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Control systems such as the 'ControlLogix' PLC from Rockwell Automation are typically used in offshore oil and gas production applications. These control subsea electronics and are linked to DCS systems from other manufacturers. Instead of using the Modbus protocol for data exchange between these platforms, the MDIS Group - consisting of large companies active in the offshore oil and gas business - has decided to handle communication via OPC UA in future. The special communication requirements for data exchange between the underwater control system and the control system of offshore oil and gas platforms are covered by an OPC UA MDIS Companion Specification. Softing's eATM OPC UA MDIS server module transforms a ControlLogix PLC into a fully compliant OPC UA MDIS server that accesses the subsea information using methods in the controller and easily establishes the comprehensive connection to an upper OPC UA MDIS compliant DCS client. The OPC UA MDIS information model is predefined and automatically recognizes subsea devices such as valves, throttles and instruments. The information model also contains OPC UA methods, which are also predefined and allow, for example, a valve to be moved or a throttle to be opened. The 'eATM OPC UA MDIS' server is a module that is inserted into a single slot of the ControlLogix housing. It supports direct access to the backplane bus and the control data points of the PLC.
