The OT and IT levels within components are converging more and more. “Not least, this lets employees involved in production know what beneficial processes exist in the IT domain,” emphasizes J. Sparmann. He gives the example of Docker technology. “Since all the processes are becoming more and more intelligent, more and more data is also being collected,” explains Dr. A. Kleine. Instead of enormous data volumes being sent to the cloud, a portion of the processing takes place at the network’s edge. “So data processing is becoming more and more important where real-time data is involved,” he adds. It is also possible to implement low latency applications. “More and more computing power is needed, and this places corresponding demands on databases directly in the field,” emphasizes J. Sparmann. “That can’t be covered by a conventional PLC. But servers are usually overengineered for such applications.”
Therefore, WAGO is introducing two new edge devices that meet these needs: the Edge Controller and the Edge Computer. “They benefit high-level language programmers, since they get closer to the sensor as the data supplier,” emphasizes Dr. A. Kleine. “The last mile ceases to be a hurdle; the IT and OT environments merge.” Cloud services can also run on the edge devices, for instance to ensure that only critical data is transferred to WAGO Cloud. Edge devices have additional advantages when data needs to be buffered temporarily, for instance in mobile applications.
With an extensive selection of interfaces
“Both new devices are based on cabinet-compatible hardware, can be powered with 24 V and fit perfectly into the automation environment,” reports J. Sparmann. The Edge Controller is equipped with an ARM Cortex-A9 quad-core processor and an extensive selection of interfaces, including two Ethernet ports, one CANopen port and two USB ports. The visualization can be displayed locally via the HDMI interface.
Alternatively, the visualization can also be provided to other Web clients via the integrated Webserver. It also has a serial RS-232/485 interface and four digital inputs/outputs for connecting local devices or sensors. “The device can also be connected with Modbus,” adds Dr. A. Kleine. “The diversity of interfaces allows the device to be integrated easily into existing systems.”
The ability to DIN-rail mount the Edge Controller – either horizontally or vertically – saves space. Project design can occur in the familiar “e!COCKPIT” engineering environment, so it fits seamlessly within WAGO's automation solution ecosystem. “The firmware is also very similar to that of our HMI devices,” emphasizes Dr. A. Kleine. “This also ensures a high degree of reusability on the software side.” For instance, existing WAGO Docker containers can be used.
The Edge Controller can be provided with additional licenses for connecting to Bacnet or Ethercat. Data can be transferred to the cloud via MQTT. This makes it very easy to connect to the WAGO Cloud or other cloud platforms. “It is easy to set up a multi-cloud landscape,” says Dr. A. Kleine. “WAGO recognized the great significance of cloud communication very early on and integrated the MQTT protocol into e!COCKPIT. Our own high-performance OPC UA stack is the next step now.” However, OPC UA communication is already possible now too via the Codesys stack.
Jens Sparmann, Security System Specialist
Where demands on computing power and memory are high, the manufacturer also offers the perfect solution with the new Edge Computer. It features a 1.91 GHz quad-core Atom processor and is equipped with standard Debian Linux. “Users can draw on abundant resources and model entire automation processes on them,” says J. Sparmann with satisfaction. Display devices can be connected directly via HDMI or DisplayPort. Several USB ports and two gigabit Ethernet ports are available for communication. “Phone cards can also be used via an expansion slot if a cable connection is not possible,” explains J. Sparmann. A choice between 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory makes even more resource-intensive projects feasible.
When very large data volumes need to be processed, such as large-scale database applications, the Edge Computer can be expanded with an SSD. The housing conveniently provides a mounting space for a 2.5 inch SSD for this purpose. Despite its extended temperature range from −20 °C to 60 °C, the Edge Computer does without a fan and is compact, making it easy to mount on a DIN-rail in a control cabinet without taking up much space. “That also makes it low-maintenance,” adds Dr. A. Kleine.
Standard software and WAGO Docker containers, such as Node-RED, can be used on the Edge Computer. For example, the open-source Grafana application is an excellent choice for graphical data display.
Security also plays an important role in the new devices. A TPM 2.0 chip allows an encryption mechanism to be used to ensure data security. “The devices are also equipped with the best software technology for high security,” says J. Sparmann. “A large proportion of the software on the devices is open-source, so security is always part of the pictures, since the large open-source community is continually reviewing the source code and providing bugfixes.”
Besides the standard VPN applications, the devices are open for special security solutions such as Tosibox and Hooc. Thus, in addition to WAGO’s own VPN solution, users can also access other remote maintenance solutions with a high degree of security, in line with the “Open & Easy” principle.
WAGO’s two new edge devices offer a hardware platform that supports users in easily implementing their own edge applications at the interface between WAGO's automation architecture and WAGO Cloud. “Both devices are excellent additions to our portfolio,” says J. Sparmann with confidence. “While the Edge Controller brings the OT level closer to the IT level, our Edge Computer works the other way around.”
Related Topics
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Flexible, extensible and future-proof – OPC UA is quickly gaining importance as the communication standard for automation technology applications.
