Parallel IT/OT Connectivity

PLCs require process data running on deterministic communication protocols. Analytics and AI driven use cases rely on full-bandwidth process data at high sampling rates accessible via IT Ethernet protocols, which traditionally fall into a separate, dedicated device category. This white paper explains how digiBOX Industrial handles both tasks in a single stand-alone device, eliminating the need for multiple hardware platforms.

Topics covered:

• How communication tasks are divided, with fieldbus and I/O for real-time control, MQTT for states and key values, openAPI for parameterisation and MES integration, and openDAQ™ for complete data streams of up to 40 kS/s per channel
  
  
• Four application scenarios, covering condition monitoring of a joining station, recipe-controlled changeover, a reference dataset for AI-based quality assessment, and a digital process twin
  
  
• The measurement principles behind these applications, including sample-synchronous 24-bit acquisition for strain-gauge and piezoelectric sensors on a common time base, with a shared object dictionary across all interfaces
  
  
• Network and security recommendations, including where TLS applies, how to segment IT and OT networks, and how the system responds if the broker or analytics PC fails
  
  
• A six-step approach to implementing a pilot station, from defining the required time resolution to verifying safe operating states