OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)

OPC UA is a platform-independent, service-oriented industrial interoperability standard from the OPC Foundation, published as IEC 62541, that combines secure data exchange with rich information modelling for machines, controllers and software.

OPC UA defines an address space of nodes, such as objects, variables and methods, connected by typed references, so a server exposes not only values but also their structure, units, ranges and relationships. Clients use standard services to browse the address space, read and write values, call methods, subscribe to data changes and events, and access history. Transport options include an efficient binary protocol over TCP, HTTPS and WebSockets, and the PubSub extension adds publish-subscribe messaging over UDP, MQTT and AMQP.

OPC UA succeeded the Windows-based OPC Classic specifications and runs on platforms from embedded devices to cloud services. Many PLCs, CNCs, robots and drives include OPC UA servers, and companion specifications define standard information models for device types and industries, such as machine tools, robotics and packaging. It is a key technology in Industry 4.0 architectures.

Security is built in: applications authenticate with X.509 certificates, messages can be signed or signed and encrypted, and users can be authenticated with credentials, tokens or certificates. Certificate management, trust lists and correct security policy choices are essential, as insecure configurations such as security mode None weaken protection. Performance depends on subscription settings, sampling intervals and server implementation, and interoperability can be verified through OPC Foundation certification.

Key points

Platform-independent interoperability standard published as IEC 62541
Address space models objects, variables, methods and relationships
Client-server services include browse, read, write, subscribe and call
Security uses X.509 application certificates with signing and encryption
Companion specifications define standard industry information models

Where AiVibe comes in

AiAmbA IoT, AiVibe's edge protocol layer, lists OPC UA among its supported protocols, with driver availability confirmed per installation.

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OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

Related terms

Terms that refer to OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)