OPC is open connectivity via open standards. They fill a need in automation like printer drivers did for Windows. See the summary of current and emerging OPC Specifications and OPC Certification.

OPC is all about Open Productivity & Connectivity in industrial automation and the enterprise systems that support industry. Interoperability is assured through the creation and maintenance of open standards specifications. There are currently seven standards specifications completed or in development.

Based on fundamental standards and technology of the general computing market, the OPC Foundation adapts and creates specifications that fill industry-specific needs. OPC will continue to create new standards as needs arise and to adapt existing standards to utilize new technology.

To completely read about OPC please click 'What is OPC?'

IEC 61850 communication technology appears as a very promising technology, able to reach both a high level of performance and a high level of interoperability. However considering the real maturity of this technology (from its current level of definition, down to its implementation) and the height of the breakthrough this may represent for the user, a recommendation would lead to a reasonable step-wise deployment.

A first level 1 (Level 1) focused on Monitoring and Control part of the EMCS can already bring many benefits to the user, while offering a high level of multi-vendor interoperability.

A second Level (Level 2) based on a limited single vendor deployment of the GOOSE peer-to-peer capability would offer a cost-effective mean for reducing wiring on site and increase the installation agility.

To further read this White paper by Schneider Electric please click 'Is there a value in deploying IEC 61850 communication into oil & gas EMCS'

A Technical paper from Foundation Fieldbus. Introduction and basics about PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDQATION FIELDBUS F1 and how it works.

Please click here to download the paper 'An Introduction to Fieldbus'

"Fieldbus Report" is the industry's leading periodical devoted to the fast growing fieldbus marketplace. Each issue contains technology information, application studies, products news, and more. Current and recent issues of this publication are available for download.

Click 'Foundation Fieldbus Report Fall 2011' to download Report.