In Europe, communication between telecontrol master stations and substations is generally based on standardised IEC 60870-5 protocols. Standard 101 has been defined for serial communication and standard 104 for IP-based communication. Beckhoff supports these standards with PLC libraries for TwinCAT automation software.
The slave implementations for the 101 and 104 protocols, developed by Beckhoff as pure PLC libraries, are already being used in a wide range of applications. Embedded PCs from the CX family are generally used as CPUs. However, some applications require a device to simultaneously operate in slave and master mode. This device acts as a slave connected to a master station and, at the same time, as a master for subordinate devices. Therefore, a new PLC library referred to as 'TwinCAT PLC IEC 60870-5-104 master' providing master functionality for the 104 protocol has been developed. The slave and master process images can be easily synchronised.
TwinCAT automation software integrates realtime control with PLC systems, NC axis control and a programming environment in a single, dynamic package. The software PLC/NC/CNC is embedded in Microsoft operating systems Windows NT/2000/XP. Programming is based on the globally-recognised IEC 61131-3 standards. TwinCAT links to all common fieldbuses and PC interfaces for I/O signals.
PC-based control in the plastics industry Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
Read more...How one manufacturer gained live inventory control Rockwell Automation
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
A metal forming company that provides laser blanking, press brake forming, welding and powder coating to OEMs recognised the need for a more advanced ERP system after relying on the same solution for over 15 years.
Read more...Intuitive CNC HMIs with simulation functionality Beckhoff Automation
SCADA/HMI
The TwinCAT 3 automation software from Beckhoff offers two new function libraries for CNC-specific user interfaces. These were used to create an advanced, intuitive HMI application specifically for CNC purposes and to simulate part machining using real-time data.
Read more...PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
Read more...Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
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