Input

This section covers Benthos input plugins for collecting data from various industrial systems and protocols. Input plugins allow you to ingest data from PLCs, sensors, and other industrial devices into your Benthos data pipelines.

Available Input Plugins

• OPC UA Input - Connects to OPC UA servers to browse and subscribe to nodes. Supports various data types, authentication methods, and provides comprehensive metadata for each message.

• Modbus - Communicates with Modbus devices supporting coils, discrete inputs, holding registers, and input registers. Features register optimization, device-specific workarounds, and extensive configuration options.

• ifm IO-Link Master / SensorConnect - Integrates with ifm electronic's IO-Link Master devices (AL1350, AL1352) and EIO404 Bluetooth mesh stations. Processes sensor data using IODD files for human-readable output.

• Beckhoff ADS (Community) - Community-supported plugin for Beckhoff's ADS protocol. Supports batch reading, notifications, and symbol-based communication with Beckhoff PLCs.

• More Input Plugins - Additional built-in input plugins available in Benthos/Redpanda Connect for various data sources.

Choosing the Right Input Plugin

• Use OPC UA Input for modern industrial systems that support the OPC UA standard

• Use Modbus for legacy industrial devices and PLCs that communicate via Modbus protocol

• Use ifm IO-Link Master when working with ifm electronic's IO-Link infrastructure and sensors

• Use Beckhoff ADS specifically for Beckhoff PLC systems and TwinCAT environments

• Explore additional input plugins for other protocols like HTTP, MQTT, databases, file systems, and more