After launching the XP340, PLC with WebServer support, and adding new functionalities for the CAN interface of Xpress solution, the Nexto family of programmable controllers now gains a new feature. By updating your controller's firmware to the latest version and the MasterTool IEC XE programming software to version 3.20, all your Nexto Series products will now support the MQTT protocol. The new feature further increases the connectivity of Altus technology and brings your business closer to the reality of Industry 4.0.
The functionality was already available for testing in all Nexto Xpress solution products since firmware version 1.8.5.0. The feature consists of a function block that allows the user to establish communication with an MQTT broker for the purpose of performing different configurations, such as determining a client ID. In addition, the device also makes it possible to perform multiple subscriptions and publications simultaneously in order to make sending and receiving messages easier for applications that use the Series controllers.
Why use the MQTT protocol?
One of the most widely used standards for communication in IoT environments, Message Queue Telemetry Transport, as its name suggests, is a messaging protocol with support for asynchronous communication between parties, that is, it decouples the sender and receiver of the message both in space and time and, therefore, is scalable in network environments that are not reliable.
Because of its lightweight and flexible structure, MQTT has become one of the best protocols for developing applications with a high degree of connectivity. While its lightweight nature allows it to be used on highly restricted device hardware or on networks with limited bandwidth and high latency, the flexibility found in the standard enables support for a variety of application scenarios for IoT devices and services.
These characteristics differentiate MQTT from other Ethernet protocols which, because they are based on HTTP, present significant speed, reliability and performance issues.
MQTT in Altus solutions
Today, in addition to Nexto programmable controllers, the MQTT protocol is also available in the supervisory software HMI/SCADA BluePlant. To use it in applications with Altus products you will need an MQTT broker, such as Eclipse Mosquitto, available free of charge for download here.
Learn more about the protocol in the article MQTT applied to IoT systems, written by our colleague Igor Franco in the Perspectivas section.
