TwinCAT Development Environment

The Software for automation TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology) will be distinguished into:

  • TwinCAT 2: System Manager (Configuration) & PLC Control (Programming)
  • TwinCAT 3: Enhancement of TwinCAT 2 (Programming and Configuration takes place via a common Development Environment)

Details:

  • TwinCAT 2:
    • Connects I/O devices to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
    • Connects tasks to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
    • Supports units at the bit level
    • Supports synchronous or asynchronous relationships
    • Exchange of consistent data areas and process images
    • Datalink on NT - Programs by open Microsoft Standards (OLE, OCX, ActiveX, DCOM+, etc.)
    • Integration of IEC 61131-3-Software-SPS, Software- NC and Software-CNC within Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista, Windows 7, NT/XP Embedded, CE
    • Interconnection to all common fieldbusses
    • More…

Additional features:

  • TwinCAT 3 (eXtended Automation):
    • Visual-Studio®-Integration
    • Choice of the programming language
    • Supports object orientated extension of IEC 61131-3
    • Usage of C/C++ as programming language for real time applications
    • Connection to MATLAB®/Simulink®
    • Open interface for expandability
    • Flexible run-time environment
    • Active support of Multi-Core- and 64-Bit-Operatingsystem
    • Automatic code generation and project creation with the TwinCAT Automation Interface
    • More…

Within the following sections commissioning of the TwinCAT Development Environment on a PC System for the control and also the basically functions of unique control elements will be explained.

Please see further information to TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 at http://infosys.beckhoff.com.

Further Information