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Compute Module Supports Factory Automation Software Infrastructure

July 3, 2024

Rockwell International's embedded edge compute module works with the FactoryTalk framework.

Rockwell Automations' Embedded Edge Compute Module targets factory automation applications with remote support functions. It supports Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk software framework.

One of the FactoryTalk components is FactoryTalk Optix that supports communication via REST API, OPC UA and MQTT protocols. FactoryTalk Optix provides visualization support to handle human/machine interface (HMI) applications. This works with third-party controllers and displays. The software provides support for the OPC Foundation's OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA), a cross-platform, open-source, IEC62541 standard for data exchange.

Embedded Edge Compute Module is a Rockwell Automation a 1756 slot-based computer built around an NXP iMX8m Plus system-on-chip. The chip runs a multicore Arm Cortex-A53 processor plus dual image signal processors (ISP) and hardware video encode and decode support. The module includes 4 GB RAM and a 20 GB eMMC flash memory and an optional 32 GB uSD storage capability. It runs the Linux Embedded OS and includes FactoryTalk Optix Runtime Lite XS and FactoryTalk Remote Access Pro Licenses.

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