IoT using OPC and MQTT with SparkplugB bridges the gap between traditional industrial systems and modern IoT infrastructure. By combining OPC UA and OPC DA with MQTT and SparkplugB, this tool enables secure, real-time communication across unreliable networks without the overhead of cloud dependencies or middleware.
Designed with engineers in mind, it runs without installation, supports bidirectional data flow, and logs only the data that matters. Whether you’re integrating with SCADA, edge devices, or remote analytics platforms, this solution delivers dependable, structured data fast and without complexity.
Specifications
Real-Time Data Collection from OPC UA and DA
Continuously pulls live values from OPC UA and legacy OPC DA servers to ensure accurate, up-to-the-second visibility into your operations.
Native MQTT with SparkplugB Support
Publishes and subscribes to structured data using MQTT and SparkplugB, enabling reliable, low-bandwidth communication with built-in state awareness.
Store-and-Forward Capability
Locally buffers data during communication failures and forwards it once the connection is restored, preventing data loss in unstable network conditions.
Event-Based Logging
Captures data only when changes or specific events occur, reducing unnecessary storage and making logged data more meaningful.
Bulk Configuration via CSV
Enables rapid setup by importing thousands of data points using CSV files, significantly reducing configuration time for large systems.
Runs as a Windows Service
Automatically starts with Windows and runs in the background, supporting unattended operation and system reboots without manual intervention.
Read and Write Between OPC and MQTT
It supports bidirectional data flow—read from MQTT and write to OPC or vice versa—enabling closed-loop communication between systems.
Secure Data Transmission with TLS and Access Control
Uses TLS encryption, authenticated logins, and access control lists to ensure data integrity and restrict unauthorized access.
No Installation Required
Executes as a standalone application without registry changes, admin privileges, or dependencies, simplifying deployment in restricted IT environments.
Flexible Data Storage in CSV or SQL
Archiving data directly into flat files or relational databases gives users control over data format and makes integration with other tools straightforward.
OPC Expert as a Publisher
OPC Expert captures real-time data using a variety of methods, including OPC UA and OPC DA. OPC Expert sends this data to an MQTT (SparkplugB) broker. When communication is not available (due to disconnections or network faults), OPC Expert stores all data and forwards it when the connection is restored.
OPC Expert as a Subscriber
OPC Expert connects to MQTT brokers as a subscriber and enables users to capture data and send it to Microsoft SQL servers, CSV files, Excel, etc.
Bulk Configuration
OPC Expert’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add a few items at a time. But when users must configure OPC Expert to capture thousands of items, OPC Experts enables them to import CSV files for bulk configuration. This enables integrators to combine the power of Excel’s efficient editing features to create CSV files. OPC Expert reads these files and automatically sets up communication.
Run Archive Server as a Windows Service
- OPC Expert Archive Server starts automatically upon restart
- OPC Expert Archive Server continues running in the event the user is logged off
Change Item Update Rate
Users can change update rates for individual items. This enables users to manage the amount of hard disk space archive files use and the amount of data source server load. This enables OPC Expert to:
⦁ Reduce file size when data does not change often
⦁ Improve accuracy of data capture (more updates per second)
⦁ Users can change the default option to store data regardless of change, or even store data based on events (related video)
Store-and-Forward
When OPC Expert loses communication with an MQTT broker, OPC Expert stores all data locally. When connections return, OPC Expert forwards all data to MQTT broker thus preventing data loss. When reconnecting, OPC Expert enables users to throttle MQTT calls to prevent connection congestion. More details at OPC Expert Store-and-Forward.
What is MQTT?
MQTT is a communication protocol used in low-bandwidth data communications between client applications and devices. MQTT is used primarily in Internet-of-things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) applications. MQTT protocol uses a publisher/subscriber method of communication, where communication between devices is handled by a broker. The broker’s role is to receive and disseminate information, determining the appropriate place to send messages.
MQTT does require an internet connection, but is designed to be run on unstable networks. The broker is able to hold onto messages and send them once connection is established. The broker will hold onto messages, and send them over time once connected in order to maintain the connection.
