Non-MTP Module Integration With OPC UA Wrapper Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for integrating non-MTP compliant modules in process plants are manual and time-consuming, hindering efficient integration and interoperability within MTP-based process automation systems.
Innovation Solution
A wrapper unit converts logic and bus signals from non-MTP modules into OPC UA nodes, determining an MTP interface and creating a digital black box module, allowing seamless integration with MTP-compliant automation software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual methods are used to integrate non-MTP modules, then integration can be performed, but integration time and effort are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
A wrapper unit is introduced as an intermediary component between non-MTP modules and the MTP-based control system. The wrapper unit converts signals from non-MTP modules into MTP-compliant formats, enabling automated integration without requiring manual configuration. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing automatic signal translation while maintaining compatibility with the MTP standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical integration processes with automated software-based signal conversion. Instead of manually configuring and integrating non-MTP modules through conventional methods, the system uses automated wrapper units that perform signal conversion and module integration through software, dramatically reducing integration time and effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-MTP modules are integrated using conventional methods, then integration is possible, but interoperability and automation compatibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of non-MTP modules and convert their diverse signal formats into a standardized MTP-compliant format. This multi-functional approach enables the system to integrate various third-party modules while maintaining uniform interoperability with the MTP-based control system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Extent of automation
If manual integration methods are used, then existing non-MTP modules can be integrated, but automation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper unit enables non-MTP modules to self-integrate into the MTP-based system without requiring manual configuration. The automatic signal conversion and module registration processes allow the system to perform self-service integration, dramatically improving both the extent of automation and integration efficiency compared to conventional manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for non-MTP module integration includes receiving by a wrapper unit logic signals, bus signals and material signals from a non-MTP module, wherein the non-MTP module is a physical module of a process plant, wherein the logic signals comprise information of logic connections and/or functions of the non-MTP module, wherein the bus signals comprise information of outputs of a fieldbus of the non-MTP module, wherein the material signals comprise information of material connections of the non-MTP module; converting, by the wrapper unit, the bus signals to open platform communication identifier architecture, OPC UA, nodes; determining, by the wrapper unit an MTP interface using the logic signals and the material signals; and determining, by the wrapper unit, a MTP conform digital black box module, using OPC UA nodes and the MTP interface.