Introduction
The Module Type Package (MTP) is a standardized, vendor-neutral concept for modular automation that enables Plug & Produce integration of automation modules with orchestration systems. It provides a machine-readable description of module interfaces, services, and visualization elements to support scalable and flexible automation architectures.
B&R provides native support for MTP based modular architecture.
Motivation for MTP-Based Modular Automation
Conventional automation systems are often complex, rigid, and costly to adapt. Typical challenges include:
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Custom engineering for every project with limited reuse
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Tight vendor coupling, making multi-vendor integration difficult
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Long integration and commissioning times
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Limited scalability over the system lifecycle
These issues result in automation systems that are difficult to modify or expand once deployed.
Value of Modular Automation with MTP
MTP addresses these challenges by introducing standardized, vendor-independent module descriptions. Key benefits include:
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Standardized interfaces enabling integration without custom engineering
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Vendor-neutral module descriptions supporting multi-vendor systems
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Faster commissioning and reduced project risk
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Scalability across the entire plant lifecycle
MTP acts as a common language that turns individual modules into a coherent automation system.
What Is an MTP?
An MTP is a standardized, machine-readable description of an automation module. It serves as the digital link between:
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The physical module (machine or process unit)
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The orchestration layer (DCS or SCADA system)
An MTP package includes:
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Interface definitions
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Services and operational states
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Parameters
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Alarm and event information
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Visualization (HMI) metadata
It is based on open technologies such as OPC UA and is portable across engineering and orchestration tools.
Standardization Background and Outlook
The MTP concept originated in NAMUR as an industry-driven approach to modular automation. It is:
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Built on open technologies (e.g. OPC UA)
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Supported by cross-industry collaboration
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On the path toward international standardization under IEC 63280
This evolution aims to ensure long-term interoperability and global acceptance of MTP-based architectures.
Overall Architecture: POL and PEA
MTP-based systems follow a layered architecture:
Process Orchestration Layer (POL)
- Responsible for orchestration, operations, and supervisory control
Process Equipment Assembly (PEA)
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Contains the individual automation modules
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Each module exposes a standardized MTP description
The two layers communicate via a defined architecture network using standardized module descriptions.
Architecture Independence and Industry Coverage
The MTP architecture is independent of specific systems and industries. It supports:
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Different DCS and SCADA systems
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Modules from various industries, including:
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Energy (e.g. electrolyzers)
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Maritime (e.g. propulsion systems)
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Consumer packaged goods (e.g. filling modules)
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Life sciences (e.g. sterilizers)
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The only requirement is support for the MTP standard on the orchestration side.
Openness and Market Neutrality
MTP promotes an open and market-neutral automation ecosystem by allowing:
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Integration of third-party modules
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Use of different orchestration systems
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Combination of modules and tools from multiple vendors
This openness enables flexible plant designs and reduces dependency on single suppliers.
Overall Architecture: B&R + ABB Solution
The joint B&R and ABB solution demonstrates how MTP-based modular automation can be implemented in a multi-vendor environment while maintaining a clear separation of responsibilities.
In this architecture:
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B&R implements the Process Equipment Assembly (PEA)
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Module-level control logic
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Execution of services and states
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OPC UA communication interface
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MTP-based module descriptions
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ABB implements the Process Orchestration Layer (POL)
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Process orchestration and sequencing
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Supervisory control and operations
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Integration of multiple MTP-described modules
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The MTP package acts as the standardized interface between the B&R-controlled modules and the ABB orchestration system. It defines services, parameters, diagnostics, and visualization metadata used by the orchestration layer.
This architecture enables:
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Decoupled engineering of modules and orchestration
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Integration of B&R modules into ABB orchestration systems
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Extension with third-party modules or orchestration systems supporting MTP
The B&R + ABB solution illustrates how MTP supports modular, scalable, and vendor-neutral automation architectures in real-world applications.
From MTP to Executable Automation
MTP packages can be imported into automation engineering environments to generate executable automation projects. The import process enables:
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Automatic generation of OPC UA interfaces
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Creation of diagnostics (alarms and events)
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Generation of visualization (HMI) elements
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Creation of service structures and tasks
Depending on the toolchain, logic generation may also be supported.
Application Example: Modular Production
A modular production pilot demonstrates MTP in a real process application:
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Electrolyzer-based modular system
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MTP-based module descriptions
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OPC UA communication between modules and orchestration
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Clear separation of POL and PEA
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Scalable architecture
Summary
MTP provides a standardized, vendor-neutral foundation for modular automation by defining machine-readable module descriptions and a clear separation between orchestration and module control. Within the B&R automation environment, MTP packages can be imported and transformed into executable automation projects, including standardized interfaces, services, diagnostics, and OPC UA connectivity. This enables MTP to be used not only as an interface specification, but as a practical engineering artifact in modular automation projects.
Follow up
MTP Engineering Workflow with B&R: From Module Designer to Automation Studio Project