Software module to connect ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers to IIoT applications

edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC connects ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs and provides access to their data via an OPC UA server interface. In addition, the data can also be transmitted to MQTT brokers using MQTT. As a docker container, it offers flexible deployment options, for example on devices running Azure IoT Edge or AWS IoT Greengrass.

The application is easy to configure locally via a built-in Web interface. It can also be managed remotely via its REST API. Configuration is flexible and includes fine-tuned security settings (e.g. role-based access rights for OPC UA client applications).

As a first strategic extension of Softing’s dataFEED product family into virtualization- and container technology, the new product leverages Softing deep experience with brownfield connectivity with MQTT and OPC UA technology and makes it available for new and highly efficient IoT solution architectures.

Access to Allen-Bradley's PLC Data from OPC UA Applications

• Access data from ControlLogix and CompactLogix controller through EtherNet/IP CIP.
• Connection to PLCs is possible through Routing functionality.
• Standardized OPC UA communication for data integration into management systems like ERP, MES, or SCADA or for data exchange with other docker containers like Microsoft OPC Publisher or Amazon AWS IoT SiteWise
• Connection of up to 20 Allen-Bradley PLCs with one Container Runtime

Easy Cloud-driven or Local Deployment

• Container images stored in different online repositories like Docker Hub and Azure Container Registry (ACR)
• Simple data transmission to an MQTT broker using the MQTT publisher functionality for local or cloud-based solutions
• Recipe manager functionality for writing process data from the cloud to controllers (MQTT Subscriber)
• Licensing via Softing License Server

Lightweight Flexible Container Solution

• Less resources plus increased scalability and flexibility
• Support of security standards as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption
• Highly flexible state-of-the-art application to be deployed, adjusted, or started and stopped immediately, if needed
• Deployment and configuration also via management systems such as Kubernetes, Azure IoT Edge, or AWS IoT Greengrass