Interoperability in Software-Defined Process Automation Using the Open Process Automation Standard and IEC 61499: Adapter Connections of IEC 61499 and OPAS Enable Plug-and-Play Integration

The increasing demand for flexibility in factory automation has led to the need for high interoperability among controllers, sensors, and actuators. This article demonstrates how the interoperability provisions developed by the Open Process Automation Standard (OPAS) can be used to improve the interchangeability and interoperability of controller function blocks (FBs) in cascade control. We also show how this development enables easier integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices into process automation applications. This article demonstrates how OPAS development improved interoperability between controllers and IIoT devices while reducing on-floor system integration efforts by bringing the required transparency between the operational technology (OT) and IT layers in the factory.