Module Type Package – MTP
MTP standardizes the integration of modular plant components and enables their cross-vendor integration into flexible production systems
Quick read
Module Type Package (MTP) is a vendor-neutral standard for the configuration and integration of modularized production systems and enables the rapid integration of system modules into higher-level automation systems. MTP defines the functional characteristics and interfaces of Process Equipment Assemblies (PEAs) regardless of the manufacturer or technology used. Among other things, MTP includes descriptions of user interfaces and data objects required for the integration of a module. TURCK supports MTP for modular plant concepts in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and process industries. MTP uses OPC UA as a platform-independent communication standard between plant modules and the Process Orchestration Layer (POL). MTP is developed by NAMUR and ZVEI, while the PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO) and Profinet International (PI) are responsible for further development and quality assurance.
What is MTP?
MTP stands for “Module Type Package” and refers to a cross-vendor standard for the quick and easy configuration and implementation of modularized production systems. MTPs define the properties and interfaces of plant modules (Process Equipment Assemblies, PEAs) at the functional level, regardless of technology or manufacturer, thereby ensuring compatibility. The goal is to make it easier to replace plant modules and to get them up and running even faster. An MTP contains all the information required to integrate a module into a modular system, such as descriptions of user interfaces and data objects.
In terms of how they work, Module Type Packages are comparable to printer drivers. Here, the MTP corresponds to the printer driver, the module to the printer, and the PC to the higher-level control system (Process Orchestration Layer, POL). The POL reads the MTP file created using CODESYS and processes it. It identifies the module’s function and builds its process control based on the description in the MTP file.
The instructions are then communicated via the platform-independent data transfer standard OPC UA. This approach allows plant modules from different manufacturers to be used flexibly and easily interconnected to form complex complete plants. MTPs significantly reduce the engineering effort required for modular plants and enable the construction of true “plug-and-produce” plants.
Modular systems are already widely used, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, but also in the food industry. In other industries of the process industry as well, there is a growing recognition that modularization in chemical production—including the integration of package units via MTP—offers many benefits.
Who is behind MTP?
MTP was established and developed by NAMUR and ZVEI. The PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO) and PROFINET (PI) are responsible for the further development, quality assurance, and international adoption of MTP.
What are the benefits of MTP?
The key benefit of the MTP (Module Type Package) is a significant reduction in time to market (TTM). Decentralized automation with modular systems opens up new avenues for greater flexibility and economic efficiency. However, individual customer requirements as well as various control and supervisory systems often pose an obstacle to Modularization, since without standardized interface definitions—such as those offered by MTPs—they cannot be adequately mapped through modular architectures.
The process systems are not flexible enough to allow for short-term adjustments and changes. Control systems cannot automatically recognize the system modules. There is a lack of semantics that would allow control systems to assign functions and tasks to the modules. As a result, the benefits of the modular design are negated by the additional effort required to integrate the modules. This is exactly where MTP comes in.
Benefits of TURCK solutions
TURCK’s decentralized automation solutions break down rigid hierarchies by equipping machine modules with autonomous decision-making capabilities. This significantly reduces the load on the central control system and minimizes wiring requirements, resulting in a substantial cost advantage. In addition, minimized wiring reduces potential sources of error and, consequently, maintenance costs. With its product portfolio, TURCK can offer a wide variety of MTP solutions for end-to-end Modularization in production.
For example, TURCK’s compact edge controllers can control machine modules such as skids—for instance, fermenters or agitators—completely autonomously. Not only are the control tasks of the edge controllers programmed in CODESYS, but so are the preprocessing and filtering of the data. This effectively reduces the data stream to the cloud, which not only has positive effects on bandwidth but also offers a security advantage. The globally proven, vendor-neutral CODESYS system platform allows the use of different fieldbus and Ethernet protocols within a single automation system.
The Edge Controller generates the MTP file based on CODESYS. It is then stored and installed in the Process Orchestration Layer (POL). Instructions are communicated via the industry-standard OPC UA protocol, which is supported by a wide range of devices from various manufacturers. Using the MTP, PEAs (Process Equipment Assemblies) can be quickly integrated into modular plants. It thus provides the foundation for end-to-end Modularization in production, enables rapid commissioning, and thereby facilitates “Plug and Produce.”
With its extensive range of IP67 products, TURCK enables the creation of completely cabinet-free solutions, both in safe and Ex areas. In addition, the BL20 I/O system provides an IP20 solution for use in non-hazardous areas. The highly available IP20 I/O system excom can be installed either in Ex zones 2 and 1 or in non-hazardous areas.
Benefits
Quick commissioning
TURCK's Edge Controllers provide decentralized, self-contained control of system modules. The IP67 solution reduces wiring effort and commissioning time and can be easily expanded.
Greater flexibility
Whether a system module is to be used in Ex zone 1 or 2 or in a safe area, TURCK offers the right solutions for every application scenario.
Unique
With its Edge Controllers, TURCK offers what is currently the only fully decentralized IP67 solution on the market for potentially explosive environments.
Downloads and Products
Learn more about MTP in the pharmaceutical industry
Module Type Package (MTP) at TURCK: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MTP, and what is it used for?
MTP is a vendor-neutral standard for the integration of modular production systems. MTP defines the characteristics and interfaces of system modules at the functional level and enables their integration into higher-level automation systems. TURCK positions MTP specifically for modular plant concepts in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and process industries.
2. What role do process equipment assemblies play at MTP?
Process Equipment Assemblies (PEAs) are the plant modules whose characteristics are described by MTP. MTP defines the functional interfaces of these modules independently of the manufacturer and technology. This makes it easier to integrate Process Equipment Assemblies into modular production plants and to replace them as needed.
3. What information does an MTP contain?
An MTP contains all the information required to integrate a module into a modular system. This includes, among other things, descriptions of user interfaces and data objects. MTP provides this information in a standardized format so that higher-level systems can recognize and utilize a module's functions.
4. How does communication with MTP work?
MTP uses OPC UA as a platform-independent communication standard. Communication between the Process Orchestration Layer (POL) and the plant modules takes place via this standard. TURCK describes OPC UA as the foundation for flexibly combining modules from different manufacturers and integrating them into complete plant systems.
5. What is the Process Orchestration Layer in MTP?
The Process Orchestration Layer (POL) is the top-level control layer within an MTP architecture. The POL reads the MTP file, identifies a module’s functions, and uses this information to establish process control. MTP thus enables the standardized integration of various plant modules.
6. How does CODESYS support the implementation of MTP?
MTP can be used with an MTP file created using CODESYS. The Process Orchestration Layer processes the MTP file and identifies the function of each module. TURCK describes CODESYS in the context of creating the files required for the integration of plant modules.
7. What benefits does MTP offer for the interoperability of modular systems?
MTP ensures compatibility between system modules from different manufacturers. MTP defines interfaces and functions at a standardized level, so that a module's technology and manufacturer are not critical to its integration. This allows modules to be combined flexibly.
8. What is the meaning of MTP for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries?
According to the source, MTP is used primarily in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Modular systems are already widely used in these sectors. MTP supports the integration of individual system modules and enables the creation of modular production environments with standardized interfaces.
9. What costs or licensing models should be taken into account with MTP?
The source code contains no information regarding costs, licensing models, or software fees for MTP. The source describes MTP as a standard for the integration of modular production systems. No further economic or licensing information is provided.
10. In what applications is MTP used?
MTP is primarily used in modular production facilities in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and process industries. One example is the integration of individual skids or process modules into a larger production facility. MTP enables the standardized integration of modules from different manufacturers.