With XFC technology Beckhoff achieves fast and highly deterministic control solutions. The technology is based on an optimised control and communication architecture comprising an advanced industrial PC, ultra-fast I/O terminals with extended realtime characteristics, the high-speed Ethernet system EtherCAT, and TwinCAT automation software.
Beckhoff’s XFC technology offers fast I/O response (input – process – output)
With XFC it is possible to realise I/O response times and cycle times of 100 μs or better without having to give up central intelligence and associated high-level algorithms. This technology opens up new process optimisation options for the user that were not possible in the past due to technical limitations. In addition to optimised cycle time, XFC also offers high temporal accuracy and enhanced resolution.
XFC components fall into four categories:
TwinCAT
Fast realtime control software with Microsoft Windows running at down to 50 μs cycle time and using standard IEC 61131-3 programming.
EtherCAT
High speed control communication technology capable of processing distributed digital I/O signals in 30 μs and incorporating advanced realtime features such as synchronisation, time stamping and oversampling based on distributed clocks.
EtherCAT terminals
High speed I/O technology for digital and analog signal processing, supporting time stamping and oversampling to achieve timing resolution down to 10 ns.
Industrial PC
Fast CPU Industrial PC based on high-performance realtime motherboards, built in compact form factors and optimised for control applications.
All XFC components are based on open standards. This means that any engineer or programmer can develop fast, high-performance control solutions with standard components.
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The introduction of TwinCAT in 1996 marked a decisive evolutionary step for PC-based control. Today, the TwinCAT platform combines all automation functions in a strictly deterministic real-time environment, from PLC and motion control through CNC and measurement technology and beyond, to vision, robotics and pioneering AI tools.
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