PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Extended safety functions in TwinCAT 3

October 2011 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

Integrated engineering concept and scalable safety runtime on an IPC.

With the introduction of the new TwinCAT 3 software generation, Beckhoff offers a pure software safety technology which features additional functions for engineering and runtime. The new concept offers a choice of programming languages and therefore increases the flexibility and application range for safety applications. In addition to the familiar function block diagram language (FBD), safety programming can also be accomplished in the high-level C programming language.

New safety editors are part of the TwinCAT 3 engineering environment, which is fully integrated in Microsoft Visual Studio. The familiar development tool is consistently used for programming of safety, PLC, motion control or visualisation applications. TwinCAT 3 offers all the functionality required for the safety process in a single software offering: configuration, programming, diagnostics and the TwinSAFE Calculator for calculating the safety performance level according to the new European machinery directive.

TwinSAFE scalable safety solution

TwinSAFE is a proven safety solution with scalable software and hardware components. In addition to the familiar safety logic terminals for Beckhoff I/O systems (KL6904 for Bus Terminals and EL6900 for EtherCAT Terminals), the new TwinCAT Safety PLC offers an innovative, pure software solution. The benefits of the terminal solution include simple configuration and enhanced safety features. The TwinCAT Safety PLC software is designed for more complex applications. With a safety PLC running on an Industrial PC, the same high level of performance that is available for the standard controller can now be used for the safety technology as well.

Both safety solutions can be configured and programmed with TwinCAT 3 engineering tools – and not only with the familiar function block diagram language (FBD), but also with the high-level C programming language.

The new European machinery directive requires the specified safety performance level to be verified mathematically. While other solutions require external tools for this purpose, the TwinSAFE Calculator is integrated in the TwinCAT development environment and can access all data that has already been entered. External safety sensors and actuators are maintained in a database. With the new, modern engineering environment, the safety controllers and, of course, the safe input and output components, Beckhoff offers a complete, integrated system for safety technology.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, [email protected] , www.beckhoff.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

All eyes on the modern DCS platform
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised DCS platforms are no longer confined to hardware-dependent architectures. These systems have evolved to combine the strengths of both PLCs and DCS while adding capabilities that make them more open, resilient and collaborative.

Read more...
Automation solution for waste management at incineration facility
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in South Korea. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimise energy production, minimise emissions and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle.

Read more...
Valmet’s supplies DCS to Europe’s largest electric boiler plant
Valmet South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will supply an automation system to Helen’s Hanasaari electric boiler plant and a thermal accumulator being built in Helsinki, Finland. Once completed, it will be Europe’s largest electric boiler plant.

Read more...
Technology blueprint paves way for e-methanol fuel expansion
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric has delivered the technology stack behind European Energy’s Kassø Power-to-Xfacility, the world’s first commercially viable e-methanol plant.

Read more...
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...
PCS Global delivers turnkey MCC installation in Botswana
PCS Global Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
PCS Global is delivering a turnkey containerised MCC installation for a major copper mining operation in Northwest Botswana.

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 optimises robotic parts handling on plastics machinery
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.

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...
New energy-efficient evaporation line for dissolving pulp production
Valmet South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will deliver a new evaporation line to Altri Biotek mill in Portugal. This delivery is part of Altri’s €75 million project to convert the Biotek mill to produce dissolving pulp for the textile industry.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved