OPC UA FX controllers now in the OPC UA certification program

The industry consortium OPC Foundation has added the OPC UA Field eXchange (OPC UA FX) standard for data exchange via OPC UA down to the field level to its OPC UA certification program.

With this the OPC UA Certification Program provides a formal testing and certification process for controllers that implement the OPC UA FX specification series (OPC 10000-80, OPC 10000-81, OPC 10000-82, OPC 10000-83 and OPC 10000-84) for controller-to-controller communication. The program is based on the OPC UA Compliance Test Tool (UACTT) that has been extended to include now more than 350 test scripts for testing the OPC UA FX functionality in addition to the existing test capabilities for OPC UA and for the Companion Specifications.

Through this validation program, participating vendors can certify their controllers as compliant with the OPC UA FX standards, providing confidence to end-users that their devices will operate seamlessly with other OPC UA FX-compliant systems. The validation process includes rigorous testing procedures to ensure that controllers meet the OPC Foundation’s strict requirements for performance, reliability, and interoperability.

Alexander Allmendinger, Test Lab Manager of the European Certification Test Lab, explained: “Vendors using the UACTT during their development process can confidently prepare their OPC UA FX controllers for certification by the OPC Foundation’s test laboratories. After that, they can bring their products to market, ensuring smooth integration and high customer satisfaction regarding interoperability.”

Stefan Hoppe, President and CEO of the OPC Foundation, emphasized the importance of this important milestone: “Adding OPC UA FX Controller testing to our Certification Program is a landmark development for the OPC Foundation and the industry as a whole. By certifying controllers that meet the OPC UA FX standards, we are setting a new benchmark for interoperability and enabling a more connected, integrated, and efficient automation landscape for horizontal communication on the shopfloor. This program is a testament to our commitment to open standards that empower end-users and strengthen the global industrial automation ecosystem.”