Edge Device

Hardware, software, and commissioning of the ENLYZE Edge Device

The Edge Device was previously known under the product name SPARK. If you encounter the name SPARK in existing documents or guides, it refers to the same device.

The edge capabilities of the ENLYZE Platform are powered by two components:

• the hardware: the Edge Device

• the user interface: ENLYZE EDGE

Together, they form the central interface between your OT environment (e.g. machines, PLCs, sensors) and the ENLYZE Manufacturing Data Platform. The Edge Device collects relevant operational and machine data directly on site ("at the edge") and securely transmits it to the ENLYZE Cloud.

ENLYZE Edge Device

Hardware

The ENLYZE Edge Device is the hardware component of the ENLYZE Platform. It establishes the physical connection between data sources (machines, PLCs, sensors, MES, ERP systems) and the ENLYZE Manufacturing Data Platform.

The Edge Device is fully operated and maintained by ENLYZE. It receives continuous enhancements and security patches via Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

ENLYZE places the highest importance on data privacy and network security. Edge Devices are designed to integrate securely into both IT and OT networks without compromising existing structures. For this reason, Edge Devices are not operated as routers. This ensures that segmented networks remain segmented, your OT network stays isolated from the internet. For more details, refer to our IT security whitepaper.

Hardware configuration

The Edge Device is currently based on a passively cooled, energy-efficient single-board computer (SBC) with a quad-core AMD processor, 4 GB RAM, and three network interfaces.

Physical interfaces

Schematic back view of an Edge Device

The illustration above shows the available ports on the Edge Device:

• Serial - Used exclusively by ENLYZE (e.g. for on-site maintenance)

• Internet / eth0 - Connection to the internet

• Machine / eth1 - Connection to the machine network or directly to the controller

• Service / eth2 - Access to the ENLYZE EDGE user interface for configuration

• USB - Integration of external devices (e.g. Modbus via serial-to-USB adapter) and factory reset functionality

• Power - Power supply for the Edge Device

Operating system

The Edge Device runs a custom ENLYZE-configured operating system, built on the Yocto Project. This architecture minimizes the attack surface of devices deployed in customer networks and gives ENLYZE full control over the services running on each unit. It also enables us to rapidly deploy CVE patches to all devices.

Setup

The following diagram illustrates an integrated Edge Device within an example customer infrastructure. In general, the commissioning of an Edge Device can be divided into two distinct steps:

• Integration into a network with internet access - The goal here is to establish a connection between the Edge Device and the ENLYZE Manufacturing Data Platform.

• Connecting data sources or integration into an OT/machine network - This step focuses on establishing a connection to relevant data sources (PLCs, sensors, etc.) that are to be read out.

Schematic representation of an Edge Device integrated into the customer's network infrastructure

You will be guided through all the necessary steps for a successful integration:

1. Preparations - These should be completed before the actual integration process.

2. Installation - Physical installation and network cabling of the Edge Device.

3. Connecting to the Manufacturing Data Platform - Network configuration and connection setup.