The main functions of a PROFINET Encoder are defined by the Encoder Object (EO). The general architecture of an Encoder Object is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 – General Encoder Object architecture ([ENCP] chapter 5.2.3)
As defined in [ENCP], the EO shall have the following minimum functionality:
- Parameters
- Measuring task
- IO Data (setpoint values, actual values)
- Support for diagnosis mechanism
- Clock synchronous operation
- Fault buffer
The OPC UA for PROFINET Encoder Information Model provides access to parameters, IO Data, diagnosis, and fault buffer information.