In the corporative environment, there are several industrial automation systems (SCADA/IHMs, SDCDs, LIMS, MES, etc). Traditionally, each software or hardware manufacturer had to write its own interface or I/O driver. This, however, did not fit the needs of the market, where information exchange and connectivity are essential.

Figure 1: Lack of connectivity with traditional systems

Because of that, in 1996, a great number of software and hardware manufacturers teamed up with Microsoft to develop the first version of what would be called OPC (OLE for Process Control). This is an open communication standard that allows vertical interoperability between systems inside an organization.

OPC standard’s technologies allow all the company’s data to be integrated, whether they come from factory floor or corporate sectors. With OPC, each manufacturer develops an OPC driver or server compatible with all programs or applications, which are all OPC-Client. And on October 22nd, 1999, Elipse Software became a member of the OPC Foundation.

“Nowadays, if a company wants to release a product compatible with these new specifications (OPC UA), it must necessarily be a member of OPC. In addition, it is possible to interact with the automation community in several different ways, such as having access to specifications and source codes before the public in general, advertising products on OPC’s website, or having a say in the standard’s decisions”, says Marcelo Salvador, Elipse’s Business Director.

Figure 2: OPC's client-server architecture

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona (USA), the organization sets the parameters for OPC, aiming at its constant improvement and evolution. It is supported by Microsoft, which provides it with constant consulting and forecasts on technology.

The OPC Foundation has currently more than 300 members worldwide, including most of the major developers of process control systems. And Elipse, pursuing OPC’s development and diffusion, has been among these members for the past ten years.

"Being a part of the OPC Foundation means always being updated for everything in the OPC world. As a member, you have access to new standards even before its official launch in the market", says Elipse's Development Director, Alexandre Correa Balestrin.

"The main advantage of being part of the foundation is the largest supply of products compatible with those that also implement the OPC standards, which prevents industries from being tied to certain manufacturers. In addition, the increased competition generated in the process decreases the costs of products focused on automation", says Alexandre Cabral Botelho, software developer.

Figure 3: OPC standardized communication layer

Based on Microsoft's OLE COM (Component Object Model) and DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) technologies, OPC is a common set of interfaces, properties, and methods of communication within an aggregate specification standardized and open to public access. Being an open standard, OPC creates a single, standard layer that enables the quick and easy integration between different systems. One advantage is that it is directly related to Elipse's software, drivers, and other products.

"Since Elipse is a member of the OPC Foundation, it becomes much easier and more reliable for us to use this driver in applications that use a wide variety of devices and versions of OPC. This is a universal driver, through which Elipse provides all the technical knowledge to its customers and partners", says Gustavo Regner Pchara, Beta Network's programmer.

With all the contributions from the OPC Foundation, the OPC standard has spread worldwide, and it is now a widely used protocol in automation. The association of Ellipse with the organization not only confirms its ability to develop solutions for communication between processes, but it is also a guarantee of excellence for each of their projects.

"Being able to count on an OPC product represents extra security and reliability for a system developer. We know it will work, will not hang, and will be compatible with other OPC interfaces. This is why, given the choice, I always prefer using OPC servers", says Eduardo Luiz dos Santos Limoeiro, manager of ADKL Zeller Eletro System's automation systems.