compliance
• Remote configuration and troubleshooting from any web browser on any device
• Dual switched Gigabit Ethernet network interfaces supporting star or daisy-chain topologies
• USB port for serial communications or external mass storage
• Multiple power options including external DC input and Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• Wide –20 to 70 °C operating temperature range
Spring-clamp terminal strip directly atop the unit, accommodating up to 14 AWG wire
• LED indicators for power, network, and I/O activity, and for individual discrete channels
• Real-time, open-source OS running on an industrial ARM® processor
1 GB RAM, 4 GB user space on industrial eMMC with a power-fail safe filesystem
• Software features include:
User authentication, device firewall, and SSL/TLS encryption with certification
• groov Manage software for configuration, commissioning, and debugging from anywhere on the network or remotely via embedded VPN client
• Node-RED flow-based development environment and runtime for edge data processing, handling, communications, and visualization
• MQTT client for efficient, industrial publish-subscribe communications

The first shipping version of groov RIO is the GRV-R7-MM1001-10, a standalone, 10-channel, multi-signal, multifunction I/O unit for signals including thermocouples (TCs), integrated circuit temperature devices (ICTDs), voltage inputs, current inputs, millivolt inputs, discrete DC inputs, self-wetting discrete inputs, discrete DC sinking outputs, and Form C mechanical relays. In addition, two channels provide special features like pulse counting, on- and off-time totalization, software latching, frequency measurement, and more. GRV-R7-MM1001-10 is completely standalone and software-configurable through a browser-based interface.

Although many smart wireless sensing devices have begun appearing at the edge, the majority of I/O switches, sensors, and transmitters use wired connections. Traditional remote I/O requires an industrial controller or gateway in order to propagate these signals to other systems, which limits their availability to enterprise consumers. By contrast, a groov RIO unit can be installed and operated independently, using its embedded software tools and protocols to share data instantly across the organization.

“When we designed groov RIO, we were looking for ways to democratize I/O data, because that’s what the IIoT is all about,” said Vice President of Product Strategy at Opto 22, Benson Hougland. “Although groov RIO can be used as remote I/O with our groov EPIC® system or another control system, we also wanted it to operate autonomously, facilitating direct connection between I/O signals and databases, business software, or cloud IoT platforms.”

For applications like data center infrastructure management (DCIM), warehouse and office security, and remote condition monitoring—applications that need to move many real-world signals into on-premises or cloud-based software—I/O integration typically requires multiple components and specialized skill sets. Electrical and instrumentation engineers need to specify a variety of field I/O modules, and design, install, and wire appropriate I/O enclosures. Controls engineers need to program PLCs for signal processing and data collection. Then networking and software engineers need to configure communication gateways and servers that finally deliver data to consumers. With so many layers between data production and consumption, these systems also require significant ongoing maintenance in order to provide robust communication.

groov RIO addresses all these issues with flexibility that significantly speeds integration of IIoT applications. GRV-R7-MM1001-10 supports 12 different types of field I/O circuits, making it capable of over 52,000 I/O combinations, which dramatically simplifies module selection and spares management. It also provides no-hassle, enclosure-free installation with multiple power options, including standard 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE); an extended operating temperature range; and UL Hazardous Locations and ATEX approvals.

Once installed, groov RIO can be independently managed and configured through browser-based tools. Per-channel I/O type and signal-processing options through groov Manage eliminate the need for a master control unit, and support for standard enterprise network services like DNS, DHCP, and VPN facilitates network connectivity. Embedded communication options range from efficient data publishing with MQTT Sparkplug to advanced signal processing, data aggregation, and transactions with databases and web services, using the low-code Node-RED environment and runtime.

On top of all this, groov RIO also fills the role of standard remote I/O for sensing, control, and visualization in industrial automation applications. GRV-R7-MM1001-10 is compatible with any Modbus/TCP master and with Opto 22’s groov EPIC platform.

The groov RIO  will begin shipping March 2, 2020.

#PAuto #Communications, #IIoT @opto22

Edge controller award.

 Opto22's groov EPIC® has been selected as a winner in Control Engineering’s Engineers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row. This year, groov EPIC took the award for the Industrial Internet of Things Connectivity— Edge Controller category.

In an uncommon opportunity, groov EPIC was invited to enter the awards program for a second time because of significant product updates in the previous year. Originally, groov EPIC launched with support for Opto 22’s PAC Control™ runtime engine and flowchart programming language. In late 2018, Opto 22 expanded the controller’s programming options by adding support for the popular CODESYS® engine by 3S-Smart Software, which includes all IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts, and Ladder Diagram.

“When we originally conceived groov EPIC, we wanted to provide engineers an open automation platform to accomplish whatever they dreamed, using tools they were familiar with,” stated Ken Johnson, vice president of Engineering at Opto 22. “This goal, coupled with market feedback, led us to add industry-standard IEC 61131 programming languages, providing yet another option for engineers to accomplish their tasks. We’re honored to be recognized for this effort.”

Voting for the 2020 Engineers’ Choice awards opened in October 2019 to Control Engineering subscribers, representing over 70,000 engineers and engineering managers across two dozen industries. groov EPIC was one of 117 finalists over 29 categories ranging from hardware, IIoT, machine control, and motion control, to network integration, power, process control, safety, and software.

#PAuto @opto22 @ControlEngTips

New I/O Modules.

Hot on the heels of the recent release of three specialty input/output modules* for the groov EPIC® platform, Opto 22 has now announced two more modules to close out the year. For system integrators and engineers, the new I/O modules provide more options for bringing field bus networks into groov EPIC, as well as meeting requirements for temperature control applications with high I/O count.

GRV-CCANI-2 (serial communication, 2 channels, CAN 2.0B, channel-to-channel isolation) is the first module in the groov EPIC platform to provide hardware support for an industrial field bus. This new module enables existing CAN networks to be brought into IIoT applications using groov EPIC’s fluid IT/OT connectivity tools, like Ignition Edge®, Node-RED, and MQTT. groov EPIC also supports integrating CAN data into control applications using IEC 61131-3 languages, and enables mobile visualization of CAN data using groov View™. Up to 8 CAN buses per processor at network speeds up to 1 Mbps are supported.

GRV-ITM-12 (analog input, 12 channels, thermocouple or millivolt) provides a high-density, low-cost temperature sensing option with two isolated zones and 6 channels per zone. Each channel is software configurable to one of seven millivolt ranges or eight thermocouple types (Type B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T). GRV-ITM-12 is accurate to 0.1% of the configured range over 20-bit resolution for V/mV sensing, with accuracy ranging from 2.0-5.0 °C for thermocouple sensing.

*Three I/O modules join family! (22 Oct 2019)

#Pauto @opto22

Three I/O modules join family!

Opto 22 will release three new groov EPIC® input/output modules later this month. They will extend an already comprehensive industrial I/O portfolio. For system integrators and engineers, the new I/O modules provide more options for bringing existing devices into groov EPIC, as well as meeting precise requirements for temperature control applications. They also include budget-beating designs for mixed signal types, signal isolation, and channel density:

GRV-IDCSW-12 (discrete input, 12 channels, DC contact switch status) monitors the open/closed status of dry contact switches, and provides the necessary excitation voltage to power the circuit. This module is ideal for monitoring distributed IT equipment, benchtop analyzers, motor run/stop relays, or any device that offers only a dry contact for status. Because there’s no need to install separate power supplies to drive these dry contacts—since wetting and monitoring are both provided—this module can save considerable time, money, space, and installation effort.

GRV-IVI-12 (analog voltage input, 12 channels, ±1.25 to ±160 V, channel-to-channel isolation): With 12 isolated channels, each configurable to one of eight ranges from ±1.25 to ±160 V, this module eliminates the need to segregate I/O signals over multiple modules, providing significant cost and space reduction for mixed voltage applications. The GRV-IVI-12 has 20-bit resolution and is accurate to 0.1% of the configured range. It includes options for scaling, filtering, averaging, and more, speeding development time and distributing computation functions down to the I/O module.

GRV-IRTD-8 (analog input, 8 channels, temperature/RTD or resistor) increases options for accuracy and I/O density in temperature applications. It provides 8 channels for 2- and 3-wire RTD inputs, with a maximum range of –200 °C to 850 °C. Users can take advantage of multiple fixed ranges or one of two auto-ranging methods to simplify configuration. GRV-IRTD-8 can also be used for high-resolution resistance measurements, with accuracy ranging from 4.2 Ohms at the 8K Ohm input range to 0.058 Ohms at the 10 Ohm range for 3-wire RTDs.

PAC Project 10.2003 or the Opto 22 Library Package for CODESYS v1.0.2.0 are required for full support of these modules.

Opto 22 designs groov I/O modules with the end user in mind, including many features to make them easy to specify, install, configure and support for even the most challenging applications. These new modules continue that tradition with the following features:

+ Two-position, hinged LED module cover that indicates module status and covers field terminations + Touch-sensitive pad to trigger module information display on the groov EPIC processor + Removable top-mounted connector with single, captive retention screw + Spring-clamp field wiring terminals + Hot swappable for installation and removal without turning off or stopping the system + UL Hazardous Locations approved and ATEX compliant + Wide operating temperature range of –20 to +70 °C + Individually calibrated and factory tested twice—no statistical testing + Guaranteed for life

With this latest module release, users can choose from almost 40 types of groov I/O modules to support their application requirements. Combined with its variety of embedded software tools for control, visualization and connectivity, this extensive I/O family makes groov EPIC one of the most versatile tools for industrial automation and IIoT (industrial internet of things) systems.

#PAuto @opto22

Programmable Industrial Controller with VPN.

New update adds virtual private networking, new network diagnostic tools, and choice of Inductive Automation’s Ignition editions

The release of Opto 22's firmware update 1.4.1 for the groov EPIC® Edge Programmable Industrial Controller has been announced. This update expands the capabilities of this next-generation industrial control system. Engineers and developers will find helpful new networking options and tools, plus new software choices for their automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications.

For secure remote access to the groov EPIC, the system now offers VPN (virtual private network) client technology to connect to an OpenVPN-based VPN server. This option is a rare feature in programmable controllers and a key to creating secure data communication architectures, particularly with geographically dispersed systems.

For example, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) embedding groov EPIC in their machine design could benefit from establishing a remote connection to their equipment using industry-standard, IT-friendly VPN technology for diagnostics and predictive service. Likewise, a system integrator could use the VPN technology to provide continuing integration services after equipment is installed at a plant or location.

Also with the new release, users can choose between Inductive Automation’s® Ignition Edge® or the full Ignition platform, whichever edition is better suited to their application. Choosing the full Ignition option allows groov EPIC to serve as an industrially hardened OPC-UA server to legacy PLCs—like Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Modbus, and more—eliminating the need to purchase, configure, and deploy Windows-based computers to perform this function. This option can also significantly reduce the need for IT involvement in many cases.

In addition, the full Ignition edition allows users to install and utilize more Ignition modules, including those for database connectivity, reporting, text/email alarming, and Sepasoft MES.

New diagnostic and troubleshooting tools have also been added to groov EPIC for testing network connectivity, including ping, test TCP port, traceroute, and nslookup. All are now available from the embedded groov Manage application to assist in quickly isolating or pinpointing networking problems.Other enhancements in this upgrade include the following:

• The two independent, segmented Gigabit Ethernet network interfaces now have complete control over gateway and DNS/DHCP configurations. Each interface can have its own gateway and DNS server; users can now manually override gateway address, name servers, and search domains, and set the priority for backup gateways and DNS provisioning.
• The included IEC 61131-3 compliant CODESYS Runtime now supports Opto 22’s new groov EPIC serial communication module (GRV-CSERI-4), so control programs that need serial communications support can be developed.
• The embedded, open-source Node-RED runtime and editor has been upgraded to version 0.20.5.
• Other improvements include accessing console log files and preserving all groov Manage settings during firmware updates.

Version 1.4.1 is a free upgrade for all groov EPIC users. Current customers can log into manage.groov.com and simply download the file and update their EPICs. Complete upgrade instructions are available in the groov EPIC User’s Guide. For new customers, all groov EPICs now ship with this latest firmware version.

@opto22 #PAuto #PLC #IIoT

Urgent/11 free - reassurance!

The recent announcement of security vulnerabilities discovered in the Wind River® VxWorks® IPnet TCP/IP stack has prompted questions from Opto 22 customers about what impact this discovery may have on TCP/IP-based products developed and manufactured by Opto 22.

(Armis logo for Urgent/11)

"Opto 22 would like to reassure our customers that, after careful and thorough review, we can state that none of our hardware or software products contain the VxWorks IPnet TCP/IP stack or variants of that software and are, therefore, not directly exposed to any attacks that might target these vulnerabilities. This statement applies to the recent Opto 22 product family groov EPIC® (edge programmable industrial controller), the groov® Edge Appliance (groov Box), the SNAP PAC® System, and SNAP Ethernet I/O® products."

These security vulnerabilities, dubbed URGENT/11 by Armis, an enterprise IoT security firm that made the discoveries, have far-reaching implications and affect an extremely large array of industrial, medical, and enterprise environments. These include mission-critical systems such as SCADA, industrial controllers, PLCs, PACs, and more. Other systems outside traditional industrial devices like patient monitors and MRI machines, as well as firewalls, routers, modems, VOIP phones, and printers are also affected.

Specific information about the eleven CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) related to the URGENT/11 discovery may be found on Wind River’s webpage.

Due to the fundamental design of industrial controllers and how they connect to a wide range of devices, some may confuse firmware vulnerabilities such as URGENT/11 with better known viruses and malicious software we frequently hear about. It is important to understand that only
the devices that have embedded the affected IPnet TCP/IP stack are subject to attacks that target this vulnerability.

Opto 22 cannot respond to or address the possible risks or exposures created by hardware and software products manufactured by other companies. It’s important to carefully review the information provided by manufacturers of the hardware and software that run your applications and networks, making sure that they clearly indicate the specific model numbers or product names affected by this vulnerability.

Customers should be aware that some companies might use Opto 22 language or terms (for example, “EPIC controller”) to describe their products. These are general descriptions and have absolutely no connection to the Opto 22 groov EPIC® controller, a product name that is a registered trademark owned by Opto 22 and protected under the USPTO trademark laws of the United States. Be sure to check specific model numbers and product names, not just general descriptions, in order to minimize confusion.

For a list of affected companies and links to published advisories and their products, a visit to the URGENT/11 webpage on the Armis website for more information.

@opto22 #PAuto #Cybersecurity @WindRiver @ArmisSecurity

Edge into the future.

How an edge programmable industrial controller can simplify, reduce costs, and increase security for IIoT and other data-intensive applications.

A new white paper, “Meet the Future: Edge Programmable Industrial Controllers,”  has been issued by Opto 22. This discusses how controls engineers can meet today's demands for obtaining, using and sharing data.

The white paper focuses on three main communication challenges: complexity, security, and expense. IIoT and other data-intensive automation applications typically require many steps and a lot of middleware: hardware, drivers, parsers, and custom software. These steps are time-consuming to set up, difficult to maintain and change, and create major security concerns. This white paper explains how a new kind of industrial controller—an edge programmable industrial controller, or EPIC—can simplify and secure automation and IIoT projects, while reducing cost and complexity. In addition to IIoT and data-based projects, EPIC devices can be also used to provide real-time control for all kinds of traditional automation applications.

Included application examples bring these concepts to life by demonstrating how automation professionals are using EPIC devices to improve operations.EPIC devices free you to focus on what you want to do: connect legacy systems and smart systems, get data, transform it into actionable information, visualize it when and where you want, and perform real-time control.

Because EPIC systems are scalable, they can be applied to smaller applications and then expanded with virtually no limitation, allowing you to see how EPIC can work for you before committing significant resources. An EPIC device offers a simple, secure, maintainable, and cost-effective solution for data communication. If solving your latest challenge involves complex steps, expensive middleware, or security issues, take a look at an EPIC device. You may very well find it can shrink those steps, reduce your costs, and help provide the security you need.

@opto22 #PAuto 

Industrial programmable controller to IEC 61131-3.

Opto 22 has added international standard IEC 61131-3 programming options in its groov EPIC® edge programmable industrial controller.

Adding these new programming options to the existing flowchart and custom user-written options in groov EPIC gives control engineers the ability to program using a variety of languages they already know, while taking advantage of the EPIC’s extended capabilities for automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications. All IEC 61131-3 standard languages are supported by groov EPIC, including Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and Ladder Diagram (LD).

Adding the IEC 61131-3 option gives engineers several key advantages. First, they can pick the best software tool for their specific application. Second, they can mix and match several software tools to build control and IIoT solutions on one unified platform. And last, companies can continue to leverage existing employee knowledge in IEC 61131-3 programming methods, including decades-old ladder logic.

The PC-based CODESYS® Development System V3 is used to create and compile IEC 61131-3 programs for download to a pre-installed CODESYS Runtime running on groov EPIC. The CODESYS Development System is available at no charge from the CODESYS Store at https://store.codesys.com. The CODESYS Runtime on groov EPIC is enabled by a free software license available from Opto 22.

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of independent IEC 61131-3 software,” stated Markus Bachmann, President of the U.S. subsidiary of the CODESYS Group, “we are excited that CODESYS has been chosen to boost Opto 22’s groov EPIC to the next level in industrial automation products, integrating state-of-the-art industrial control with new IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications.”

In addition to IEC 61131-3, groov EPIC can also be programmed using Opto 22’s native PAC Control™. Field-proven, flowchart-based PAC Control with optional scripting offers 400+ plain English commands for analog process and digital sequential control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, and other complex functions.

Other programming options include using software languages supported on the Linux® operating system through secure shell. This access—along with toolchains and interpreters for Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript/Node.js and more—allows developers to create custom applications. In addition, groov EPIC includes Node-RED as another programming option. Node-RED uses a flow-based development environment optimized for edge data processing and communications.

@opto22 #PAuto 

4-Port Serial Communication Module.

The groov serial I/O module, GRV-CSERI-4 has been announced by Opto 22 . This module plugs into a groov EPIC® chassis alongside Opto 22’s new groov Edge Programmable Industrial Controller (EPIC) and discrete and analog I/O modules, to provide the mix of analog, discrete, and serial signals you need at any location.

Many industrial automation applications require communication between the controller and multiple serial devices. This new module provides four independent and isolated serial ports for this purpose, communicating with RS-232 or RS-485 serial devices. Up to 4 modules can be installed in one groov EPIC chassis, providing a total of 16 serial ports to support these communication requirements.

Each port is selectable for RS-232 or RS-485 mode, with programmable termination and bias as well as half- or full-duplex options in RS-485 mode. Baud rates of up to 1 Mbps are supported.

For serial devices communicating via standard protocols, the included PAC Control flowchart-based programming software offers communication handles to serial devices. Or use groov EPIC’s Ignition Edge® from Inductive Automation®, which provides support for hundreds of communication drivers. For serial devices requiring the development of custom drivers, groov EPIC supports secure shell access, SDKs and a cross-compiler for custom user-written applications.

Once communication is established with serial devices, multiple programming options are available with groov EPIC to link devices. PAC Control provides English-language commands, and the included Node-RED, a flow-based development environment and runtime for edge data processing, handling, and communications, offers serial nodes you can download.

The rugged module operates in temperatures from-20 to 70 °C (-40 to 85 °F) and relative humidity(non-condensing) of 5-95%. Agency approvals include UL/cUL (Class 1 Div. 2); CE, ATEX (Category 3, Zone 2), RoHS; DFARS; and CB Scheme.

The GRV-CSERI-4 plugs into a groov EPIC I/O chassis. The module pivots into a slot on the chassis and is held securely in place by a captive retention screw. Wiring is simplified with a top-mounted connector and spring-clamp terminals for easy connection to all types of RS-232 and RS-485 devices. The connector is held in place by a single, captive retention screw—but can be removed with field wiring intact for wiring in advance or easier module field replacement.

A swinging, two-position cover protects wiring from inadvertent contact, as does the dead-front design. The two positions of the cover offer the option of more space to accommodate wire sizes from 28-14 AWG. The module cover provides a touch-sensitive pad; simply touch the pad and the groov EPIC processor displays information about the module, including specifications and wiring diagrams. The module cover also provides a large LED to indicate module health at a glance, plus a transmit and receive LED on each port.

The GRV-CSERI-4 I/O modules are hot swappable—which means they can be installed or removed without turning off the unit or stopping control—and self-identifying; as soon as you mount the module on the chassis, it communicates to the processor and identifies itself.

@opto22 #PAuto #I/O

Programming software combines real-time control, HMI and data handling.

PAC Project Software Suite R10 has just been announced by Opto 22. This release supports their new groov EPIC® system, adds eight new control commands, and provides the ability to designate individual I/O and variable tags as Public Access for read-only or read-write use in IIoT data communications via MQTT/Sparkplug. As in previous versions, HMI programming is included, and it uses the same tag name database as the real-time control engine, creating automatic integration between the two functions.

In the past, many process automation projects were solely focused on real-time control, but nowadays operator interface and data handling are often just as critical, sometimes more so. Therefore, it’s more important than ever for programming software to include not only a powerful real-time control engine, but also closely integrated human machine interface (HMI) and data handling functions, all in one integrated development environment.

Opto 22’s industrial controllers—SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers and now groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controllers—are typically programmed using the PAC Project Software Suite. PAC Project Basic, free for download, includes flowchart-based control programming with optional scripting, a configuration utility and HMI development. PAC Project Professional adds an OPC server, database connectivity, PC-based control configuration and support for legacy Opto 22 I/O units. The Pro version sells for just under $1000.

The suite’s control programming software, PAC Control, is full-featured and easy to use, with more than 450 commands in plain English, plus graphical PID tuning and debugging.

HMI programing is provided with PAC Display. PAC Display Basic is a user-friendly HMI package for building operator interface applications to communicate with groov EPIC processors, SNAP PAC controllers and Ethernet-based I/O units. PAC Display offers rich features including alarming, trending, security and a library of over 3,000 industrial automation graphics.

PAC Display Professional adds the capability to use redundant scanners and redundant Ethernet links on groov EPIC processors and SNAP PAC controllers. PAC Display Professional also enables logging of SuperTrends, historical logs and runtime operator logging data files to an ODBC database.

The most important new feature with this new release is support for groov EPIC. Its control logic and I/O can be programmed with PAC Control, and customers can use PAC Display to develop a Microsoft Windows-based HMI to run on a separate PC. The groov EPIC’s integrated high-resolution touchscreen is not configured with PAC Display, but is instead configured with groov View software, supplied free with groov EPIC.

New commands added to PAC Control include two specifically for groov EPIC: Get I/O Channel Quality and Get I/O Unit Quality. The groov EPIC I/O modules incorporate LEDs that change color based on the health of the module, revealing data quality to a local technician, and this information can also be configured or retrieved programmatically in control logic using these two new commands.

Another major new feature is full support for MQTT/Sparkplug data communication, provided by Ignition Edge, which is embedded in groov EPIC. MQTT’s publish-subscribe communication architecture is superior to request-response methods, and Sparkplug optimizes MQTT for industrial applications.

Public Access tags are a new PAC Control capability, making it easier and more secure to use MQTT/Sparkplug. During configuration the developer can use Public Access to designate which tags to expose, and to designate each exposed tag for read only or for read-write.

Tags in PAC Control include I/O channels and program variables, some of which can be represented in the Public Access space in more than one way. For example, an integer can be represented as an integer, a Boolean value or an individual bit within the integer. A table can be represented as a table, one element in the table or even one bit of one element—providing a great deal of flexibility in how tags are exposed or protected.

PAC Project Software Suite R10 combines all of the most-needed industrial automation elements, aimed squarely at making it easier for end users to configure control, HMI and communications functionality.

@opto22 #PAuto

Programmable controller with EDGE.

Completely new system brings the future of automation to the present by combining guaranteed-for-life I/O, real-time control, local and remote HMI, and industrial/IT data exchange in a compact, industrial package.

Experienced industrial automation manufacturer and industrial internet of things tools developer Opto 22 today announced a groundbreaking new industrial system to address the needs of automation engineers and developers solving the challenging automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) problems in today’s fast-moving, data-centric environment.

“We are a company of engineers inspired and driven to create products that unleash our customers’ imaginations,” says Mark Engman, Opto 22 CEO. “groov EPIC is a culmination of that mission, a response to industry requests to more wholly integrate IT and OT technologies, simplify development and deployment, and provide a platform for long-term growth now and well into the future.”

Current IIoT solutions typically require multiple moving parts, including stitched-together software technologies, bolted-on communications protocols, legacy controllers and I/O, and a medley of gateways. These solutions are expensive to build, difficult to troubleshoot, require multi-domain expertise, and are unsustainable over the long term. The new groov EPIC® system helps solve these problems by combining I/O, control, data processing, and visualization into one secure, maintainable, edge-of-network industrial system. groov EPIC lets engineers and developers focus on delivering value, not on triaging loosely connected components.

Combining reimagined intelligent I/O with an embedded Linux® real-time controller, gateway functions, and an integrated display, groov EPIC offers field-proven industrial hardware design with a modern software ensemble, to produce the results that visionary engineers want today. Connecting legacy systems, controlling processes and automating machines, subscribing to web services and creating mashups, acquiring and publishing data, visualizing that data wherever it is needed, and mobilizing operators—all of these are now within reach. In addition, groov EPIC simplifies commissioning and wiring and helps engineers develop rapidly and deploy quickly.

“The groov EPIC system incorporates in one unit everything needed to connect and control field and operational devices and data, through on-premises IT databases, spreadsheets and other software, to cloud storage and services—and back again,” says Benson Hougland, Opto 22 vice president of Marketing & Product Strategy. “This ability to easily exchange data and use it where needed opens opportunities automation engineers have not had until now. This is a truly new system that builds on the past but looks fundamentally to the future of our industry.”

The groov EPIC system will be of particular interest for process control, machine control, OEM, manufacturing, SCADA/RTU, building and facilities, and IIoT applications. Commercial, retail, warehousing, and distribution customers will also find that the system opens a wide variety of new options for tracking, storing, and visualizing data—all of which are essential to developing more efficient operations.

Of particular interest to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will be optional access to the Linux operating system through secure shell (SSH). This access, along with toolchains and interpreters for Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript/Node.js, and more allows OEM developers to execute their own custom developed applications on this ruggedized, edge processing control system.

@opto22 #PAuto 

Complete edge appliance for automation and IoT.

A new version of Opto 22's groov, embedding key IIoT technologies MQTT and OPC-UA drivers directly into its industrial edge appliance has been announced. Added to the groov View software for web and mobile visualization, and the open-source Node-RED development environment, the new release offers engineers, technicians, and developers a comprehensive set of tools for edge deployment in industrial environments.

These new embedded capabilities are made possible through forging close partnerships with technology providers Inductive Automation® and Cirrus Link Solutions®, and are part of the Ignition Edge Onboard™ program.

“Partnering is vital to provide everything required for a given IIoT implementation,” said Benson Hougland, Opto 22 VP of Marketing and Product Strategy. “With Inductive Automation and Cirrus Link, we’ve combined proven applications into a single, industrially hardened appliance to address today’s application needs. Visualization, data handling, security, and connectivity are all in one compact box.”

“We’re pleased that Opto 22’s groov is one of the first edge appliances to market with Ignition Edge® embedded,” said Don Pearson, Chief Strategy Officer at Inductive Automation. “Opto 22’s reputation for reliable industrial hardware and their interest in the future direction of automation systems made the partnership a natural fit.”

“Working with Opto 22 on drivers and embedding MQTT with Sparkplug has been great,” said Arlen Nipper, President and CTO at Cirrus Link, and co-inventor of the MQTT protocol. “This partnership approach combines a trusted hardware platform with resilient communication architectures for automation and SCADA systems in an extremely efficient and flexible way.”

Other use cases for groov: • A controls technician who needs to see Allen-Bradley CompactLogix™ variables on her smartphone for access from anywhere she is located • An OEM machine builder whose machine must periodically send operational data to a central location for predictive analysis and machine learning • A SCADA engineer who needs to efficiently control and acquire data from a large number of geographically dispersed locations over a cellular or other bandwidth-constrained network • A facilities engineer who needs energy use and HVAC status data transmitted to a cloud database for historical logging

A typical use case for the new groov edge appliance is gathering data from plant floor devices or from remote plants. A customer places groov near a machine or process, uses the built-in drivers to connect to existing control systems, analyzes the data, and publishes the results back to a central server or broker on premises or in the cloud. Applications like Ignition Enterprise or any MQTT/Sparkplug-compliant software can subscribe to the data.

This scenario eliminates complex networking architectures like VPNs, firewall configurations, and remote desktop software, because all communications to the broker use a secure outbound connection from control systems, whether publishing data or subscribing to it. Additionally, because groov is a complete computing appliance, a PC is not required.

Ignition Edge in the groov appliance includes both a built-in OPC UA server and MQTT module. The built-in OPC UA server includes drivers to popular PLC brands, including Rockwell Automation® Allen-Bradley PLCs, Siemens S7 PLCs, and Modbus® TCP devices. Other drivers are available at additional cost. Embedding these drivers and OPC UA at the edge eliminates the cost and complexity of commissioning and maintaining a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer for translating PLC and device data to OPC UA, the only method available until now.

MQTT is a bi-directional, lightweight event- and message-oriented transport protocol with a publish/subscribe architecture. This architecture decouples devices from applications, allowing users to reduce reliance on traditional IT networking resources. MQTT’s pub/sub architecture also reduces network traffic, because data is published and sent only when it changes. Supported over the MQTT transport is Sparkplug, a freely available, MQTT-based payload definition for industrial applications, which greatly simplifies implementation by defining topic namespaces and payload, and managing the state of devices in the field.

Ignition Edge embedded into the groov edge appliance also allows Inductive Automation customers to extend their Ignition platform to the edge with optional Panel and Edge Enterprise Administration licenses, available directly from Inductive Automation.

Originally launched in April 2013, the groov edge appliance is an industrially hardened computer appliance used for visualization, data handling, and connectivity. For visualization, groov View makes it easy to create secure, scalable operator interfaces for mobile devices and web browsers on any computing platform. For data handling, groov includes Node-RED, an IoT application builder that connects to data sources locally and in the cloud, manipulates that data, and publishes the data to anywhere. The groov edge appliance was designed for security from the ground up, with communications to the appliance over two independent Ethernet interfaces protected by TLS encryption and user authentication. All configuration of the appliance is securely managed by the included groov Admin utility.

Operator interface solution advances.

Opto 22 has announced groov 3.4, an update to its mobile operator interface system. With this new version of groov, operators can trend a lot more data over a much longer period: up to 5 years. groov’s built in trend gadget now offers an interactive type of trend that handles many more data points.

This updated version of groov offers operators the option to choose between two trend types: classic and interactive.

Classic is the original trend for a relatively small number of data points, collected over a period of up to 7 days.

Interactive is the new trend for much more data over longer periods. Operators and technicians can zoom in and out to see specific time periods and data details in two ways: click a preset tab, or use the built-in navigator to move through trended data.

In the trend image above, operators see the preset tabs in the upper left. This trend is for 31 days, and the tabs are preset to show 1 week of data, 1 day, or All (the whole 31 days). The tab presets change based on the overall period of the trend.

In the image, operators also see the navigator at the bottom of the trend. The blue-gray block shows the data period operators are looking at now. Operators can grab the handles on either side of it to see less or more, or tap another spot on the navigator line to see the same amount of data at a different time or on a different date—all from a mobile phone, tablet or browser window on a PC.

In both Classic and Interactive trends, operators can download individual pen data for the entire trend period to log it, just by clicking the button in the upper right of the trend. Note that in an Interactive trend, operators are downloading data for the whole trend period, not just the section in view at the moment. All users except Kiosk users can download data.

Free Trial Version and Online Demo
A fully functional version of groov Server for Windows is available to download and try so you can see your own system’s data on a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. The groov Free Trial operates for two hours without a license and can be restarted as needed. You can also see groov in action immediately and try it yourself with a live online demo available on their site.

@opto22 #PAuto

New member for Linux Foundation!

Opto 22 has joined The Linux Foundation as a Silver Level member. As a Linux Foundation member, Opto 22 will help support the greatest shared technology resources in history, while also accelerating the company’s technology and innovation through open-source leadership and participation. In joining The Linux Foundation, the company hopes to spearhead the adoption of open-source technology in the industrial automation and process control industries, and accelerate the rollout of Industrial Internet of Things applications.

“It’s exciting to see a vendor from a traditionally proprietary technology space such as industrial automation and process control join The Linux Foundation. It is a testament to the power of open- source technology and the community that supports it and allows it to thrive,” said Mike Woster, COO of The Linux Foundation.

New technologies from the open-source community are beginning to enter the traditionally proprietary technology space of industrial applications. As open-source adoption grows, commerce and society will come to depend on the software code developed to support that adoption. The future of these critical technologies can’t be left to chance. They require a neutral, independent organization like The Linux Foundation to manage the infrastructure and sustain their code and communities over the long term.

Opto 22 has long been a proponent of using open standards and technology as well as commercially available off-the-shelf products in industrial applications and internal product development. One of the first manufacturers in the industrial automation industry to design products on open standards, it was one of the first control and I/O system manufacturers to add Ethernet connectivity and the TCP/IP protocol to an industrial controller.

Since then the company has followed up its commitment to open-source technology and the accelerated adoption of industry standards by releasing an industry-first RESTful API (application program interface) to an industrial automation controller. With this RESTful API, developers can use their software language of choice to build applications that collect data from and control real- world electrical devices like sensors, motors, and pumps. Shortly after releasing the RESTful API, Opto 22 released Node-RED nodes for its SNAP PAC system controllers, to accelerate the rapid development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. Most recently, Opto 22 added the Node-RED development environment to its IIoT application platform, the groov Box.

With the addition of the Node-RED development environment, groov is the ideal toolset for IIoT application developers. groov fuses together an industrially rugged hardware platform, data visualization for mobile and web clients, robust industrial automation protocol support including Modbus/TCP and OPC UA, and advanced data flow processing. Add these to its ability to connect multiple data sources including devices, databases, and third-party APIs, and groov becomes a single, cohesive, cost-effective, and powerful platform for nearly any IIoT or edge computing application.

“When businesses choose to leverage open-source software, they are in effect choosing to free themselves of the painful pitfall of vendor lock-in. Customers who choose to adopt a product built around a proprietary technology stack are at the mercy of their vendor,” says Benson Hougland, VP of Marketing and Product Strategy for Opto 22. “It’s time to start driving our products toward a development strategy that liberates customers from vendor lock-in and gives them a choice of vendors to work with.”

@opto22 #PAuto @linuxfoundation

IIoT connections for PACs.

Node-RED* nodes for Opto 22's industrial programmable automation controllers (PACs) have been introduced. These significantly decrease IIoT application development time and complexity. These Node-RED nodes for PACs make it easier to prototype and develop applications for connecting physical assets to cloud applications. Node-RED nodes and a RESTful API for Opto 22 SNAP PAC R-series and S-series controllers are available free for download.

Rapid IIoT Application Prototyping
Linking technology assets and services together to build IIoT applications often requires layers of complex software development and long development cycles that quickly erode IIoT application ROI. Opto 22’s Node-RED nodes for SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers enable nearly anyone to rapidly prototype and develop IIoT applications with Node-RED, opening a path to quickly connect legacy physical assets to the digital world of cloud services.

Node-RED for IIoT
Node-RED is an innovative visual wiring tool to connect edge computing systems such as industrial automation controllers to cloud services such as Amazon Web Services™ (AWS) IoT, IBM® Watson IoT, and Microsoft® Azure® in new and interesting ways. Created by Nick O’Leary (@knolleary) and Dave Conway-Jones (@ceejay) of IBM Emerging Technologies (@ibmets), Node-RED is an open-source, cross-platform technology available on GitHub.com and npmjs.org, and is currently available for a variety of platforms, including OS X®, Microsoft Windows®, Linux®, and Raspberry Pi™, and cloud offerings like IBM Bluemix® and AT&T® Flow. Built on the popular Node.js JavaScript runtime, Node-RED benefits from a large Node-RED library—containing over 500 prebuilt and ready-to-deploy nodes—allowing IIoT application developers to leverage existing software code and deploy it directly into their applications.

“I've been very impressed with the whole Node-RED project,” said Jim Turner, Senior Software Developer at Opto 22. “It's well run, polished, and of high quality, but still very practical and useful. It's been a pleasure to develop for their platform.” 

Already Node-RED has been downloaded from npmjs.org over 25,000 times in the last month.

Lowering the Technical Bar
The Node-RED development environment offers a gradual and easily approachable learning curve for users of all levels and requires little to no programming skills. Instead, Node-RED takes advantage of pre-programmed, reusable code blocks called nodes. These nodes make IIoT application development simpler, easier to repeat, and faster to scale. Through a visual browser-based, drag-and-drop interface, Node-RED allows IIoT application developers to focus on identifying an opportunity and developing a solution, rather than building the components of an application from scratch.

Advanced JavaScript functions can also be created within the editor using a Function node. A built-in library lets developers save useful functions, templates, or node flows for re-use. The flows created in Node-RED are stored using the widely known JSON format, which can be easily imported and exported for sharing with other developers and applications, promoting the idea of social application development.

* Node RED is described as a visual tool for wiring the Internet of Things.

@opto22 #PAuto #IoT

An automation and controls industry first - PAC Project.

Opto 22 has announced immediate availability of version 9.5 of PAC Project™, a Microsoft® Windows®-based integrated software development suite for industrial automation, process control, remote monitoring, and Internet of Things applications.

About PAC Project The complete list of PAC Project components: PAC Control—an intuitive flowchart and scripting control programming software application for developing control programs that run on SNAP PAC controllers. Ideal for sequential control, batch and process control, PID loop control, and more. Using the built-in scripting language OptoScript™ simplifies complex math, conditional branching, and string handling. PAC Display—a human-machine interface (HMI) development application used to create graphical interfaces to monitor and operate a control system. Support for alarm management, recipe handling, operator logging, real-time and historical trending, multimedia, and unlimited tags puts PAC Display on par with competing HMI development applications costing thousands of dollars more per seat. PAC Manager™—a configuration and maintenance tool used to set up and inspect controllers and I/O data in real time. EtherNet/IP Configurator—a configuration tool for establishing communication between an Allen-Bradley® PLC system and intelligent remote SNAP I/O. SoftPAC™ (included with PAC Project Professional™ or available separately)—a software-based programmable automation controller for PC-based control. OptoOPCServer™ (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)—an OPC 2.0-compliant server used to consolidate and publish SNAP PAC System™ data to OPC-aware clients, including third-party HMIs such as Wonderware’s® InTouch, Intellution’s® iFix™, and Iconics’ GENESIS32™ and GENESIS64™. OptoDataLink™ (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)—connectivity software used to enable bidirectional data transfer between the SNAP PAC System and enterprise databases—such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and MySQL—without brokering the data through an HMI.

The most significant addition in this version is new firmware for Opto 22 programmable automation controllers (PACs) that includes an HTTP/S server with a RESTful API, providing developers with secure, programmatic access to control variables and I/O data using any programming language that supports JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). This new capability closes the IT/OT gap, allows for rapid Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) application development, provides for secure data exchange using open Internet standards, and reduces time to market in machine and system design.

The addition of a secure RESTful server and an open, documented API to a programmable automation controller (PAC) is a significant, ground-breaking industry innovation, because REST architecture and associated technology are intrinsic to the Internet of Things and paramount to web and mobile-based application development. Opto 22’s implementation of REST directly into a commercially available, off-the-shelf industrial PAC is unique in the market and places the company as the first and only industrial automation and controls manufacturer to offer this industry-changing technology.

Other features found in this new version include new tools to develop modular control applications with nested subroutines, new debugging tools to reduce development time, support for a worldwide installed base of legacy Optomux® I/O systems, and integration of third-party systems and protocols with the IIoT. To provide enhanced security and auditing for HMI access, PAC Project now offers sophisticated user groups and data rights, as well as the ability to embed video directly into HMI windows.

An Industry First
PAC Project 9.5 provides updated firmware for Opto 22 SNAP PAC S-series and R-series controllers that enables a secure HTTPS server on PAC controllers. Combined with a RESTful open and documented API, this new version allows developers to write applications that access data on the PAC using the developer’s programming language of choice with the well-known and widely supported JSON data format. This new capability allows software and IoT application developers to decrease time to market, reduce the development learning curve, and eliminate layers of middleware for secure Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Firmware version 9.5 for SNAP PAC R-series and S-series PAC-R and PAC-S controllers enables REST endpoints for both analog and digital I/O points as well as control program variables including strings, floats, timers, integers, and tables. REST endpoints are securely accessed using the new, fully documented RESTful API for SNAP PACs. Names of RESTful endpoints are derived from a configured PAC Control program strategy file and are therefore unique to each PAC’s program and I/O configuration.

Client data requests are returned in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format, enabling PAC controllers and I/O to be used with virtually any software development language with JSON support, including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby, and many more. Database support is also available for database tools that work with JSON, like MongoDB®, MySQL®, and Microsoft’s SQL Server®. With the release of PAC Project 9.5, developers are no longer tied to a specific manufacturer's software development environment. They can use the development environment and language of their choosing to write new software, create web services, and build Internet of Things applications.

RESTful data from PACs is secured using TLS encryption over HTTPS connections authenticated using basic access authentication (Basic Auth). RESTful data access can be restricted to read-only use, or allow reading and writing to I/O and strategy variables. The HTTP/S server is disabled by default and must be configured and enabled to operate, preventing unwanted or unauthorized access to the controller over HTTP.

Also included in this release are two Node-RED nodes, used for communicating with SNAP PAC controllers through the RESTful API with Node-RED, a visual tool for wiring up the Internet of Things. Node-RED is an open-source, graphical, flow-based application development tool designed by the IBM® Emerging Technology organization that makes wiring up APIs, represented as “nodes,” simple and easy to do. Node-RED is particularly useful for developing IoT applications that interact with cloud-based platforms and APIs, such as IBM Bluemix®, IBM Watson™, Amazon’s® AWS™ IoT, AT&T® MX2, Microsoft Azure®, and Google Cloud Platform™.

• More information on working with the new RESTful server for Opto 22 PACs, reviewing the open and documented RESTful API for SNAP PAC controllers, and using SNAP PAC Node-RED nodes.

@opto22 #PAuto 

PAC addition closes the IT/OT gap!

Opto 22 has added a RESTful API to its industrial programmable automation controllers (PACs), significantly closing the IT/OT gap and enabling rapid Industrial Internet of Things application development, reduced time to market in machine and system design, and faster automation and control project deployment.

The addition of a secure RESTful server and open, documented API to a programmable automation controller (PAC) is a significant and ground-breaking industry innovation. REST architecture and technology are intrinsic to the Internet of Things and paramount to web and mobile-based application development. Opto 22’s implementation of REST directly into a commercially available, off-the-shelf (COTS) industrial programmable automation controller is unique in the market, and places the company as the first and only industrial automation and controls manufacturer to offer this industry-changing technology.

Through this new RESTful API, developers gain secure programmatic access to new or legacy physical assets through control variables and input/output (I/O) data using any programming language that supports JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Available through a free updated firmware release for Opto 22 SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers (PACs), the RESTful API includes an HTTP/S server accessible from any HTTP/S-compatible client.

Rapid IIoT ROI
Billions of sensors, machines, and devices already exist in industrial infrastructure but are currently unable to connect to the IIoT. This legacy equipment holds valuable untapped data needed to improve business processes and decisions in almost every enterprise and every industry. Opto 22’s platform enables developers to rapidly design, prototype, and deploy applications to connect existing assets to the IIoT and share their data, capabilities, and resources with other connected systems and assets.

“The industrial automation and control industry is in transition right now,” says Benson Hougland, Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy. “Vendors who have relied on a product development strategy based on proprietary and closed technologies have become outdated. The future of the industrial automation and process control industries lies in the rising API and data economies made possible through open standards-based technologies.

“Our objective with the rollout of these new features is to enable IIoT developers to build their applications faster using well-known Internet tools and technology. Through a RESTful API to our PACs, we’ve enabled our customers and partners to rapidly design and roll out IIoT applications using the language and tools they're familiar with, while at the same time future-proofing their technology investments for decades to come.”

An API to the Real World™
“The Industrial Internet of Things is built on the idea of seamlessly sharing data between disparate assets to identify new opportunities for businesses to become more competitive,” said Matt Newton, Director of Technical Marketing for Opto 22. “With these new features, when our customers and partners ask us how to connect their existing and future systems to the Industrial Internet of Things, we can simply tell them, there’s an API for that.™”

Streamlining IIoT Architecture
A communication disconnect between the physical world and the digital world is slowing the adoption and rollout of the IIoT. Industrial assets exist in the physical world and use physical electrical signals like current and voltage levels to communicate. Digital systems of the Internet do not understand or communicate with these types of signals.

To cope with this disconnect, current Industrial Internet of Things applications involve layers of gateways and middleware to translate between the physical and digital worlds. As a result of this complexity, businesses have been slow to reap the rewards of IIoT applications and technologies.

To expedite return on investment for IIoT applications, Opto 22 flattened IIoT architecture by bridging the communication gap with open standards-based Internet tools and technologies. Opto 22’s RESTful API to its automation controllers, combined with HTTP/HTTPS access, provides IIoT developers with secure access to the billions of legacy physical assets in industrial system infrastructure today. These features minimize the integration time and cost of IIoT applications by eliminating complex protocol converters, gateways, and middleware.

“To accelerate the development, rollout, and return on investment in IIoT applications, Opto 22 has cut through the complexity of current system architectures and provided a robust, scalable platform designed to meet the needs of information and operations technology professionals,” says Hougland. “These new capabilities support the increasing convergence businesses are seeing between information technology and operations technology.”

“We built this platform to provide our customers and partners with a solution that offered three key characteristics,” states Bob Sheffres, Vice President of Sales. “First, it had to be tough enough to survive the harsh environments of industrial applications. Second, it needed to appeal to both industrial automation and information technology practitioners—bridging the IT/OT gap—as well as tap into the millions of developers who know and apply these technologies every day. And finally, and most importantly, we wanted to provide the platforms, technologies, and tools that allow our customers, partners, system integrators, and OEMs to distinguish themselves from their competitors, future-proof their technology investments, accelerate their time to market, and solve tough automation problems more quickly than ever before.”

@opto22 #IoT #PAuto

Director of technical marketing appointed.

Matt Newton has been named as Director of Technical Marketing with Opto 22 .

In his new role within the company’s Marketing group, Newton will lead creation of useful and engaging customer content, discover and highlight Opto 22 customer applications, and work closely with industrial automation media outlets.

“This new position is a great fit for my background and skillset,” says Newton. “It really builds on the customer-facing work I’ve done, and gives me an opportunity to present Opto's unique approach to solving IT and OT convergence challenges."

Newton comes to the new Marketing role after serving as Opto 22 Regional Sales Manager, where he focused on Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M-based automation applications. In this role Newton worked closely with Opto 22 customers to plan, develop, and implement diverse control and automation applications ranging from semiconductor tooling to oil and gas process automation. Newton also helped to establish Opto 22’s groov mobile operator interface in renewable energy markets.

Prior to joining Opto 22, Newton gained extensive experience in wired and wireless networking with several device networking companies, including device server pioneer Lantronix.

Incorporating mobile interfaces into industrial automation & control applications.

Opto 22 has announced the groov Action Plan, a service that quickly adds mobility to applications in industrial automation, control, and remote monitoring. The groov Action Plan result is a completed groov mobile operator interface—a custom mobile app—that authorized automation end-users, machine OEMs, or other personnel can use to monitor and control systems and equipment from smartphones and tablets. The groov Action Plan provides a planned path from concept to completion for creating, deploying, and supporting a groov mobile app.

With the groov Action Plan, an Opto 22 engineer works closely with a groov customer to understand project objectives, define requirements, and design the operator interface. The Opto 22 engineer also addresses networking setup and device connectivity. Graphics professionals at Opto 22 then develop the final groov mobile app. Follow-up service and support are included.

groov Action Plan customer Class Biologically Clean (CBC) in Madison, Wisconsin, manufactures softwall cleanrooms, isolation chambers, and similar products for research and medical use. According to David Holland, company vice president, using a smartphone or tablet to monitor and control a cleanroom’s environmental system is unique in the industry and helps to differentiate CBC from its competitors. For example, CBC’s groov mobile app eliminates the need to individually check several physical gauges on different pieces of equipment. Instead, environmental information for the cleanroom is presented on a single mobile screen.

With limited time and staff to develop the groov mobile app at CBC, Holland worked with local Opto 22 engineer Dave Engsberg to rapidly plan, develop, and deploy the groov mobile app. “Working with Opto 22 to develop the app was an easy process,” says Holland. “It was fast and allowed me to bring my mobile app to market quickly.”

Modern .NET interface for developing applications that control and communicate with control systems.

Industrial automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced its new .NET Controller Software Development Kit (SDK) for writing custom Microsoft Windows software applications that communicate directly with Opto 22 SNAP PAC controllers. This new SDK is well suited for machine builders, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and others who integrate custom applications with Opto 22 control systems. The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC supports modern .NET frameworks and Visual Studio environments, which reduces the time and cost of software development and testing.

Developers use the .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC to build software applications that directly access the control program, or “strategy,” running on a SNAP PAC controller. Applications can read from and write to integer, float, and string variables and tables, as well as analog and discrete input and output points.

Steve Grudzinski, electronic systems engineer at optical components manufacturer Optiforms, uses the .NET Controller SDK in a precise plating process that must be tailored for each part. A Visual Basic software application accomplishes this by exchanging data between an inventory system, a SQL database, and a SNAP PAC control system. In the process, individually barcoded parts are first identified using laser scanners. For each part, plating requirements and corresponding equipment settings are pulled from the SQL database. Equipment settings are then sent to the SNAP PAC control system which adjusts the plating equipment as required.

More Communication Options
The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC joins another Opto 22 resource for developers, the .NET OptoMMP SDK for SNAP I/O, which lets developers quickly create custom applications for use with Opto 22 I/O products such as SNAP Ethernet I/O. Applications built with the .NET OptoMMP SDK provide direct I/O communications with SNAP I/O “brains” (I/O processors) that support the OptoMMP protocol, while the .NET Controller SDK can directly access a strategy or control program running on a SNAP PAC controller.

Requirements and Availability

The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows 8.1 Professional (32-bit & 64-bit), and Windows Server 2012 R2. The SDK supports Microsoft's .NET frameworks 4.0 through 4.5 and Visual Studio 2010-2013, includes sample .NET code and comprehensive documentation for packages and classes, and is available as a 100% managed DLL. The .NET Controller SDK for SNAP PAC is available now and can be downloaded free of charge from the Opto 22 website here!