FunctionalEntities encapsulate logical functionality. The OPC UA FX Information Model defines an Object Model for FunctionalEntities. Figure 5 illustrates the Object Model, which includes general information about the FunctionalEntityType, its input variables, output variables, and diagnostic information. FunctionalEntities can be nested or have relationships to other FunctionalEntities. The Object Model also includes a representation of Connections (communication) between FunctionalEntities.

Figure 5 – FunctionalEntity illustration

FunctionalEntities are designed to describe the functionality of any complexity ranging from an acquisition of a single measured value to controlling an entire machine or production line. FunctionalEntities can be preconfigured and fixed, e.g., in a device such as a drive, or they can be dynamically created during engineering or at run time, e.g., in a programmable device such as a controller.