A8 Overview

Features

High-performance processor-equipped Linux-based embedded controller

Equipped with an ARM processor (Cortex-A53 Quad core 1.2GHz), enabling high-speed and stable control.

Provides control functions as embedded equipment controller (selectable via option code)

Standard License (Option code /STN): Motion Control: 8 axes, PID Control: 16 loops
Advanced License (Option code /ADV): Motion Control: 32 axes, PID Control: 64 loops
Common: EtherCAT MainDevice Function (connects to up to 128 SubDevices)

Features “Data stream” interface for hardware abstraction

Data stream is a device interface that separates software from hardware. 
It streams data acquired by devices such as sensors, actuators, and communication services, constantly providing the latest information to programs.
Hardware and software are connected via tags on the data stream, enabling programs to be written without awareness of hardware specifications, thereby shortening development time and improving reusability.

De facto standard development environment

Visual Studio Code, which is widely used by programmers worldwide, is used as the development environment.
The development language supports C/C++.

Configuration tool

This configuration tool determines A8's operation, including data stream. 
It enables assignments of data stream tags handled by data stream and communication settings. The configuration files generated by this tool synchronize hardware and software.

Robust security features

In addition to role-based login permission settings, features such as project file encryption and malware protection through TPM* implementation help protecting customer’s software assets and contribute to stable factory operations.
* TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security-specific hardware chip embedded in control devices.

 

 

Write only valuable programs

A8 adopts the data stream architecture, which centrally manages all information required for control. Data stream completely separates hardware and software dependencies, enabling parallel development of design and implementation. This significantly enhances development speed and flexibility.

Data stream

Data stream is a mechanism that automatically reflects input/output data such as I/O and communication data, enabling unified access from user programs. Programs access tag data associated with the device linked to the data stream, rather than the device itself, making data-centric programming possible.

Relationship Between Programs and Hardware

Programmers or Developers or Designers or something else that is specific can focus on building control algorithms

Programs no longer require "code necessary to run control algorithms," such as I/O settings or data acquisition.
Designers can concentrate on building high-value-added control algorithms.

 

New form of real-time control

By inter-controller synchronization across and DC synchronization across EtherCAT devices, it enables high-precision control with ±1μs accuracy. This innovative synchronization technology precisely coordinates complex operations while maintaining time consistency across the entire control system. Furthermore, the stable control foundation provided by real-time control and the utilization of metadata like timestamps achieve unprecedented "time-sensitive control".

Timestamp

Since timestamps can be used as event triggers, processing can be based on the absolute "timestamp" rather than relative "time".
This eliminates the need for timers or counters for event monitoring, simplifying programs and reducing CPU load.

Inter-controller time synchronization

Time synchronization is possible up to 16 A8 units via inter-controller communication with time synchronization functionality. This synchronized A8 network allows each CPU to analyze device information updated by other CPUs in chronological order during its own processing. This enables distributed control that was unattainable with conventional control methods focused solely on detecting device changes.

 

Adopts globally standard networks

Adopts OPC UA and EtherCAT, widely used in factories worldwide. Provides secure communication with higher-level systems via OPC UA while delivering real-time control through EtherCAT.

 

Control security

Reliable security features safeguard stable operation and protect critical software assets. 
In addition to role-based access controls, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is implemented to defend against malware and advanced cyberattacks. 
This design delivers strong protection against external threats while remaining flexible enough to meet the increasingly stringent cybersecurity requirements expected of future manufacturing equipment.

 

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About OpreX

OpreX Control Devices belongs to the OpreX Control category of the comprehensive OpreX brand for Yokogawa’s industrial automation (IA) and control business. In addition to various types of controllers, this lineup includes a number of related tools.