NEWS n sfp & brainboxes.com Switch range Gigabit Ethernet SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HAS collaborated with Intel and the opensource software developer Red Hat to release a Distributed Control Node (DCN) software framework that, they say, will help to drive open automation. The framework, an extension of Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert, will allow industrial companies to migrate from vendor-specic hardware to a software-dened, plugand-produce model, thus enhancing their operations, ensuring quality, reducing complexity and optimising costs. The three collaborators say they have created a modern, network-based experience that will lead to the next generation of industrial controls. It is aligned with the goals of the Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF), which is dedicated to driving interoperability and portability. Schneider Electric and Intel rst revealed their plans to develop a DCN software framework to simplify and speed the development of software-dened control systems in 2022. “This project is the culmination of two years of co-innovation to create ecient, future-proof distributed control systems,” says Nathalie Marcotte, Schneider’s senior vice-president of process automation. “The DCN framework is key to fostering an open automation approach, enabling industrial businesses to grow and innovate for the future. Its interoperability and portability help our customers enjoy the freedom of shaping technology around their business needs – and not the other way around.” Red Hat, working with Intel, recently announced a new industrial edge platform for building and operating industrial controls. Since implementing this platform, Schneider has deployed Red Hat Device Edge in its new DCN software, combined with its own control infrastructure and a reference architecture from Intel. The framework consists of two main components: an advanced computer platform, which supervises the control workload by providing the control and automation capabilities needed to deploy workloads securely and programmatically, as well as virtualisation and monitoring functions; and the DCNs – low-power industrial devices based on Intel Atom processors, that are dedicated to running controls. “Open and interconnected commercial solutions will help to usher in the transition from xed-function proprietary devices to exible, dynamic software-based infrastructures,” says Christine Boles, vice-president of Intel’s Network and Edge Group and general manager of its Federal and Industrial Solutions activities. “Intel has a long history of driving open-system approaches across its ecosystem,” she adds. “This collaboration with Schneider Electric and Red Hat to develop a software-dened control system showcasing next-generation distributed control nodes built on general-purpose compute and operating systems, brings about this transition to the industrial sector.” www.se.com/ww/en Schneider, Intel and Red Hat offer automation framework The new DCN software framework is an extension of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert. The aim is to replace vendor-specific hardware with an open plug-and-produce architecture. For moreNews visit www.drivesncontrols.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=