The overall goal of the working group, which operates within OPCF as part of the FLC Initiative, is established to drive interoperability of remote I/O devices, such as modular I/Os and compact I/Os. The WG will add to the UAFX base specifications the definition of interfaces and behaviors for the different types of I/O devices.
The interoperable interface between PLC / DCS and I/O devices shall support different industries such as food & beverage, automotive, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, chemicals, energy, water waste, pulp & paper.
The interface shall include the following functionalities:
- data models and behavior for the different I/O device types
- configuration of I/O devices
- functional safety
- diagnostic information which is specific for I/O devices
- operational modes of I/O devices
- state machines and timing models for I/O specific functionality
The I/O working group will use the UAFX base facet and extend it with the elements that are required for interoperability of I/O devices. There is a relation to the Networking WG regarding network functionality and to the Safety WG regarding safe I/O functionality. There is also a relation to the Motion and Instrumentation WGs where standardized I/O channel types may be incorporated into motion or instrumentation devices.
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