Concepts such as Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things are based around the idea of collecting all of a plant’s operating data and making it available for various applications. This data is evaluated in analysis tools, e.g., in order to detect failures in field devices at an early stage. It can also be used to optimize processes and increase productivity. However, the implementation of IoT concepts is particularly challenging in established plants, as the necessary information from the field devices is not captured in the existing automation architecture.
The User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries (NAMUR) therefore developed the NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA). The concept described in NAMUR Recommendation NE175 extends the automation architecture without altering the existing control system. The core task of the NOA is therefore to provide information from the field level to higher-level applications in order to monitor and optimize the plant (M+O). This function can be executed by means of additional hardware and/or software. The type of data that is forwarded from the field level depends on the field devices and analysis tools used. The focus is on parameters that are to be read out cyclically, which contain information on device status or process quality.
- upgrading and optimization of existing plants and equipment without altering the core process control system
- end-to-end data acquisition via secure second channel
- predictive maintenance for field devices
- fast replacement of faulty field devices
- installation of additional field devices for plant monitoring
Implementing NOA with Beckhoff
Beckhoff has developed an NOA edge device specifically for reading out the additional operating data for the higher-level M+O. The edge device, which consists of a compact embedded PC, EtherCAT Terminals with HART functionality, and the relevant TwinCAT project, can be placed directly in the plant.
Functions of the NOA Edge Device from Beckhoff:
- independent second channel of a signal isolator is used
- the widely used HART protocol is implemented for field device communication
- conversion and translation of the read data
- parameters are mapped onto a defined data model
- standardized information models such as PA-DIM are implemented
- automatic adaptation of the OPC UA information model, depending on the connected device type
NOA concepts
The NOA concept offers considerable potential – particularly for brownfield applications. Existing plants need to be future-proofed by converting or upgrading them: costs can be reduced and output increased simply by monitoring and optimizing systems without changing the current process control methods. To this end, additional components are added to collect previously unused data from the field level. The Beckhoff NOA edge device was developed specifically for this purpose. Its compact design allows it to be integrated into existing plant structures while saving space. Beckhoff offers various solutions for recording field device data, depending on the infrastructure already in place. In each of the following scenarios, the NOA edge device does not allow feedback or modification of field device data.
With feed isolator
Many commercially available feed isolators (barriers) offer two independent interfaces for connecting to I/O systems. The first is typically used to connect to the control system to transmit measurement data from the field device. The NOA side channel can also be opened here by connecting an EL6184 EtherCAT Terminal as a HART master to the second interface.
Without feed isolator
If no feed isolator is used, the field device is connected directly to the I/O level of the control system. The EL6184 EtherCAT Terminal can be connected in parallel to the existing I/O modules to read vitality data. Thanks to its high internal resistance, the EL6184 communicates via the HART protocol without distorting the measurement data transmitted via the 4–20 mA signal.
Using Profibus remote I/O
If the field devices are connected to the control system via HART-enabled Profibus remote I/Os, central extraction of the NOA data is a practical solution. In this setup, the NOA edge device reads the field device data from the gateway via OPC UA and provides the data from all connected field devices in a corresponding information model (PA-DIM).
The NOA concept also offers advantages for greenfield plants. For example, vitality data can be transmitted directly from individual plant modules to the respective manufacturer, who can then provide appropriate spare parts or initiate maintenance work. This approach is particularly effective in connection with the Module Type Package (MTP).
Additional monitoring sensors can be installed at the plant planning stage, providing more data for monitoring and optimization. New technologies such as Ethernet-APL make implementation simpler, as process and vitality data can be transmitted simultaneously via the Ethernet connection. Data processing and translation can be carried out in the TwinCAT automation software, regardless of the protocol used.
NOA FAQs
The NOA edge device can be flexibly expanded with additional I/O terminals until the required number of channels is reached. There is no limit to the number of field devices that can be connected. In terms of software, the data from all connected channels is made available via the OPC UA server.
No, the NOA edge device is also compatible with other communication protocols. By expanding with corresponding I/O terminals, field devices can also be connected via other protocols and flexibly combined with each other in an edge device.
The central component of the NOA edge device is an industrial PC. In addition to the NOA functionality, it can also run other software components for tasks such as condition monitoring and energy management. To do this, simply expand the I/O terminals and integrate the necessary software blocks.
We also offer ideal solutions for your edge device applications outside the process industry.
More products and solutions for your plant
Ethernet-APL
ELX6233 EtherCAT Terminal enables complete data acquisition for the process industry with the Ethernet-APL communication standard.
Module Type Package (MTP)
TwinCAT MTP integrates the Module Type Package concept into the engineering environment and enables efficient development of modular plants.
ELXxxxx | Explosion protection (Ex i)
The EtherCAT Terminals from the ELX series with intrinsically safe inputs/outputs enable the connection of field devices up to zone 0/20.
EPXxxxx | Explosion protection (Ex i)
The EtherCAT Box modules from the EPX series with intrinsically safe inputs/outputs enable the connection of field devices up to zone 0/20.