PC and EtherCAT-based control technology for assembly and handling.
Assembly lines consist of several units, which are often developed and tested independently of one another. The new runtime environment of TwinCAT 3 is also modularly structured, allowing developers to make use of a large number of existing modules and combine them in a modern development environment based on Microsoft Visual Studio to form new modules or entire control programs. Both the IEC 61131-3 automation languages and C and C++ are available and can be used alongside one another. Additional development tools such as Matlab/Simulink can also be used to create modules. By means of the interaction of the TwinCAT 3 control modules via defined interfaces on a common control platform, the full performance of an industrial or embedded PC can be utilised without communication or synchronisation losses.
TwinCAT 3 can use all cores of modern CPUs and can also be used on both 32 and 64-bit systems. The TwinCAT tasks can be outsourced to different CPU cores. This further increases the performance of the PC controller and, in addition to PLC and motion control, can integrate functions such as measurement technology, condition monitoring and robotics. Beckhoff PC-based control technology provides the necessary foundation with powerful CPUs, fast I/O, the fast EtherCAT bus system and TwinCAT software.
A single platform for all automation functions Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
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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Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Spanish Group, Power Electronics has demonstrated its comprehensive expertise in sustainable energy supply in over 3000 solar and energy storage projects with a total installed capacity of 120 GW. To control its modular systems, the company relies on open, high-performance Beckhoff control technology.
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PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...Robust PLC for field applications ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.
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Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
With a seamless modular control solution from Beckhoff featuring over 500 data points and numerous ELX series terminals with intrinsically safe interfaces, Greenlight Innovation is breaking new ground in hydrogen testing.
Read more...ABB’s new flagship DCS ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.
Read more...Adroit Technologies drives global SCADA for Iochpe-Maxion Adroit Technologies
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Read more...Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.
Read more...PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
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