MeshNetics Demonstrated Integration of Wireless Sensor Data with SCADA System at ZigBee Open House
ZigBee Network Connects to SCADA System via OPC Server
[USPRwire, Tue Jun 27 2006] MeshNetics, a leading ZigBee technology provider, demonstrated its SensiLink integration platform at ZigBee Open House in San Jose, California, on June 15, 2006. The SensiLink integration platform serves as a gateway between wireless sensor networks (WSN) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), IP-based and custom applications.
The SensiLink software suite features OPC, Web Services and Java API interfaces to facilitate data integration. OPC Server is a crucial component of SensiLink middleware architecture that enables interconnectivity with a wide range of OPC compatible industrial automation applications. OPC (Open Connectivity) technology is the non-proprietary automation interconnectivity standard. Frequently compared to Microsoft Windows’ printer drivers, the OPC Specification defines a set of standard interfaces. The new Unified Architecture (UA) holds promise of unifying all of the existing OPC technology. The OPC UA is no longer based on Microsoft COM/DCOM, but on open, internet-based communication standards, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, SOAP, and XML. MeshNetics plans to implement OPC UA in its SensiLink integration platform which should make it significantly more scalable.
SensiLink also includes Smart Engine, a critical feature that provides distributed intelligence for preliminary node computations. For example, an operator can monitor office comfort level that is a combination of certain temperature, humidity and illumination. With SensiLink’s Smart Engine, the measurements of these parameters are analyzed on the nodes, and an alert is only generated when they exceed the comfort level. Smart Engine node computations like these significantly minimize data traffic within the WSN while maximizing battery life.
“SCADA systems are widely used in the industry. Most sensors used in such systems are wired, which limits their use. Adding WSNs would make a lot of sense, but how do you plug in the data from sensors into SCADA? We identified this need in the market few years ago, and started developing middleware to address it,” said Vasiliy Suvorov, MeshNetics’ CTO & Managing Director. “Our vision is to use standards-based technology wrapped into a standards-based interface. That way the new product will present a not a disruptive change, but rather a welcome improvement.”
At the heart of the WSN nodes is the new ZigBit module. MeshNetics’ latest ZigBee/802.15.4 OEM module, ZigBit is based on the newest Atmel hardware platform. The high sensitivity, low-power ZigBit module is only 13.5 x 18.8mm (0.53 x 0.74”), which is less than half the size of other modules available in the market today.
MeshNetics modules come bundled with eZeeNet mesh-networking software, which is based on IEEE802.15.4 MAC layer and is ZigBee network capable. The eZeeNet stack enables module-based wireless sensor devices to form self-healing, self-organizing mesh networks that are widely used in industrial monitoring, HVAC control, automatic meter reading, and more.
About OPC Foundation
The OPC Foundation, dedicated to interoperability in automation, is an independent, non-profit organization that comprises leading manufacturers and solution providers in factory and process automation. The OPC Foundation's charter is to develop worldwide industry-standards for data transfer Offering multi-vendor interoperability and seamless connectivity of measurement and automation devices, systems and networks used in the manufacturing and process industries, by leveraging open computing technologies. Board members and Officers are unpaid volunteers. Development of specifications is undertaken by volunteers from 350+ members worldwide. Visit their website at www.opcfoundation.org.
About MeshNetics
MeshNetics is a leading technology provider enabling wireless sensor data integration with customers’ enterprise applications. MeshNetics has a unique expertise in hardware, firmware and software. The product portfolio includes IEEE802.15.4/ZigBee™ OEM module; ZigBee Developer Kit; networking stack firmware; SensiLink gateway server software; and customization services. MeshNetics helps its partners and customers to accelerate time-to-market by providing the tools for development of complete M2M solutions for industrial automation, building automation and utility monitoring and control. MeshNetics bases its long-term strategy on open standards, and is a member of the ZigBee Alliance and OPC Foundation. For more information, please visit www.meshnetics.com.
