Overview

Beckhoff does not develop stand-alone Windows operating systems but creates images of them. This means, that Beckhoff configures Windows operating systems that were previously installed on a disk according to industrial requirements to provide them to customers. The images must offer a stable basis for real-time applications in TwinCAT automation software. Beckhoff therefore only integrates software components into its images that meet these requirements and subjects them to strict test scenarios. This ensures that the images run reliably. As the Windows versions used in Beckhoff images are procured from the so-called Long Term Servicing channel, they have constant properties and are not subject to feature upgrades.

Stability and real-time capability

Only tested driver and software components that are regularly subjected to intensive real-time and functional tests are integrated in Beckhoff images. The drivers are optimally matched to the Beckhoff hardware. All settings in the operating system are adapted to the use of TwinCAT. This optimizes the real-time capability of the controller and minimizes machine downtime.