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OPC UA

OPC UA — OPC Unified Architecture

The modern platform-independent OPC standard for secure industrial communication and information modeling.

Definition

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is the latest generation of the OPC interoperability standards, providing secure, platform-independent communication, information modeling and interoperability between industrial devices, control systems and enterprise applications. It supports integrated data exchange, alarms, events, historical data and complex object models across heterogeneous industrial environments.

Why It Matters

OPC UA enables secure, scalable and platform-independent industrial interoperability across modern automation systems.

In Practice

Unlike OPC Classic, OPC UA is independent of Microsoft COM/DCOM technology and incorporates built-in security, standardized information models and support for modern industrial communication architectures.

Common Misuse

OPC Unified Architecture is the current generation of the OPC standards, whereas OPC Classic comprises the earlier COM/DCOM-based specifications such as OPC DA, HDA and A&E.

Term Details
Synonyms:
OPC UA; OPC Unified Architecture; Unified Architecture; OPCUA
Classification:
Standards, Codes & Regulations
Standard
Advanced
Applications

Industrial Automation; Information Management; System Integration.

Where It's Used

Industrial automation.; Manufacturing.; Oil and gas.; Utilities.; Digital twins.

References

IEC 62541

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