U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent federal agency responsible for ensuring the safe use of nuclear materials in the United States. Its mission is to protect public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment by regulating nuclear reactors, materials, and waste.

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1. History and Formation

The NRC was established on January 19, 1975, as a result of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. This act split the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) into two separate agencies:

• The NRC – Focused on regulation and safety of nuclear materials.
• The Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) – Later merged into the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), focusing on nuclear energy research and development.

Before the NRC, the AEC both promoted nuclear power and regulated it, creating a conflict of interest. The NRC was created to ensure an independent regulatory focus.

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2. NRC Organizational Structure

The NRC is led by a five-member commission appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. One of these commissioners is designated as the Chairperson.

Key Leadership Positions:

• Chairperson: The principal executive and spokesperson for the NRC.
• Commissioners: Provide policy direction and oversee agency operations.
• Executive Director for Operations (EDO): Manages the daily operations of the NRC.
• Office of the Inspector General (OIG): Conducts audits and investigations to ensure efficiency and prevent misconduct.

Major NRC Offices:

1. Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) – Oversees the safety of nuclear power plants.
2. Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) – Regulates the use of nuclear materials.
3. Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR) – Handles security threats, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity.
4. Office of Enforcement (OE) – Investigates safety violations and enforces compliance.
5. Regional Offices (Four locations: Rockville, MD; King of Prussia, PA; Lisle, IL; Arlington, TX) – Ensure compliance at nuclear facilities across the U.S.

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3. NRC’s Regulatory Responsibilities

The NRC regulates civilian use of nuclear materials in three key areas:

A. Nuclear Power Plants

The NRC oversees commercial nuclear reactors, ensuring they comply with safety standards. This includes:

• Licensing and Permitting: New plants must pass extensive safety evaluations before being approved.
• Safety Inspections and Enforcement: NRC inspectors conduct routine inspections to ensure plants follow federal regulations.
• Event Response: NRC monitors nuclear incidents and coordinates emergency responses.

B. Nuclear Materials

The NRC regulates nuclear materials used in medical, industrial, and research applications, such as:

• Radioisotopes in medicine (e.g., for cancer treatment).
• Industrial applications (e.g., non-destructive testing).
• Research reactors at universities.

C. Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning

• Low-Level Waste (LLW): Includes contaminated gloves, tools, and medical waste.
• High-Level Waste (HLW): Includes spent nuclear fuel from power plants.
• Yucca Mountain Project: A proposed permanent disposal site for HLW, though it remains controversial.
• Decommissioning of Facilities: NRC ensures that nuclear plants and facilities are safely shut down and decontaminated after their operational life.

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4. Licensing and Regulatory Process

The NRC issues licenses for:

• Construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
• Use of radioactive materials in industry and medicine.
• Decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Types of NRC Licenses:

1. Operating License – Allows nuclear reactors to operate.
2. Combined License (COL) – Grants construction and operation approval simultaneously.
3. Materials License – Required for handling radioactive materials.

Licenses are issued after a rigorous environmental and safety review process, including public hearings and stakeholder input.

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5. Safety Standards and Enforcement

The NRC enforces nuclear safety regulations through:

• Regular Inspections at nuclear plants and materials facilities.
• Resident Inspectors stationed at each nuclear power plant.
• Event Investigations into accidents or safety concerns.
• Fines and Sanctions against facilities that violate safety regulations.

The Three Mile Island accident (1979) led to major regulatory changes, strengthening NRC oversight.

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6. Public and International Engagement

A. Public Involvement

The NRC is committed to transparency, holding:

• Public meetings and hearings.
• Open access to reports and safety evaluations.
• Public comment periods on new regulations.

B. International Cooperation

The NRC works with global regulatory bodies, such as:

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)
• Foreign nuclear regulators (e.g., Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority).

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7. Notable NRC Actions and Challenges

• Fukushima Daiichi (2011): Led to enhanced U.S. nuclear safety regulations.
• Waste Disposal Controversies: Ongoing debates on long-term storage solutions.
• New Reactor Technologies: Oversight of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Increased focus on securing nuclear facilities from cyberattacks.

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8. Conclusion

The NRC plays a critical role in ensuring the safe use of nuclear technology in the U.S. Through licensing, enforcement, and public engagement, the agency upholds strict safety standards, protecting both people and the environment. As nuclear energy evolves, the NRC continues to adapt its regulations to new challenges, including advanced reactors, nuclear security, and waste management.

Would you like more details on any specific NRC function?

Bagaimana BYD Menyelesaikan Masalah Grid dengan Pengecas Megawatt?

Mari lihat lebih dekat pengecas megawatt terbaru BYD yang menggunakan sistem penyejukan cecair sepenuhnya. Ia bukan sekadar kelajuan tetapi juga satu inovasi dalam ekonomi infrastruktur pengecasan.

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⚡ Matematik "Mustahil" yang Kini Terselesai

Pengecas megawatt tradisional memerlukan transformer besar (1,600kVA), menyebabkan beban tinggi pada grid dan kos pembinaan yang mahal. Bagaimana sistem BYD berfungsi?

Saiz Transformer Dikurangkan: Hanya 315kVA (80% lebih kecil!), mengurangkan beban grid dan menjimatkan $40,000/tahun selepas 2030.

Kos Pembinaan Separuh: Kos keseluruhan stesen turun dari ~$70,000 ke $15,000 (termasuk transformer & pembinaan).

Rahsia Teknologi: Bateri storan 225kWh yang disepadukan membantu mengimbangi permintaan grid, membolehkan pengecasan 1MW dengan daya yang jauh lebih kecil.

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🔋 Pengecasan + Storan: Gabungan Hebat

Caj 5 Minit untuk 400km: Sama pantas dengan stesen minyak, tanpa perlu menukar bateri.

Mesra Grid: Storan menyerap beban puncak, mengelakkan naik taraf grid yang mahal.

Keuntungan Tinggi: Caj ketika waktu luar puncak + pelepasan tenaga pada waktu puncak menjadikan stesen sebagai loji kuasa maya (VPP).

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🌍 Kenapa Ini Akan Jadi Viral?

1. Boleh Diperluaskan: Saiz kecil + kurang kebergantungan kepada grid = boleh dilancarkan ke seluruh negara dengan cepat.

2. Selamat dari Caj Grid 2030: Mengelak bayaran tambahan elektrik masa depan (~$4,000/sebulan setiap stesen).

3. Boom Pasaran Storan: Setiap pengecas memerlukan bateri – dengan lebih 3 juta EV di China sahaja, ini boleh mencipta pasaran storan bernilai $30 bilion (lebih besar dari storan komersial & industri!).

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📊 Perbandingan BYD vs. Pengecas Tradisional

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🔥 Gambaran Besar

"Ini bukan sekadar pengecasan – ini adalah pemodenan infrastruktur tenaga," kata Lian Yubo, Naib Presiden Kejuruteraan BYD. Dengan lebih 4,000 stesen dirancang, BYD mengubah setiap pengecas menjadi aset grid, bukan beban.

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💡 Persoalan:

Bolehkah model ini menjadikan projek storan tenaga berdiri sendiri (ESS) tidak relevan?

#BYD #StoranTenaga #PengecasanEV #GridPintar

Chips (semiconductor) Industry.

Understanding the chips (semiconductor) industry requires a multi-faceted approach, as it is a complex, capital-intensive, and strategically important sector. Here’s a structured way to get started:

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1. Industry Basics

What is a Semiconductor?

• Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between conductors (e.g., copper) and insulators (e.g., glass).
• They form the foundation of microchips (integrated circuits - ICs), which power everything from smartphones to supercomputers.

Key Semiconductor Products:

• Logic Chips: CPUs, GPUs, AI accelerators (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
• Memory Chips: DRAM, NAND Flash (Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix).
• Analog Chips: Sensors, power management ICs (Texas Instruments, Analog Devices).
• Microcontrollers (MCUs): Used in embedded systems (STMicroelectronics, NXP, Renesas).
• Specialized Chips: ASICs (e.g., Google TPUs), FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx, Intel).

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2. Supply Chain & Key Players

Global Supply Chain Segments

1. Chip Design

   • Companies like Apple, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, AMD focus on design but don’t manufacture chips.
   • They rely on Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools from Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens EDA.

2. Chip Manufacturing (Foundries)

   • Only a few companies can fabricate advanced chips: TSMC (Taiwan), Samsung (Korea), Intel (USA).
   • TSMC dominates with cutting-edge nodes (3nm, 5nm).

3. Materials & Equipment Suppliers

   • Materials: Silicon wafers (Shin-Etsu, SUMCO), photomasks, gases, chemicals.
   • Equipment: Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) machines from ASML (Netherlands), etching/deposition from Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tokyo Electron.

4. Chip Packaging & Testing

   • OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Testing) players like ASE, Amkor handle packaging.

5. End-User Companies

   • Tech firms: Apple, Google, Tesla, Microsoft.
   • Automotive: Tesla, Toyota, Ford.
   • IoT, consumer electronics, industrial automation.

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3. Business & Market Trends

Market Structure

• Fabless Model: Qualcomm, NVIDIA design but outsource manufacturing.
• Foundry Model: TSMC, Samsung manufacture chips for others.
• IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer): Intel, Samsung design & manufacture.

Key Trends

• AI & HPC (High-Performance Computing): NVIDIA, AMD, and Google are investing heavily in AI accelerators.
• Automotive Chips: As cars become more electric/autonomous, demand for power semiconductors (SiC, GaN) is rising.
• Geopolitics & Supply Chain Risks: US-China tensions affect supply chains, leading to reshoring efforts (e.g., CHIPS Act in the US).
• Moore’s Law Slowdown: As transistors approach atomic limits, alternative approaches like chiplets, 3D stacking, and photonic computing are emerging.

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4. How to Keep Up?

• Industry Reports: McKinsey, Gartner, IC Insights, TrendForce, SEMI.
• Tech Blogs & News: AnandTech, SemiEngineering, EE Times.
• Company Earnings Calls: NVIDIA, Intel, TSMC earnings reports provide insights.
• Research Papers: IEEE Xplore for semiconductor advancements.
• Conferences & Events: CES, Semicon West, Hot Chips.

Etimologi Intelektual

Berikut adalah penjelasan dalam bahasa Melayu berdasarkan gambar yang diberikan:

Jalan Menuju Menjadi Hamba yang Baik kepada Allah Taala

Orang biasa mengetahui LOTS (Lower Order of Thinking Skills – Kemahiran Pemikiran Aras Rendah). Ini merujuk kepada tahap pemikiran asas yang lebih bersifat hafalan dan pemahaman mudah.

Orang cerdik mengetahui HOTS (Higher Order of Thinking Skills – Kemahiran Pemikiran Aras Tinggi). Ini merujuk kepada pemikiran kritis, analisis, dan kreativiti dalam memahami sesuatu.

Hanya segelintir orang yang bijaksana memahami dan mengamalkan DOTS, yang merupakan tahap tertinggi dalam pemikiran, iaitu pemahaman yang mendalam dan kebijaksanaan sebenar.

Etimologi Intelektual: Perjalanan Manusia Mencari Ilmu

(Sumber rujukan: Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ahmad al-Tusi)

Dalam perjalanan intelektual seseorang, terdapat tiga peringkat utama:

1. LOTS (Lower Order Thinking Skills) – Hati Mati

Hati yang mati melambangkan seseorang yang hanya memahami ilmu secara permukaan tanpa mendalami maksud atau hikmah di sebaliknya.

Ini merujuk kepada pemikiran yang hanya bergantung kepada fakta tanpa refleksi yang mendalam.

2. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) – Hati Hidup

Hati yang hidup melambangkan seseorang yang mula memahami dan menggunakan ilmu secara lebih mendalam.

Pemikiran mereka lebih analitikal dan kreatif, membolehkan mereka menyelesaikan masalah dan membuat keputusan yang lebih baik.

3. DOTS – Hati Bersinar (Luminance Heart)

Ini adalah tahap tertinggi dalam intelektualiti dan kerohanian.

Seseorang di peringkat ini bukan sahaja memiliki ilmu dan pemikiran kritis tetapi juga kebijaksanaan sejati yang diterapkan dalam kehidupan.

Mereka memahami makna yang lebih mendalam dalam ilmu dan menggunakannya dengan cara yang memberi manfaat kepada diri sendiri dan masyarakat.

Kesimpulan

Gambar ini menggambarkan perjalanan seseorang dalam mencari ilmu, dari sekadar mengetahui maklumat asas (LOTS), kepada memahami dan mengaplikasikan ilmu dengan lebih mendalam (HOTS), sehingga mencapai tahap kebijaksanaan yang benar dan memberi cahaya kepada kehidupan (DOTS).

Konsep ini juga boleh dikaitkan dengan perjalanan seseorang dalam meningkatkan tahap keimanan dan ketakwaan kepada Allah, di mana ilmu yang sebenar bukan hanya dihafal tetapi difahami dan diamalkan dalam kehidupan seharian.

How to solve overthinking.

Overthinking can be mentally exhausting and unproductive. Here are some effective strategies to manage and reduce overthinking:

1. Identify Triggers

Notice situations, thoughts, or emotions that lead to overthinking.

Keep a journal to track recurring patterns.

2. Set Time Limits for Decisions

If making a decision, set a specific time (e.g., 10–15 minutes) to analyze options and then move forward.

Avoid perfectionism; make the best choice with the available information.

3. Engage in Mindfulness & Meditation

Practice deep breathing exercises or guided meditation to stay present.

Focus on what you can control instead of dwelling on uncertainties.

4. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Replace "What if I fail?" with "What if I succeed?"

Instead of "I can’t handle this," think, "I’ll handle it step by step."

5. Take Action

Overthinking often delays action. Break tasks into small steps and start with the easiest one.

Action reduces uncertainty and builds confidence.

6. Limit Information Consumption

Too much information can lead to analysis paralysis.

Focus on essential facts rather than endless research.

7. Use the 5-Second Rule

Count "5-4-3-2-1" and then immediately act on the thought or decision to break the overthinking cycle.

8. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity releases stress and boosts mental clarity.

Even a short walk can shift your focus away from overanalyzing.

9. Talk It Out

Discussing your thoughts with a trusted friend or mentor can offer new perspectives.

Sometimes, verbalizing a problem helps to realize it's not as big as it seemed.

10. Set Worry Time

Schedule 10–15 minutes daily to think about concerns. If worries arise outside this time, remind yourself to "save it for later."

11. Practice Self-Compassion

Accept that mistakes are part of growth.

Avoid self-criticism and focus on learning from experiences.

12. Distract Yourself

Engage in hobbies, listen to music, or read a book to shift focus.

Overthinking thrives in idleness, so stay occupied.

Ramadhan #1 - Sifat Mahmudah vs Sifat Mazmumah

Ikhlas vs Riya': Perbezaan dan Implikasinya

Ikhlas merupakan salah satu sifat mahmudah (terpuji) yang sangat penting dalam kehidupan seorang Muslim. Ia bermaksud melakukan sesuatu semata-mata kerana Allah tanpa mengharapkan sebarang balasan atau pujian daripada manusia. Sifat ini melahirkan keikhlasan hati dalam setiap amalan, menjadikan seseorang lebih tenang dan jauh daripada perasaan ingin menunjuk-nunjuk. Sebaliknya, riya’ ialah sifat mazmumah (tercela) yang merosakkan keikhlasan seseorang. Ia merujuk kepada perbuatan yang dilakukan bukan kerana Allah, tetapi untuk mendapatkan pengiktirafan atau pujian daripada manusia. Riya’ bukan sahaja menghilangkan keberkatan dalam amal ibadah, malah boleh membawa kepada kemurkaan Allah.

Maksud dan Kepentingan Ikhlas

Ikhlas berasal daripada perkataan Arab "ikhlās" yang bermaksud suci atau bersih. Dalam konteks Islam, ia merujuk kepada kesucian niat dalam setiap perbuatan, sama ada dalam ibadah, pekerjaan, atau urusan seharian. Ikhlas memastikan bahawa segala amalan diterima oleh Allah, sebagaimana firman-Nya dalam Surah Al-Bayyinah ayat 5:

"Dan mereka tidak diperintahkan melainkan supaya menyembah Allah dengan ikhlas dalam menjalankan agama yang lurus..."

Sifat ikhlas memberikan ketenangan jiwa dan mengelakkan seseorang daripada rasa kecewa jika tidak mendapat penghargaan daripada manusia. Orang yang ikhlas juga lebih fokus kepada usaha mereka kerana mereka yakin bahawa ganjaran sebenar datang daripada Allah, bukan daripada makhluk.

Maksud dan Bahaya Riya’

Riya’ berasal daripada perkataan Arab "ra`ā" yang bermaksud melihat atau memperlihatkan. Dari segi istilah, riya’ merujuk kepada sikap menunjuk-nunjuk dalam beribadah atau melakukan kebaikan demi mendapatkan pujian manusia. Sifat ini merupakan salah satu bentuk syirik kecil kerana ia menggantikan niat yang sepatutnya hanya untuk Allah dengan niat untuk mencari perhatian manusia.

Dalam sebuah hadis, Rasulullah SAW bersabda:

"Sesungguhnya perkara yang paling aku takuti terhadap kamu ialah syirik kecil." Para sahabat bertanya, "Apakah syirik kecil itu, wahai Rasulullah?" Baginda menjawab, "Riya’." (Hadis Riwayat Ahmad)

Riya’ boleh muncul dalam pelbagai bentuk. Contohnya, seseorang mungkin bersolat dengan penuh khusyuk apabila berada di hadapan orang ramai tetapi melakukannya secara sambil lewa ketika bersendirian. Ada juga yang bersedekah tetapi menghebahkannya supaya orang lain mengetahui. Sifat ini bukan sahaja menghilangkan pahala, malah boleh menyebabkan hati menjadi tidak tenang kerana sentiasa mengharapkan pengiktirafan daripada manusia.

Cara Menghindari Riya’ dan Memupuk Ikhlas

1. Memperbetulkan niat – Sebelum melakukan sesuatu, individu perlu bertanya kepada diri sendiri sama ada ia dilakukan kerana Allah atau kerana manusia. Jika ada unsur riya’, segera perbetulkan niat.
2. Menyembunyikan amal kebaikan – Seboleh mungkin, elakkan daripada menghebahkan amal kebaikan yang dilakukan, kecuali dalam keadaan yang boleh menjadi contoh kepada orang lain tanpa niat menunjuk-nunjuk.
3. Berdoa kepada Allah – Mohon perlindungan daripada sifat riya’ dengan berdoa, seperti doa yang diajarkan oleh Rasulullah SAW:
   "Ya Allah, aku berlindung kepada-Mu daripada syirik yang aku sedari dan aku memohon keampunan-Mu atas apa yang aku tidak sedari."
4. Mengingati bahawa pujian manusia tidak berkekalan – Pujian manusia hanyalah sementara, sedangkan ganjaran daripada Allah adalah kekal. Oleh itu, seseorang harus lebih mementingkan pandangan Allah daripada pandangan manusia.

Kesimpulan

Ikhlas dan riya’ merupakan dua sifat yang bertentangan, dengan ikhlas membawa keberkatan dan riya’ membawa kehancuran kepada amal ibadah seseorang. Sifat ikhlas menjadikan kehidupan lebih tenang kerana seseorang tidak bergantung kepada pengiktirafan manusia. Sebaliknya, riya’ menyebabkan seseorang hilang pahala dan hidup dalam ketidakpuasan kerana sentiasa mengharapkan pujian. Oleh itu, setiap individu harus berusaha untuk menanamkan keikhlasan dalam hati dan menjauhi sifat riya’ agar amalan mereka diterima oleh Allah serta membawa kebaikan di dunia dan akhirat.

How OPC Foundation Generate Income.

The OPC Foundation is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains OPC (OLE for Process Control) standards, primarily OPC UA (Unified Architecture), which is widely used in industrial automation, IIoT, and energy systems.

How OPC Foundation Makes Money

Since it's a non-profit, OPC Foundation doesn't generate revenue like a typical for-profit business, but it sustains itself through several key sources:

1. Membership Fees

   • Companies that want to participate in the development, testing, and certification of OPC standards pay an annual membership fee.
   • Membership is tiered:
     • Corporate Members (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Microsoft, etc.)
     • End-User Members (companies that use OPC standards in their industrial systems)
     • Associate Members (smaller firms, startups, or individuals)
   • Fees vary by membership level, with higher-tier members getting access to more benefits.

2. Certification & Compliance Testing Fees

   • OPC Foundation certifies that software and hardware products meet OPC UA compliance standards.
   • Vendors pay testing and certification fees to have their OPC UA products verified by OPC-certified laboratories.
   • This ensures interoperability and quality, giving vendors an advantage in the market.

3. Licensing & Intellectual Property (IP) Contributions

   • The OPC UA standard itself is open, but certain extensions, toolkits, or implementations may require licensing or usage agreements.
   • Some members contribute patents or IP related to OPC UA, which can be monetized in industry collaborations.

4. Training & Workshops

   • OPC Foundation organizes training sessions, webinars, and workshops to educate developers and companies on OPC UA adoption.
   • Fees for attending these sessions generate revenue.

5. Sponsorships & Partnerships

   • Large industrial companies (Siemens, Schneider, Microsoft, Honeywell, etc.) sponsor OPC Foundation events, research, and technical groups.
   • This funding supports standard development and outreach efforts.

6. Government & Research Grants

   • Since OPC UA is a key industry standard for IIoT and digital transformation, governments and research institutions fund projects where OPC UA is a critical component.
   • Grants help OPC Foundation in R&D and global adoption initiatives.

Why Companies Pay OPC Foundation?

• Access to OPC UA standards early before public release
• Participation in working groups shaping the future of OPC
• Interoperability certification boosts product adoption
• Industry influence through collaboration with key players
• Regulatory compliance (especially in industries like energy, manufacturing, and process control)

Even though OPC Foundation doesn’t make money like a typical company, its membership and certification model ensures long-term sustainability while promoting open and standardized industrial communication.

Would you like details on OPC UA's impact on energy systems or IIoT?