IIoT Devices

‍Introduction 

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing industries by digitally connecting physical devices and machinery. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of IIoT devices and platforms, offering a comprehensive overview of the technologies propelling the fourth industrial revolution. We will embark on a journey to delve into various IIoT devices.

IIoT devices

IIoT devices are network components located at the “edge” of the network topology. They are, therefore, also referred to as edge devices. From an IT infrastructure perspective, they are the access points to automation networks known as Operational Technology networks, also called OT networks.

So the aim of IIoT devices is to exchange data between the various communicating IT and OT networks while avoiding mutual interference. IIoT devices are used primarily to make data and information from the automation environment available in the IT environment.

IIoT Edge Devices

Edge devices are pieces of equipment placed at or near the source of data generation within an industrial system and then transmit these data between the local network and the cloud. They are able to translate between the protocols, or languages, used by local devices into the protocols such as MQTT, HTTP used by the cloud where the data will be further processed. 

So, the edge device is the bridge between field devices and the cloud.

Types of Edge Devices

There are two types of edge devices:

• Traditional edge: edges transfer data over a secure network with little or no processing capability like :

• Edge Routers:  Routers allow multiple devices to share a single internet connection. They connect networks, manage multi-network traffic, and handle data flow to specific IP addresses.
• Routing Switches: A switch is a multi-port device that connects devices like computers, printers, and servers within a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). 
• Firewalls: monitor a network's incoming and outgoing traffic to detect and block malware. 

• Intelligent edge: smart devices that can perform edge computing tasks near the data source for industrial automation. They are used in advanced IoT and industrial IoT to connect the entire system's onboard processing or analytics capabilities. They include:

•  Smart sensors: detect and correct abnormal physical conditions near the machine
• Smart actuators: translate a computer signal into physical actions.
• IIoT Gateways: connect multiple sensors and other devices to cloud computing platforms for analytics, computing, processing, and storage. 
• M2M Devices: M2M devices connect equipment or machines to transfer data and facilitate automation.

What is edge computing? 

Edge computing is a method of improving data aggregation and processing by placing computing resources close to where data is collected, these resources can be machines, gateways, protocol converters, or other types of industrial controllers.

The philosophy behind edge computing is that it’s faster and more efficient to process information at its source. Consider how information travels from an industrial asset to a data center.

While cloud computing and storage is essential for IIoT, this relay between data generation, processing, and return can create problems with latency, bandwidth, and data management. For sensitive manufacturing processes, even a small degree of latency can have significant effects on efficiency and quality, so edge computing is used to prevent this by ensuring that data processing happens in close geographic and network proximity to data creation.

But Without the cloud, the logistics of storing, pulling, and analyzing data would be significantly more complicated. Yet the realities of modern machine monitoring make edge computing desirable. Manufacturers can reap the most benefit from their digital initiatives by marrying a cloud infrastructure with edge computing as operations require.

Edge Devices examples

Raspberry Pi

We can install Node-RED on Raspberry PI and use the IIoT protocol like MQTT to send data collected by Raspberry to the cloud.

To make editing easier, we can publish Node-RED dashboards and flows for external access by using CloudFlare. 

PiXtend

PiXtend is a PLC based on the high-performing Raspberry Pi single-board computer programmed by CODESYS open platform. Its broad array of digital and analog inputs and outputs lets you connect virtually any sensor or actuator from the industry or maker sector. Other devices, controllers and computer systems are easily connected via serial standard interfaces (RS232, RS485, CAN, Ethernet, and WiFi). PiXtend is a PLC integrated with Raspberry Pi so that we can use Node-RED 

OPTO Groov 

groov RIO is an independent, intelligent Ethernet-based edge I/O module designed for IIoT and automation applications.

Now, let’s delve into IIoT gateway

What is an Industrial IoT gateway?

It is a device used to connect and collect data from various industrial machines and IoT devices. Once collected, the IoT gateway forwards this data to the cloud or data centers for processing, remote monitoring and control, as well as more in depth analysis.

It can also be used to control IoT devices and provide security for IoT networks

In short, IIoT gateway is a device that connects IoT devices to the cloud.

IIoT gateway devices

Some of IIoT gateway devices are

cMT G01

Its features:

• Supports OPC UA for Integration of SCADA or ERP systems.
• Supports MQTT and has a built-in broker for publish-subscribe messaging protocol.
• Connectivity to AWS, Azure, and IBM IoT platforms via MQTT.
• Supports Modbus gateway.
• Supports Protocol conversion
• Additional Data logger and event detector. 
• SQL synchronization capability to MySQL and MS SQL database server for data log and event log.

You can configure its setting by connect to it via Ethernet next using internet browsers enter cMT-G01 IP address to configure its setting

And this is an architecture for cMT-G01 with OPC UA Server and Modbus Gateway.

Nexcom CPS 100-M

It is fully integrated with Modbus TCP/RTU, OPCUA, and IoT studio for extremely easy deployment of both centralized/decentralized field data implementation in the automation process. 

Its features: 

• Seamless integration of field devices, web, database and cloud services.
• Data mining and MQTT broker.
• Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA support in parallel.
• Data processing and distribution – JavaScript, JSON, XML, MQTT client, TCP, UDP, HTTP, WebSocket, E-mail.
• Intuitive visual flow based programming paradigm.
• Secure HTTPS/TLS encrypted data transmissions.

Note | It’s suitable for: Schneider, Delta, and Siemens 1200 & 1500 PLC’s and not suitable for s7_300.

Nexcom CPS 200-M

Main Features:

• Compatible with existing installation in the field control network.

• Multiple fieldbus (slave) support ,PROFIBUS, PROFINET or Ethernet/IP

Other features are the same with CPS 100.

Note | it’s suitable for: Schneider, Delta, and Siemens 1200 & 1500 and 300 PLC’s.

Let’s see the IoT studio that Nexcom CPS gateways support.

IoT Studio

IoT Studio, powered by Node.js and IBM Node-RED, is a web based configuration tool to spur developers to swiftly build up IoT applications with simple clicks, drags, and drops of the integral functions or the ideas of innovation can come true sooner and the inventions can spread wider.

Its main features:

• Data acquisition through drag and drop controls.
• Open source and open API flexibility for makers.
• Support multiple industrial protocols.
• Neat and simple Node-RED Web UI.
• Data visualization through dashboards.
• Link to major cloud service providers, including IBM, Microsoft, AWS

BLIIoT BL110

Industrial IoT Gateway BL110 used to convert Modbus, Modbus TCP, DLT645, PLC, BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP and other industrial protocols to MQTT, OPC UA, BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP and other protocols. Support BLRMS (also known as BLIIOT RMS).

Some of its features:

• Using 4G wireless network and Ethernet redundant data upload method, stable and reliable.
• Supports Mitsubishi, Siemens, Delta, Schneider, ABB, Huichuan, Omron, Panasonic, Hollysys and other PLC protocols.
• 4 serial ports support modbus master-slave protocol, and support modbus / MQTT / private custom protocol upload.
• All 4 serial ports support transparent transmission, and the CAN port supports data of CAN communication equipment, such as the server.
• It can collect the data of the network port PLC or other network port equipment through the Ethernet interface.
• Support OPC client function, can read data provided by OPC server of other manufacturers.
• Support multiple alarm conditions, such as alarm conditions, urgency, confirmation rules, push rules, and SMS push.
• Support remote PLC download programming and remote collection of PLC equipment, set conditions to stop PLC operation.

Let’s learn in briefly about IO-Link

IO-Link

It stands for "Input/Output Link," which is a digital communication protocol used in industrial automation systems. It enabled devices, including sensors and actuators, to utilize this protocol to communicate with the automation system.

To connect IO-Link devices to the automation system, an IO-Link master is required

The IO-Link master replaces a traditional analog input card with a digital communication path between the master and device. Up to 8 IO-Link devices such as sensors, valves, and I/O modules can be connected to a single master depending on the configuration of the master. The master transmits machine data, process parameters, and diagnostic information to a PLC controller or directly to a higher level IIoT controls system.

The IO-Link master serves as the intermediary between the devices and the system, handling the exchange of information.

It manages the communication flow, both receiving data from the IO-Link devices and transmitting commands or requests back to them. 

The IO-Link master can be installed either in the control cabinet or in the field as remote I/O, depending on the specific requirements of the automation setup. 

The IO-Link master processes both digital signals and analog values, enabling seamless integration with existing systems. 

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices are like digital connectors that play a crucial role in transforming industries. They act as bridges, linking our everyday machines to the digital realm, making processes more efficient. This article highlighted the importance of these devices, also called edge devices, in ensuring smooth communication between different types of networks.

We explored specific IIoT devices like Raspberry Pi and OPTO Groov, showcasing how they bring smart solutions to industrial processes. Additionally, we discussed the significance of IIoT gateways, such as cMT G01 and Nexcom CPS series, which help collect and manage data from various machines. An interesting tool, IoT Studio, was also introduced, simplifying the creation of applications for IoT devices. We briefly touched on IO-Link, a technology facilitating communication between sensors and machines in industries. In essence, IIoT devices serve as vital components, enhancing connectivity and efficiency in the dynamic landscape of industrial work.