Protocol Converter

A Protocol Converter is a Data Flow Component designed to ingest data from various sources into the Unified Namespace.

Features

Extensive Input Support

Leverages Redpanda Connect's support for over 50 inputs, including:

Manufacturing-Specific Protocols

With benthos-umh, we've added protocols tailored for manufacturing:

  • OPC UA, including auto-browse and subscribe for folder nodes.
  • s7comm, for Siemens S7 without Optimized Block Access
  • Modbus for Modbus over TCP/IP
  • Community-supported protocols like Beckhoff ADS

Robust Testing

All officially supported protocols are automatically tested before each release against a wide range of PLCs and servers, including WAGO PFC100/PFC200, Siemens S7-1200, Prosys, Kepware, Softing DataFeed, and various public simulators.

Simplified Configuration

Save time when setting up new devices

  • Auto-Detection: Automatically detects many configuration parameters, such as browsing and subscribing to all child nodes in OPC UA or selecting the correct OPC UA endpoint.
  • Minimal Manual Setup: Use the Management Console to select the protocol. Most configurations are auto-detected based on existing information like the Connection, which includes IP, Port, and location details (enterprise, site, area, etc.).
  • Easy Tag Extraction: For OPC UA, point to a NodeID and an existing connection, and the Protocol Converter will extract tags and sort them into your Unified Namespace under the specified location.

Advanced Customization

Designed for power users.

  • Fine-Tuning: Use Bloblang or JavaScript to fine-tune configurations. Supports Report-by-Exception, RegEx, and more.
  • Alternative Tools: If Benthos isn't suitable or lacks a connector, you can use Node-RED or deploy any other commercial protocol converter within the UMH.
  • Templating (upcoming): Create once a protocol converter, add templating variables, and then scale them out across multiple Connections. For fine-tuning, simply adjust the variables in the Connections UI.

Efficient Troubleshooting

You cannot influence real-world operations, but you can influence how quick you are able to resolve any issues arising from them.

  • Network Issues: The Connections feature alerts you if a device is unreachable or if there are connectivity issues.
  • Protocol Converter Errors: Any startup issues or infrastructure related errors with the Protocol Converter are displayed prominently.
  • Log Monitoring: Warnings or errors in the Protocol Converter logs are visible within the Management Console
  • Data Flow Insights: Monitor data throughput to identify if no data is flowing or if there are data spikes.
  • Remote Access: Access logs of each Protocol Converter and view Benthos metrics remotely

Management Console

Connect. Integrate. Analyze. Our platform links operations with a Unified Namespace message broker, while tracking historical data and delivering real-time shop floor KPIs and analytics.

Accessible

Unite all data in a single point with our real-time and event driven architecture: the Unified Namespace

Manageable

Gain full control and transparency over your IT and OT systems

Resilient

Built with scaleable & proven cloud native technologies on top of established automation standards

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