<aside> 💡 Special thanks to my Manager, Kyle Johnson, and the Controls Engineering Team at H&P for providing me with a great learning environment and work experience.
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The internship focused on the development of a stable communication channel between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a server, utilizing the Pub/Sub architecture, MQTT-based communication systems, and the EtherNET/IP protocol. By integrating these technologies, the internship aimed to establish a seamless transfer of data tags for centralized analysis.
Utilizing MQTT's Publish/Subscribe (Pub/Sub) architecture, asynchronous communication between devices was achieved, promoting scalability, flexibility, and loose coupling. JSON emerged as the optimal method for formatting data tags into byte arrays, ensuring lightweight and human-readable data transmission. JSON's support for arrays and data validation through JSON Schemas further enhanced the reliability and efficiency of the communication system.
The integration of the PLC into the existing EtherNET/IP network entailed addressing synchronization challenges and maintaining consistent data values across the network. The network's robustness, supported by fiber optic cables and local IP addresses for devices, facilitated seamless communication and simplified device identification.
The importance of documentation in the corporate setting was also emphasized throughout the internship. This involved creating an engineering wiki, installation manuals, and comprehensive diagrams to facilitate knowledge sharing and future project replication.
Challenges related to network configurations, JSON formatting, and transmitting large data volumes were overcome through collaborative problem-solving and thorough research. The results showcase the effectiveness of the implemented solutions and highlight the significance of effective communication within industrial environments.
In conclusion, this internship experience prepared me for the dynamic corporate world, equipping me with practical skills, industry knowledge, and a growth-oriented mindset. The findings contribute to the understanding of MQTT communications, JSON formatting, and the integration of PLCs into EtherNET/IP networks. The internship was transformative and enriching, solidifying my passion for industrial automation and providing a strong foundation for future endeavors in the field.