Configuration via TwinCAT
The TwinCAT automation software is a complete automation solution for PC-compatible computers. TwinCAT turns any compatible PC into a real-time controller, an IEC 61131-3 Multi-PLC, NC positioning system, the corresponding programming environment and user interface. TwinCAT supports several different PROFIBUS DP PC cards. Beckhoff recommends the PROFIBUS DP PCI master card FC3101, which can also be obtained as a two-channel version (FC3102).
TwinCAT*System-Manager
The TwinCAT System Manager Tool is used to configure the FC310x PROFIBUS DP PCI card. The System Manager provides a representation of the number of programs of the TwinCat PLC systems, the configuration of the axis control and of the connected I/O channels as a structure, and organizes the mapping of the data traffic.
For applications without TwinCAT PLC or NC, the TwinCAT System Manager configures the programming interfaces for a wide range of application programs:
- ActiveX control (ADS-OCX) for e.g. Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi, etc.
- DLL interface (ADS-DLL) for e.g. Visual C++ projects
- Script interface (ADS script DLL) for e.g. VBScript, JScript, etc.
The TwinCAT System Manager has the following properties:
- Bit-wise connection between server process images and I/O channels
- Standard data formats such as arrays and structures
- User defined data formats
- Continuous variable linking
- Drag and Drop
- Import and export at all levels
Procedure when configuring the PROFIBUS DP input/output modules
- The corresponding PROFIBUS DP master PC card is selected first, and inserted into the I/O configuration.
- Following the master card, the bus nodes are then inserted:
- The appropriate Bus Terminals are now inserted at the PROFIBUS DP Bus Coupler.
