Article #3100 - OPC
The OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control Foundation (OPC) inner workings and organizational structure are not visible to non-members on the OPC Foundation website, but it would appear that working groups are defined as needed for any given existing or emerging specification. OPC stands for OLE Process Control, that is Object linking and embedding Process Control.
OPC
| OPC Foundation, OLE for Process Control | |
|---|---|
| Overview |
The OPC Foundation is dedicated to ensuring interoperability in automation by creating and maintaining open specifications that standardize the communication of acquired process data, alarm and event records, historical data, and batch data to multi-vendor enterprise systems and between production devices. Production devices include sensors, instruments, PLCs, RTUs, DCSs, HMIs, historians, trending subsystems, alarm subsystems, and more as used in the process industry, manufacturing, and in acquiring and transporting oil, gas, and minerals. |
| Significance for GridWise™ | Average |
| Industry Sector(s) | Industry automation (factories, industrial networking...) |
| Geopolitical Reach | International |
| Type of Standards Body | 'Foundation' (like a consortium) with heavy Microsoft backing. |
| Relevant Standards and Work Groups |
OPC Data Access OPC Alarms & Events OPC Batch OPC Data eXchange OPC Historical Data Access OPC Security OPC XML-DA OPC Complex Data OPC Commands |
| Design Center |
OPC (OLE for Process Control) is a defined set of interfaces, based on OLE/COM and DCOM technology, for truly open software application interoperability between automation/control applications, field systems/devices and business/office applications. |
|
Interrelations |
Microsoft, IEC TC 57 WG 13 uses OPC model. |
| Contact Information | OPC Foundation: Open Connectivity via Open Standards |