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.
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...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.
Read more...Full HD rugged tablet built for clarity Vepac Electronics
Industrial Computer Hardware
The Winmate D140 is a 35 cm full-HD rugged tablet built for clarity, speed and durability, with Intel Core performance, IP65 and Military Standard protection and built-in cooling fan.
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